Having read about the article in this thread I’ve now managed to locate a copy of the magazine.

I found the article very interesting, but was curious about one thing. It states that although Gibson was “supposedly inexperienced” on the Mosquito, this is “not true”. I know the author of the article contacted my sister a while ago as she is a Gibson biographer and has spent many years researching his short life and career, so perhaps I should check this with her, but can anyone tell me what experience Gibson had on the Mosquito? The author is very clear that he was not inexperienced on the aircraft, but I can’t remember reading where and when he would have gained that experience.

An interesting documentary, and Andy it doesn’t simply stick to the “old” story as Dr Ducellier features with some of his research.

I enjoyed watching it, but wonder why the TV company resorted to using shots of Beaufighters instead of Mosquitos at key points in the film? I think I even saw a B-26 at one point, although may be mistaken. Surely they would have access to plenty of Mosquito footage and would therefore have no need to insert shots of other types presumably in the hope that the viewer wouldn’t notice?

Anyway, very much looking forward to reading the book now. Ordered today, thanks to help from Simon Parry!

I got quite excited when I read this. Then I looked at the Cosford website, where it says “Height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply”. So the event is for kids only!? 🙂

Actually, if there seriously is a height restriction (and I’m assuming the above is a typo for 1.7 metres) then I’m still ruled out. Pity.

I was 50 a few months ago and my whole family got together and made it a wonderful aviation-related birthday to remember. Among other things I was given a voucher for a wing-walking flight with Aerosuperbatics at Rendcomb (always wanted to do it), an hour’s flight over London in a Classic Wings Rapide from Duxford, a “flight” in a 747 simulator at Hurn, and my sister and her partner even commissioned a beautiful Tim O’Brien painting of a BSAA York! What a lucky chap eh?!

I looked upon 50 as just another birthday, but it turned out to be one I’ll never forget.

Vultee35, you asked for a more recent photo. These are not right up to date, but were taken on 17th October 2010.

Nice one, thanks. 🙂

I have always thoroughly enjoyed reading the various opinions and interesting information which comes to light on this forum. The thing which binds everyone together is their common passion for historic aviation.
The one thing which spoils it for me is the rudeness shown when one contributor happens to hold a different opinion from another. This thread is a classic example.
I have a particular interest in NX611 (the details of which are not worth elaborating on here) but which made me look at the thread and appreciate RetreatingBlade’s first post. Likewise I read Brewerjerry’s post and could understand why he said it was “personally” sad if she flies again. He is merely stating that in his opinion he would prefer to see Just Jane as a living, breathing, taxying Lancaster than fly her and risk the possibility of losing aircraft and crew forever. I happen to know that the Pantons shared the same concern and for that reason the decision to attempt a restoration to airworthy status was a very difficult one for them. I can also understand why Brewerjerry referred to NX611 as an “un-replaceable aircraft”. How many others Lancasters in the UK have the potential to be restored to airworthy status?
My personal opinion is that if the owners have the necessary funds and skilled team around them to fly their aircraft safely then these priceless examples of our aviation heritage should be flown. They should be displayed for the general public to see them in their true element. I say that in spite of still feeling deeply the loss of the Mosquito at Barton, the Blenheim at Denham, the P-63 at Biggin, the Firefly at Duxford, as just four examples of many priceless aircraft lost for ever as a result of them being displayed. I also appreciate the owner of the aircraft can do whatever they choose with their own property. I don’t believe Brewerjerry contradicted that sentiment either.

I hardly ever post on this forum as I doubt whether anyone would be interested in anything I have to say, but the point of this particular post is that I hate to see people being ridiculed for simply stating an opinion. Nashio966, why not just calm down and allow others to have their views. My opinion on the subject of NX611’s return to flight happens to coincide with yours in this instance, but I have no intention of criticising Brewerjerry for expressing his.

Let’s keep the forum friendly and remain openminded. As I said earlier, ultimately we all share the same passion for historic aircraft.

The hanging Gannet appears to be just that, a hanging MODEL of a Gannet!