Right, thought I would wait to see how many pleas I got – great! Here we are then – Albert’s day with the FRU! This was on 5th June 1968 and I was 18 at the time (yes, work it out!). I still can’t believe how I managed to talk my way into flying in one of their Meteor TT.20s and getting them to put up the Sea Hawk and two Scimitars for my cameras – but the pilots were civilians and those were the wonderful ’60s!

This is indeed very sad for such a rare aircraft! As you say, there is nothing we can do about it, as it’s his aircraft…as often we say! If this owner has no interest in arcraft, then the only possible thing perhaps someone like a museum with ‘surplus’ planes for trade, would be to offer an exchange for perhaps a Hunter? This would be about the same size and he could advertise his Yard on that? You might politely suggest that to the owner as I’m sure there must be someone with a ‘spare’ Hunter that they would trade for a Swift?
Meanwhile…from out of ‘Albert’s Archives’, this is how she looked nearly 40 years ago at Hatfield in July 1967. I think it was used by de Havilland’s apprentices as a training airframe then

Denis,

It must be a twin, so if you’re going by your list, then the only thing that fits is a Mosquito?

Fair points Melvyn but I think we’ll have to disagree on the crowd pulling potential of the Vulcan. When I talk to people who are over 30 and I mention I like aviation nearly everyone starts to talk airshows and next to everyone has a Vulcan story – ask them if they would like to see one again and they say they would jump at the chance. Now I’m not stupid enough to think they will all come but if you take this over the population as a whole I think there will be a massive interest, the increase in numbers will not come from enthusiasts but from joe public in my opinion. I don’t think you’ll be seeing her at small airshows.

£10,000 – yes I am being optimistic, hoping that they can get at least some sponsorship! 🙂

Sorry DGH, but I agree with Melv whose arguments make a lot of sense and whose vision is not clouded by ‘rose coloured spectacles’ as many are. What you also haven’t considered is that you can’t run an air show just with the Vulcan alone and the horrendous insurance and operating costs are made up from all the other participants , which have to be balanced against the gate takings. The Vulcan could well be just too costly to ‘add to the list’, let alone expecting queues just to see it alone. 🙁

I will ask those who know, The £1500 fee for 558 during the RAF was to cover aircrew and team costs. I think the same will apply if all the sponsors they hope for come forward when it’s back in service.

If I had a privately-owned Vulcan, I would love to be able to cover my costs charging £1500 per show! We can’t wait to hear what the answer is! :rolleyes:

Superb documentary with lots of archive footage. Shame nothing worth recovering from the aircraft.

James,

What’s a book? 8^O

I’m a child of the internet!

I saw the MiG 17 and 21, the Su-7 and the PZL 104, but I can’t say I saw the Cricket or Goumhouria there.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated!

Richard.

The Cricket and Gomhouria are inside the museum, so you would probably have to queue to go in to see them. The rest are all outside, including a Wilga light plane, which you didn’t mention. If you are missing any photos, I can help out.