Visit to Airbase Coventry May 2015

Well done CAF, and special thanks to the engineer from CAF who took the trouble to remove the cockpit covers from several of the static aircraft because hes an enthusiast and knew how cheesed off the photographers would have been if he had not bothered.

I walked past Martin Shaw and did a double-take.

He was standing in the crowd in front of a big TV screen with a microphone – doing the commentary from the back as it were.

Ken

Thank you Roger there is nothing more disrespectful than getting somebodies name wrong and especially under these circumstances, corrected.

I see what you mean re Martin Shaw I didn’t know he was there and wouldn’t have recognised him anyway despite liking his TV work.

Paul

Paul, in your 3rd picture I think you got one of the day’s visiting celebrities – actor Martin Shaw – looking at you through the cabin window.

Also Sybille’s surname was Gautrey – her father-in-law Ted Gautrey is long-time custodian/restorer of Fox Moth G-ACCB.

Roger Smith.

Flying display by Meteor and Vampire posted in Airshows Photographic forum.

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?134813-CAF-Airshow-Coventry-02-May-2015

The Dragon Rapides.

TX310 was busy for much of the day earning her keep giving pleasure rides from a boarding point set back into the crowed line. This area was created using standard removable barrier fencing which allowed a good view although slightly further from the runway and display line.

IMG_3936 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

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Moody lighting late in the day

IMG_5002 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

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In the Restoration/maintenance hanger was G-AGTM named Sybille after the sad death of Sybille Gautrey, a volunteer pilot with Air Atlantique, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/aviation/9594174/Five-killed-after-air-traffic-controllers-misunderstood-aircraft-jargon.html. TM had both engines removed.

IMG_3632 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

In the above picture at the back of the shop can be seen G-AKRP undergoing an extensive overhaul.

IMG_3636 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_3640 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

Hi All,
Rich many thanks for that matey keep up the good work with the shack and big pat on the back to all the team for their continued perseverance with the project. :applause:

Geoff.

In the case that restoration to flight has now been abandoned, then I wonder if they would consider the far less expensive or paperwork heavy alternative of a restoration to taxiing / ground running condition – especially as they seem to be happy that Coventry will now be their permanent home?!
Just like ‘treble three’ at Bruntingthorpe I’m sure it would still be a very welcome attraction!

Rob

I would have interpreted that as a no then just that these things take a long time.

What’s happening with the various rebuild projects? Canberra, Twin Pin, Gemini, Fleet Canuck, Rapide?

The Canberra restoration was abandoned in August due to a lack of funds, and the aircraft subsequently returned to a static display condition. It was mentioned on the commentary that the only thing preventing the return to flight progressing further is funds and they are hopeful this will happen in due course. Looking up close the aircraft looked to be in a great condition, so clearly much good work had already been done as part of the overhaul.

Twin Pin has already been discussed and was in the rear half of the restoration hangar, with no apparent activity taking place on it at the moment, although hopefully this may change once the Pembroke gets back in the air? Notably the props and engines were still on the airframe, and these will undoubtedly need to come off for some major work given the ADs instructed on the Leonides since the aircraft last flew.

The Fleet Canuck and Super Ace were both in the same condition as they were last year; both in a good condition but not in permit I don’t believe. The Super Ace still had its engine all ‘bagged’ and prop removed.

Rapide looked to have come on a little further, but will still be a while yet.

Other projects around the place: – what looked to be the fuselage of a nosewheel TriPacer, a School’s microlight being built, as well as a number of interesting aircraft at the back end of the hangar, including the fuselage of a diminutive Corby Starlet.

Has the Canberra restoration been abandoned now? They were advertising in the magazines, appealing for money specifically for it, quite recently.

Oh, THAT Canberra!! I was only thinking of it being in the restoration hanger.

I have no further information from the visit and the latest update I could find was 12 months old. http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/air-base-canberra-progress.html

I note that when in flying condition it will be the only official record holding jet in the world still flying.

Here is WK163 last Saturday.

IMG_4282 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

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I will have to look about the Canberra as I do not recall seeing it

Is that the record-breaking WK163 ???

If so – it was hiding in full view on the gravel in front of the Airbase building – where the ‘prototype’ used to be.

I took a couple of photos if needed….

If it isn’t the one you mean – ignore all the above.

Ken

That Pembroke is a beauty! Does anyone know anything about the Sea Prince that was being restored to flying condition (in Wales I think?) … not heard anything about that in a long time

The Gemini is in parts the fuselage high up on a ledge in the rear section of the restoration hanger, rat her por picture posteoporosis #30. There is also a wing so possibly that is Gemini to. In the front restoration hanger two Rapides are being worked on, one with a long way to go. I will post pictures next. I will have to look about the Canberra as I do not recall seeing it. I don’t know the Canuck so again I will take a look if it was visible I probably have a picture gower I have no further information about intentions or progress. As already mentioned CAF are trying to source the wing attachments for the Twin P and I believe going to have to make them when they can find the drawings. The existing attachments were life expired.

What’s happening with the various rebuild projects? Canberra, Twin Pin, Gemini, Fleet Canuck, Rapide?

It had been intended for the Percival Pembroke to display in the airshow but it wasn’t possible to get it CAA certified in time. Very soon this aeroplane will be back flying.

IMG_5013 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

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Auster AOP.5, G-ALXZ, arrived during the show.

IMG_4031 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

Have just posted pictures of the Anson display in Airshow section.

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?134813-CAF-Airshow-Coventry-02-May-2015&p=2222848#post2222848

IMG_3852c by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

Hi Varsity, the Phase 3 was a series of modifications to MR2 and MR3 aircraft, mainly upgrades and repositioning of equipment in the interior. In the MR3 it invlolved the Viper and it is often used to easily distinguish between the variants of MR3. On the MR2 there was very little by way of changes to external appearance, so referring to different phases is not often done.

Geoff, the Spitfire will likely have been Maurice Bayliss’ aircraft, MJ627. It was based at Coventry for quite some time.

Regards,

Rich