I own Aeronca C3 G-AEFT, it has a delightful history, was owned by Arthur Orde-Hume and Lt.Cdr John Sproule amongst others and is a joy to own and operate. I do not for one minute believe the history of this particular aeroplane adds to it’s ‘££ value’ in any great sense although I hold the opinion that the government should give me a large tax rebate for having the downright good taste and decency to look after the old girl!

Refering to the ‘plane not my wife, although she probably wishes I paid her as much attention.:mad:

I have always thought of the Aeronca as a very unusuial looking aeroplane, but with stacks of character. It probably even looked old when it was first built!

Incidentally, I remember ‘FT at Southend in the late fifties when it was owned by Bernard Collins. He was the Airport Commandant at the time and later became a Director of Channel Airways. I always enjoyed wathcing hime take the old girl out for a spin!

Obviously, the Queen, who has shown more statesmanship and dignity in her long tenure than most of our elected representatives in a fraction of the time.

Much rather have the Queen as head of state rather than President Blair or President Brown. Imagine Cherie Blair as First Lady? Yuck!

If you want some great first-hand reminiscences of flying a Jackaroo, I can recommend the book “Sunday Flyer” by the late Maurice Brett.

Maurice Brett was my immediate boss at British Aerspace at Stevenage (Dynamics Division). He was part owner of one based at Old Warden.

I assume that the Chicago Tribune is their equivalent of The Sun!

Oscar Papa in happier days, in the mid 1960’s.

I think I have a photo somewhere of YY turning around at the end of 06, getting ready to take off.
Those were the days. I spent many an hour sat in the observation area, in my early teens.

Did anyone here work for Channel Airways ?, my sister worked as a stewardess there for a while, and met her future husband, who also worked there for many years.

I was also a member of 1476 sqdn ATC (Rayleigh)
I remember when the Stirling first flew in. It was parked near the railway line, and we were helping to remove the temporary civil registration from the rear fuselage.

I had a weekend/summer holiday job with Channel from 1963 until 1967. I also flew in Yankee Yankee from Southend to Wymeswold in 1962.

If she were properly trained and equipped…and had the maturity to handle the trip solo, yes.
Likewise, I’d let her solo an aircraft at 16 as is legal here.

Going solo in an aeroplane is many, many times safer that sailing round the world single-handed. No comparison I am afraid!