Hi all,
As I’m sure most of you are probably aware by now, the Former European Aviation BAC 1-11 G-AZMF will be “homeless” after Sunday 16th December when the Bournemouth Aviation Museum is forced to close it doors for the last time thanks to the totally “ruthless” approach by the airport management to demolish the hangars and turn the site into a car park!!!
As the museum have been given such short notice of the eviction it gives them very little time indeed to find new homes for the exhibits. As I have tried very hard to look after the 1-11 since it arrived in November 2004 I am keener than most to see that it finds a suitable new home at the earliest opportunity as I fear for its continued existence otherwise! Forget any “heart felt sentiments”, as the airport management have been totally unsympathetic to the whole situation, which is why I fear the worst for the aircraft.
PLAN A
The best we can hope for “REALISTICALLY” is that it is towed back to European and they find a space for it to become a gate guard, possibly at the Chapel Gate entrance on the North West Sector of the airport. Is this what we really want??? More importantly is this likely to happen? NO is the simple answer!!! I, for one, would dearly love to see the 1-11 stay on site at Hurn as this is where it belongs but I’ve got to realistically say “it ain’t gonna happen”!!!
PLAN B
I have just been in touch with Neil Lomax of the Trident Preservation Society. http://www.zulukilo.org.uk/
For those that don’t know, he looks after Trident Three G-AWZK and all the other aircraft at the Manchester Aviation Park at Manchester Airport. Neil has been in touch with the current Manchester Airport Management with a view to the 1-11 being located at the viewing park. The initial feedback looks very promising compared to any plans any of us might have for its future at Hurn. Space is available for it on the existing site and there is a distinct possibility that it would be re-sprayed back into its original British Caledonian livery!!! Neil is an “expert” with regards to disassembling and re-assembling these aircraft and has an excellent relationship with the company that transported the Trident from Heathrow to Manchester. The only spanner in the works at this stage would be the cost of transporting the airframe up to Manchester. An initial estimate is that it could be done for £25,000. It has therefore been suggested that a website be set up in an attempt to raise the required funds to enable this move to take place.
My overall thoughts are that this is by far the best opportunity that exists to ensure the long term preservation of this historic airframe. If it can’t be located at Hurn then Manchester is an ideal choice as it was a 1-11 hub for many years.
I would therefore welcome as much feedback on this unique opportunity so that it can be decided as soon as possible whether or not it is a viable plan.
Please spread the word round to “everyone”, especially those that might be able to influence the outcome and be able to dig deep into their pockets!!!
If we all pull together on this we might just “save our 1-11”!!! And to see it in its BCAL livery??? Only we can make it happen!!!
Regards
Peter
http://www.bac1-11jet.co.uk
BAC 1-11 Forum at Yahoo Groups
G-AZMF Volunteer at Bournemouth Aviation Museum
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December 16, 2007 at 10:43 am