Dear all
This is in the “what if” stages.
Imagiane a group who operate warbirds with the intention that their members can have the chance to fly in them, which would otherwise be a dream.
We would raise the funding for, say, a Harvard. This in turn would earn its keep from pleasure flights, TV Work, films and airshow appearances etc. In turn the money from this plus other sponsorship, or funds would buy another warbird, and so on. In the hands of a responsible operator such as ARCO this would be safe and reliable.
Once we have raised enough we can look at moving “up the ladder” to say a Mustang. Of course this would take a lot of effort, but is by no means impossible. My dream is to bring somthing that is big and unique, to the UK, which would be our flagship, such as a Privateer! Realisticly though I want to concentrate on the Harvard. But the options are open – how about a Spitfire Two seat MK19?
If your keen let me know.
By: SADSACK - 28th November 2001 at 16:41
RE: Warbird Group – anyone keen?
You wanna e-mail me and discuss this, p3906? My e-mails nickhalifax@yahoo.com
We only need 3 folks on the comitte, so thats 2 allready!
Vacancies: Chairman, Treasurer, bookings manager.
By: SADSACK - 26th November 2001 at 18:39
RE: Warbird Group – anyone keen?
My idea is to form a group who bring flying to those who could otherwise only dream of it, or would be unable to join the forces, like me cos of my eyesight. We could bring dreams to life for say kids, folks who are too old, veterans etc.
I’m going to have a meeting in either Lincoln or Nottingham in a fortnight – details will be posted.
By: P9306 - 25th November 2001 at 00:45
RE: Warbird Group – anyone keen?
I forgot to ask……If anyone with aircraft syndicate experience would care to comment, it would be most useful.
TTFN
Mick
By: P9306 - 25th November 2001 at 00:41
RE: Warbird Group – anyone keen?
Hi Sad Sack !
I happen to think it is a good idea, because it is exactly what I have been thinking for several years now !
My thoughts.
I think it would have to be a two-seat Mustang or Spitfire to start with……this because they are very well known and loved….leading to many more people wanting to become involved.
The aircraft should be sold to anyone who wants to own a piece of real history.
The value of the said aeroplane would be split down into shares, perhaps of £500 each (?)……this would be very attractive to people who do not have too much money, but that have always wanted to own a bit of a warbird.
There would be a maximum of shares owned by any person, to stop someone wanting to “take over”.
Only share owners would be members/owners of the “Club”.
The flights would be allocated on a first come first served basis to those who own a specific minimum of shares, it then continues on a rota basis until everyone has had a flight.
Flights would only be given to members/owners.
Owners/Members could “buy” a flight whenever they want to, within CAA rules and regs.
The annual maintainence etc costs would be shared between the owners/members…..the more shares you own, the more money you pay for maintainence.
It could be based at Duxford and operated by someone like ARCO at first……but I would want it to be based at a more central English location eventually with “our own company” doing the operating and maintainence……also making use of suitable volunteers within the organisation….who get extra flights for their work in return.
As regards film and TV and airshow work.
I don’t think there is actually enough of that to go round, to keep a warbird flying, so it would have to be flown purely for the sake of flying it, and giving members flights of course….but taking every possible opportunity to use it for “work” as and when it came up.
Well this is about it for now…..lots of details to work out…..but I can’t see why it couldn’t happen…..unless certain people get a bit jealous and throw spanners in the works….or people don’t want to own an aeroplane with other people ?
Tell me what you think !
TTFN
Mick
PS:- Are you SadSack involved in warbird operations in any way…or are you a warbird wannabee like me !?
By: YAK11 - 24th November 2001 at 22:54
RE: Warbird Group – anyone keen?
You’ve missed an obvious one, how about a YAK 11. 2 Seats, rarer, faster, more agile and much better looking than a Harvard, and even an enthusiastic team of volunteers with many years of experience to look after her. Now all that remains is to come up with the money, and persued Airshow organisers to book her. It’s got to be worth a thought!!!!
By: SADSACK - 24th November 2001 at 17:49
RE: Warbird Group – anyone keen?
Well like i said, A harvards just a suggestion. the important thing is
1 it flys
2 A member can go in the back
3 Theres an experianced pilot flying the thing
By: Ant.H - 24th November 2001 at 17:03
RE: Warbird Group – anyone keen?
Nice idea,but it is a difficult financial climate at the moment.I think it would be pretty tricky for any group to be set up.I also think that a Harvard might be a little too run of the mill to generate enough interest.I think a much better aircraft would be something called a SOKO 522,a Jugoslav trainer from the 50’s which is much like a Harvard.It is less than half the price of a T6,but at the same time has many similar parts,including the Pratt&Whit. engine. This gives it a top speed of over 200mph,and handling that has been likened to a P40 Warhawk :)The price is round about $92k for a good one. We can dream…
Or,going even more basic,there are things like the LET Cmelek,a two seat trainer/agg aircraft from the Czech Rep.Looks fairly chunky,but flies nice and gives you plenty of luggage carrying ability coupled with a good range.Good fun for aerobatics (“Dances like Nuryev” is one quote used to describe it),or a weekend away in Brittany!What more could you ask…
Now where did I put my wallet…
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November 24, 2001 at 3:40 pm