I think its clear that, whilst over the years, it has helped fill in gaps in the national collection, excessive duplication of types is now a real issue.
Unless there are further examples of poorly, or un-represented types, I think it is a sensible and pragmatic statement.
However, as Dave says, why not sell the recovery rights to the highest bidder, on a per plane basis? Now that the gaps are filled, and posterity is satisfied, it is a waste of resource to just leave them there. If there are collectors willing to put their hands in their pockets, then why not?
Do we know what is still down there?
Bruce
The problem lies with the USN refusing to relinquish ownership of its aircraft lost to accident etc. regardless of what their historical value, current circumstances or condition is. If these belonged to another air arm or nation the wrecks would have been written off when they crashed (war graves perhaps excepted) long ago. That refusal simply means that a private consortium or individual who is interested in salvaging a wreck cannot do so without expensive and time consuming negotiations with the USN and if the USN historical section feels it has enough examples and no more are needed then in the end aircraft types that would be popular private restoration ventures are left to rot. It is quite bizarre when one considers that if the aircraft was struck off charge in the accepted fashion then there would be no danger of public litigation from private salvors. A very strange and unhelpful practice and an example of accounting for public money gone mad.
Sign In
