Identifying Airframes worthy of Preservation

Current issue of the “other” comic has an article on Chinook ZA718 “BN” as part of a Falklands Conflict 25th anniversary issue (is it really that long ago – it seems like yesterday)

With such an important Operation Corporate history as the sole heavylifter for some time after the loss of the Atlantic Conveyor does anybody know if this airframe has been earmarked for preservation when it comes to the end of it’s service life?

In fact is there any system to do this with current RAF airframes – AHB listing or something?

I pray that she will be preserved for the future but there is life in the old girl yet. She is still making history. I have thought about starting a campaign, but it is fair to say that her RAF custodians recognise her part in history.

That said a letter to your MP copied to the AHB, RAFM, SoSD and the PM would help ensure she is on that list.

My first helio flt was in 718 when she was a Mk1, I was then proud to do over 200 hours flight test in her as a Mk2…so it is amazing to see not only her operational history but also her flight test career that helped pave the way for her sisterhood.

Anyone who poo poos Helios just needs to be shown 718 and her record.

It seems like it should be earmarked for eventual preservation.
Hopefully it will survive its military career.

Years after becoming famous as the primary recovery helicopter for many of the Apollo missions, Sea King “11” was lost in a training mishap.
Some have called it “the most photographed helicopter in the world” and it certainly would have been worthy of preservation.