G-MIND now belongs to RVL Group, the company formed from the management buy out of Atlantic Reconnaissance. It’s primary function is laser terrain mapping, but it also does the occasional photography and air quality sorties.

When you see those 3D models showing you your house is going flood on the news, the chances are it was created with data collected by G-MIND.

RVL also own or lease G-SOUL, G-BODY, G-HART, G-EYES, G-EXEX, G-TURF, G-NOSE, G-TASK and G-EGLT.

Tom.

Unfortunately not tenthije. The maximum take off weight also plays a part in which regulations the aircraft must abide by. In the case of the DC-3 this effects items such as TCAS & Weather radar and whilst not impossible to fit, it would be an expensive exercise. The requirement for escape slides is directly related to the height of the emergency exits from the ground so again reducing the number of seats wouldn’t really help.

I think it unlikely that there will be a decline in DC-3 operators in the UK, after all there are only 5, and only 1 of these is affected by the new regulations. Whilst Air Atlantique may not be able to carry passengers there has always been a healthy interest in the aircraft for research and development trials as evidenced by the radome fitted G-ANAF, which is due begin a new series of trials later this year. G-AMPY has also been involved in such activity earlier this year.

It is worth pointing out that this is likely to be a temporary hiatus, there are already new regulations coming into force in around 18 months which appear to make provision for aircraft such as the DC-3.

Tom.