While L-39 formation flying in Minnesota this weekend I happened to see the Fairey Gannet, that was recently sold by Wally Fisk, being readied to return to the UK. I also had the pleasure of meeting the new owner (he’s British, that’s all I will say, although you lot probably know anyway). The owner also told me he owns a Sea Fury, so he’s obviously a person of considerable class and great intelligence. 😀
The Gannet looks great, and is being throughly checked before the long flight across the Atlantic. I was also introduced to Don Sigourney, who had just arrived to fly the Gannet back home. Without giving away too much I would guess it will arrive in the UK sometime in the next week or two.
I also got to see a Seafire Mk. XV in the same hanger, as well as a Sea Hawk, a B-25, a TBM and many more goodies. Of course I didn’t have my camera with me, as I was there to fly, not to be a roving reporter.
So, that’s the last I want to hear about airplanes only coming from the UK to America. In fact it seems you could at least let me “borrow” a Hurricane for a season or two. Hey, I’ll bring it back :rolleyes: …probably.
Steve
By: agent86 - 5th June 2004 at 08:13
The Gannet is really quite an interesting airplane(very British!)
The Fairey Gannet is surely an interesting airplane.Unfortunately for me,I have never seen one fly in person.If I understand correctly,the level of noise emanating from the Double Mamba is rather
loud and intense and is something you have to experience in person to believe!Both the Gannet and the Double Mamba are truely” BRITISH “creations in the finest sense!I make this observation based upon my past experiences repairing and/or restoring various vintage British automobiles.believe me,you have to be into pain to willingly subject yourself to this abuse.I did and yet still I love them!Hail Brittania!God save the queen!………………….Cheerio!…….Tim…………… :rolleyes:
By: ALBERT ROSS - 4th June 2004 at 00:03
Just a reminder that the Gannet is scheduled to make its UK air show debut at Kemble on 20th June!!
By: stringbag - 3rd June 2004 at 10:45
Mr Grimshaw was part of the original consortium to buy the aircraft, but it was subsequently acquired outright by one member.
By: Chipmunk Carol - 3rd June 2004 at 10:04
What happened to the plan to base it at North Weald? And what happend to Mark Grimshaw who claimed it was his originally? Has there been some gross misunderstanding on our part here?
By: zoeller - 3rd June 2004 at 09:57
Gannet Route
The Gannet is being flown to the UK by Don Sigournay as previously mentioned. Provisional route is Goose Bay – Iceland – Stornaway – Harwarden (apparently arriving with escort of other ‘historical types’. Eventual base will be Mona, Anglesey. Due to depart Minnesota Friday…but more likely next week.
ALL THIS IS PROVISIONAL!
By: Yak 11 Fan - 1st June 2004 at 21:39
And he only “owned” it for a few months before it was shipped back to the U.S.. Real pity.
and now look at the poor old girl, chopped up and scorching round the Reno pylons, mind you it seems to be a bit quick when the old R3350 holds together.
By: Yak 11 Fan - 1st June 2004 at 21:36
Be patient. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised what the owner has in store for that little island of yours.
Interesting, how much longer should I wait? :p Do we have another Sea Fury coming to us? Is the owner the same one that was reported in the magazines in the UK?
By: srpatterson - 1st June 2004 at 17:28
And he only “owned” it for a few months before it was shipped back to the U.S.. Real pity.
Be patient. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised what the owner has in store for that little island of yours.
By: JDK - 1st June 2004 at 13:49
Here’s the thing that makes a Gannet go. I use the term ‘thing’ rather than engine(s) advisedly.
This (static) example of the Double Mamba at IWM Duxford was referbished by the same gentleman who conserved Duxford’s Miles Hawk (Magister). Nice job, Andy!
By: Chipmunk Carol - 1st June 2004 at 13:32
Owns or owned a Sea Fury???? If so I know the gentleman in question
And he only “owned” it for a few months before it was shipped back to the U.S.. Real pity.
By: crazymainer - 31st May 2004 at 04:25
Steve,
Do you know if they are going to stop in bangor Maine on their way across the Pond. If so i must notifie my Bangor Conections so they can get the photos.
Thanks
By: andrewman - 30th May 2004 at 17:05
Its going to be nice to see the Gannet flying again who knows long term it could be 3 over in the UK.
As for the Sea Hawk their is someone who wants to gt a Sea Hawk flying on the civil register and I believe they might be making an offer for it later this year.
By: srpatterson - 30th May 2004 at 16:45
I actually got to see the Howard 500 fly, as they were picking up the boss and going on a short trip. Quite a beast!
The Sea Hawk is coming along, but I believe the Seafire Mk. XV is getting most of the attention at present. It really did look most impressive (and not that far from flying). Interesting seeing this airplane after spending time with VP441.
And I promise, Robbo, that I will never leave the house again without at least taking the little camera. Stupid of me.
By: Yak 11 Fan - 30th May 2004 at 10:14
Owns or owned a Sea Fury???? If so I know the gentleman in question
By: stringbag - 30th May 2004 at 08:13
A Sea Fury? LOL.
How did the Sea Hawk look Mr P? It was under restoration here for a while before it went to the USA?
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May 30, 2004 at 2:17 am