Want a Wessex?

“Location : Staffordshire , United Kingdom”

Hmm maybe an hour in the car allowing for traffic……. :p

Cousin spadegrip and I can fetch that in a jiffy.Part of it in my Pug 306,part in his Megane Scenic………………………………………………….

Miggers:D

I was involved in the rescue of the Aeroventure Wessex HU.5 from Dishforth – it wasn’t a whole lot better !

If the ones on the afore mentioned site are a little out of your price range, there is always this prestine example on ebay at the minute. :rolleyes:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ex-Air-Force-Wessex-Helicopter_W0QQitemZ280154805371QQihZ018QQcategoryZ2983QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Only one bidder, so he got it for the ‘bargain’ price of £1400! Looked like a load of scrap metal to me.:confused:

If they come from Predannack, the chances are they are badly toasted, or if your lucky just corroded! Keep your eyes peeled though, Ive heard some of the GR.3s might come on the market.

Ramco.UK are not handling the disposal of anything other than the Wessex and Hunter GA.11

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If the ones on the afore mentioned site are a little out of your price range, there is always this prestine example on ebay at the minute. :rolleyes:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ex-Air-Force-Wessex-Helicopter_W0QQitemZ280154805371QQihZ018QQcategoryZ2983QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The Hunter looks a better prospect for the same money :rolleyes:

cliff

Does that include the ex RAF, RN Gazelle’s and Bulldogs?

James

The Bulldogs are supported through deHavilland Support.

Not too sure about all the Gazelles but some I think (the RAF ones?) were the same as the civil version but the RN ones didn’t have a direct civil counterpart (mostly the addition of a stability system I think) so can only fly on a permit, presamably meaning they aren’t necessarily supported by Aerospatiale/Westland/Eurocopter.

Correct me if I’m wrong.

In the UK, ex-military aircaft cannot be used commercially unless identical to a type-certified civil version, but can be issued a permit to fly, i.e. privately, if approved by the CAA.

Hunters, Jet Provosts, Sea Vixen, Spitfires, etc. aren’t supported types but fly.

Does that include the ex RAF, RN Gazelle’s and Bulldogs?

James

My guess would be that they are ex Royal Australian Navy machines and were intended for heli-logging operations. My next guess would be that the accident to ZH-HVK (ex XS509), see link, put a question in the mind of the ‘authorities’ and they were grounded.:(

http://www.caa.govt.nz/Accident_Reports/ZK-HVK_Fatal_12Feb2001.pdf

No, the ones for sale are ex RAF and came from the store at Fleetlands some years back. The accident above pretty well put paid to further opeartions with them.

If they come from Predannack, the chances are they are badly toasted, or if your lucky just corroded! Keep your eyes peeled though, Ive heard some of the GR.3s might come on the market.

that company are also selling the hunter at preddanack! they both look a bit worse for wear, to say the least 🙁

If the ones on the afore mentioned site are a little out of your price range, there is always this prestine example on ebay at the minute. :rolleyes:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ex-Air-Force-Wessex-Helicopter_W0QQitemZ280154805371QQihZ018QQcategoryZ2983QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I quote,

~ 5 Westland Wessex Helicopters located in Stratford , New Zealand (North Island) , helis are stored under cover . Helis require a major inspection (due to calendar time expiry) at a cost of US$50,000 to US$60,000 per aircraft. Aircraft are complete and were inhibited by the RAF prior to sale and transport to New Zealand where they have remained in storage since 2004

How on earth did all those Wessex end up in New Zealand? Were they considering them for their own armed forces?

My guess would be that they are ex Royal Australian Navy machines and were intended for heli-logging operations. My next guess would be that the accident to ZH-HVK (ex XS509), see link, put a question in the mind of the ‘authorities’ and they were grounded.:(

http://www.caa.govt.nz/Accident_Reports/ZK-HVK_Fatal_12Feb2001.pdf

How on earth did all those Wessex end up in New Zealand? Were they considering them for their own armed forces?

I think you will find that there are alot more differences between an S-58 and a Wessex, beside powerplants, which would invalidate Sikorsky having anything to do with them.

Does the manufaturer have to support an ex military flying type then? and does that include Spitfires and Vulcan say?

I would think any American spares for the S-58/H-34 family would help keep one airworthy…except the engine of course.
I believe the S-58T family is still supported by Sikorsky.
(Not many piston powered H-34s flying except for a few doing external lift operations…non fire).

I think you will find that the manufacturer does not wish to support the Wessex in a private or commercial capacity and in some countries ex-military machines are definately not permitted.

In the UK, ex-military aircaft cannot be used commercially unless identical to a type-certified civil version, but can be issued a permit to fly, i.e. privately, if approved by the CAA.

Hunters, Jet Provosts, Sea Vixen, Spitfires, etc. aren’t supported types but fly.

a wessex isn’t that much larger than a whirlygig is it? and XJ729 was still flying in NI up until summer, i think?

How come you dont see Wessex’s flying but ex-RAF Gazelle’s you do? are Wessex to big for private hands?

James

I think you will find that the manufacturer does not wish to support the Wessex in a private or commercial capacity and in some countries ex-military machines are definately not permitted.

How come you dont see Wessex’s flying but ex-RAF Gazelle’s you do? are Wessex to big for private hands?

James

*holds hands up* fairs fair! 😮

Fluke then that I clicked on the one UK based auction 😉

Jon