Yes, it is always a shame to see an aircraft dying the slow death. Many of these machines would have taught so many happy students how do fly also.

The Tomahawk finite life for the wing spar fitting is 11,000 hours but does not render the machine useless. A mod kit is readily available that gives another 7600.

We should not forget that not many machines ever get to 11,000 hours anyway, it really is testament to the design and reliability that they have proven to be such a robust and economical trainer.

I would be interested to see more pics of similar aircraft, especially in my part of the world.
They would be re-furbished and back in service pretty quickly in NZ at the moment.

Lotus Cortina

While this one was not exactly a racing car it certainly has an aviation heritage… and the looks.

Vyrell Mitchell was the demonstrator pilot and Sales Manager at Beagle in 1966 and then the Piper agents, CSE Oxford.
I am sure photos of the car, when new, must feature in some aircraft photos.
I am the current owner, a LAME and Commercial Pilot. And own two Piper aircraft…… seems strange that the car has similar roots.

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=97052

I would be delighted if someone could come up with some more history, indeed photos of the machine.