I’ve never tried to import an aircraft so may not know what I’m talking about, but surely on “Older” types like the A-7 that are not in service anywhere now (IIRC just Greece and Portgual?) if they strip the avionics, break or damage the main spar in some way, its no longer a viable flyer or “Threat” then it maybe more possible ? I know that the US are chopping F-14’s into tiny pieces so no spares get to Iran (maybe we should try and import one from there :diablo:) but do the “difficulties” extend to all US military types ?

I was thinking more about whether the Greeks or Portuguese purchased the airframes outright or whether they were operated like the F100s, T33s and Mysteres across Europe; and therefore the disposal would be controlled via the USAF Museum in Dayton.

This thread elsewhere might have passed you by – I suspect ultimately the National Museum issue might have been invoked, but who knows!

I knew someone would step in and spot it! :diablo:

Circa 1994 I was at Davis-Monthan on business and worked with the man whose job included giving away aircraft to groups. (The NMUSAF gave away planes to museums). He’d give planes away to schools and veterans’ organizations as gate guards.)

Not sure whether this is correct or not but I understood that the American government will now only consider ‘new loans’ to National Museums. :confused:

So no more trips to Sculthorpe!

I hope there never is a funding cut that harms the BBMF’s operation.

It is my understanding that the last time the BBMF Lancaster came under threat [re-spar questions a few years ago] the lobbying effort by the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association brought the MOD to a virtual standstill. 😀

Should the situation ever require it again let’s hope that the same pressure could be exerted again!

Evening everyone, I’m afraid I’ve got to let you all down re-the Hastings instrumentation pictures.

I was over at Newark today but a shortage of volunteers meant that I was asked to act as a guide for a group of Cubs, which in turn meant that I didn’t get enough time to go on to the Hastings, remove all the Perspex covers and photograph the panels.

Sorry!! I’ll try to do it during another visit, when I’ve got more free time.:o