Would also REALLY appreciate it if someone has that picture of the scramble bell with the “Don’t come and tell, ring this like hell…” or words to that effect…

Thanks in advance..

I have seen this aircraft and I don’t think they will get $95,000!!!

🙂

I’ve heard so many references to them here – what exactly is in their collection? Or is that the information that everyone wants??

Sorry if I’m being dumb..

It is true there is no obligation to have insurance on a private aircraft. But, if you are lucky enough to own one of these aircraft (£1.25m etc etc) then by default you must be very wealthy, after all its a “toy”. These people would make a fantastic “target” for a money hungry legal type in the event of something terrible happening. So I think its a bit of a Catch 22. If you can afford the aircraft then you are weathly enough to need to insure against someone taking you to the cleaners.

A P51 was sold by Aero Retro in France to its new home in North Weald – reason was cost of insurance.

The French collection (Bearcat and P51) you speak of is up for sale here:

http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/

£3m won’t go anywhere in a claim..

I believe it will always rest, to a greater or lesser extent, with the “generosity” of the owners as to if we see them appear or not. I do not know of one person out there who does this solely for profit (correct me if I’m wrong). As I see it, its never a case or who makes the most from owning these aircraft rather a case of who’s loss is the smallest. But I guess you have to draw the line somewhere and say it just isn’t worth it/I can no longer afford it. If this story is true then lets be sure that not for one minute will we vent any anger at either organisation.

Oh they are going to fly all they can, and yes that includes the Fw190. The kit is already there and the guys spoke of it being fantastic quality, its just they have so much on their plate at the moment. They are also trying to get the AirForce to hand over one of their gate guard P47’s to restore to flying status.

The whole Museum is the result of the owner of TAM (now Brazil’s largest airline). He has pushed it all the way eventually securing a location just outside Sao Paulo for the building. Honestly – I’ve seen the plans and the model in their office – it will be fantastic. Each aircraft will be set in an appropriate diorama worthy in quality to the very best movie set. And what’s more they will hold several air shows each year along the lines of a mini Duxford’s FL. There will also be a deep maintenance base for their Airbus fleet on the same location giving the public the opportunity to see airliners naked via a system of suspended walkways.

Also because of their status as an airline and them having every maintenance certification available they can rebuild almost anything to flying status (under a Brazilian reg). So maybe watch out for some interesting rebuilds to come out of this otherwise obscure part of the world.

So all you need to do is talk the wife into a holiday in Rio with a stop over in Sao Paulo – well its such a long flight – you’re a fool if you don’t break up the trip..

😉

Oh and make sure you fly TAM!!!

I think it refers to some tricky low speed querks. I think the old joke goes that you need about 100 hours on P51’s before you’re ready to move to the T6..

🙂