Very sad news – RIP Sir.

As I said above I checked FR24 it is the only one I use. I was after the last flight date – rather than the route(s) undertaken. So I was in the Flight History section. I only have the free 7 day data storage version.

The data I saw this morning has now gone. But I did observe 3 flights that day, in the data table. The 2 completed flights indicated T/O Northampton and return Northampton. Off the top of my head none of the flights were that long in duration.

Thanks Twinotter23.Mk.19,

As I stated in a previous message (to the early Dec 23 one) the RAF Chinook Lot 1 back history is a minefield of dis-information. Lot 1 = ZA670 – 684, 704 – 721.

Hence the generating of my report on the subject.

I’m uncertain whether to be surprised, or not, that ZA717s paperwork used the term “BV”. It is a confirmed Boeing product originally delivered Feb 82 – 2 years (almost to the day, after the DA name was changed to Boeing from BV).

My report shows X-Ref to a number of websites, books and Boeing original documents. Forty copies have gone out to organisations, authors, book publishers etc including Key Pubs, the RAFM at Cosford (ZA718/BN) and NAM.

It also covers the prickly subject of Serial/Serial No/or Tail No as the correct name for UK Military aircraft IDs.

As far as getting a reply to my Dec 23 e-mail I’m afraid I didn’t.

It is I’m afraid looking a little bleak. Not much research, if any, is going into providing a long-term solution.

Just down the road from me, at Cotswold A/P, (the former RAF Kemble) a number of projects are underway based around hydrogen and battery technology – but neither are compatible with vintage pistons.

Most modern jet engines can be operated on SAF. Indeed in the last year, or so, we have seen trans-Atlantic flights operate with SAF. As well as the RAF operating an A330 on 100% SAF.

Whilst on Jury service, about 6 years ago, I read an Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) article on H4O. H4O is basically very fizzy water. The article went onto describe how the product could be used in internal combustion engines (as per motor vehicles). When used it does not produce any gas waste. Indeed an exhaust system is not required. Further, it has the advantage of almost no modification to the engine. However, a modified fuel tank is required – not beyond the wit of man!!  Also, the delivery infrastructure (storage tank, bowser etc) would need some modification – also not beyond the wit of man.

Could that provide a solution?

It is reported to have had an engine fire shortly after take-off. I fear for the crew… 

I hope this is allowed under the “rules”. 

Lockheed Constellation N422NA on finals to Lakeland Linder A/P, Florida at 22:28 GMT/UTC on 9 Apr. When it was “spotted” on FR24. I think the Connie is one of the most stunning aircraft types ever built.

A little update: first arrivals are due 14 Apr 24. The government has announced the use/requirement will be for 3 ½ years. It had previously stated 3 years and before that 1 year. Last time the parties were in court the government stated the use would be for 3 years.

There will not be any formal planning application – merely emergency powers. WLDC have a different view of course. In the Autumn, WLDC were granted an appeal against the High Court decision to turn down their case. That has not been exercised yet with no agreed date for the hearing. I suspect the governments case will not be helped by a constant mission creep as far as an end date is concerned, and their refusal to accept the STOP notice which remains in force.

The site itself has a portacabin village built on the old Red Arrows pan with more portacabins parked on the taxiway nearby. It is thought that these will be moved onto the Red’s pan in due course. At least 1, if not 2 former barrack blocks have been converted into office accommodation. However, these are quite some distance, across the site, from the portacabins.

Oracal,

I did say I believe the ARC closed down in 1945. I have just checked and it continued post that date with an increased role from 1945. I knew, in the back of my mind, there was a change relating to the year 1945. However, it was a minor point to the assistance I was hoping to provide. 

A member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (as per Dosman and myself) is not the same as a being a member of The National Aerospace Library. Although membership of the former does infer rights to be a member of the latter. Which Dosman may, or may not, have been aware of.

I’m afraid Dosman has a tough task on his hands to locate the documents he needs.