Is it back in Belgium now? It was sitting outside at North Weald for a long time.

As for Len Perry, wasn’t he killed in an accident in Russia somewhere in the 90’s?

I may be wrong (I usually am) but the Harvard was for sale recently in one of the free newspapers. Havent been to North Weald for ages (apologies to all that know me….I will be back!).

Len as I remember was killed in a Yak-55 accident in Russia. Always remember him for having different coloured shoes.

Martin

I don’t I’m afraid, but I remember when I was a young lad and was a hangar rat at Bodmin, there wasnt much of her when Bill Hosie started the rebuild there in the mid 1980s.

Martin

Can anyone confirm the Martinet is a version of the Siebel 204, its a little unclear from this thread 🙂 :diablo:

Confirmation.

Martin

http://caea.free.fr/en/coll/martinet.html

No, the Dassault MD-315 Flamant has a pronounced dihedralled tailplane and a much rounder fuselage. It is an SNCA NC-702 Martinet.

John

I find the Martinet more interesting than the Neptune. Must be the first photo I’ve ever seen of one flying. For those who dont know (or care) the Martinet is a French postwar version of the Siebel 204.

Martin

My favourite flight of all time has to be my first Harvard flight on the 11th July 1987 from Dunkeswell with Norman Lees in Mk.IIB G-CTKL. Since then I have added another 9 British registered Harvards to my personal logbook with two more to be added soon.

I have been involved with aviation for over 25 years now and have flown in a large number of types (250+), but pinpointing it down to something special, I find is rather difficult to do.

Notable ones include Mustang G-SUSY, the Haig-Thomas Avenger (think was Mr July in one of Mr Dibbs’ calendars), both Piston and Jet Provosts, Beech Staggerwing, Globe Swift, Trojan and Fennec, T-34 Mentor, Stearmans, Beavers, Broussard, Jungmann, Bird Dog, and now Austers of all different shapes and sizes……….. the list goes on and on.

Rarest have to be a KZ.VII Laerke, Found FBA-2C, Chrislea Super Ace and SkyJeep, Luton Minor Duet, SNJ-7C, and the Piper AE-1.

This year spent a week touring Scotland and Ireland in an Auster AOP.9. Much better than sitting on the beach.

But like someone earlier has said ‘every flight is special’ (last flight was on Saturday in a Wilga…which shall we say was a little different!!).

Best wishes to all,

Martin

The former owner of G-AJRB could hardly shift his 5J1 for 3 grand iirc (no annual, Cirrus engine, had been sat outside for a few years).

Anyway (as the old argument goes) if an aeroplane could fly, it should…

and it will….again. Restoration is progressing very well with this particular Auster. Must remember to take my camera with me next time I visit…..hopefully Saturday.

Martin

I totally agree with what Bruce has mentioned above. It doesnt bode too well for the future. I have friends who have rebuilt aeroplanes at a cost far exceeding their market value – everything is just getting a little out of hand and pocket these days.

Martin