Then sell the B*&%! P-51d to generate funds to do it.

As someone who has been attending airshows for over twenty years, — yes I know I must have started VERY young:) —- I have seen many very good display’s, and some pretty bad one’s too.

I have no problem with helicopters, they are an important part of the world of aviation, both military and civil, and one day I should like to attend the Weston Super Mare Heliday. It’s just to far too travel for a single show. I would have to draw the line at microlights as being worthy of inclusion at an airshow, but I do appreciate the skill required to display an unpowered glider, and I have to admit to enjoying balloon rallies, photographically they can be very rewarding.

I am happy to watch a flying display by almost any aircraft, fast jet, piston, modern, vintage, civil, military. Although I have to agree with the ‘seen one F-16, seen them all’ argument. The big problem is for the pilot to add something new. For example Su-27 is so interesting because of the tail slide and the ‘Cobra’ pitch-up , those manoeuvres are unique to the Sukiuo family and I will stop and watch every time.

So from the above you may think that I’m a happy easily pleased sort of person. WRONG.

When will airshow organisers realise that the regular visitor, ie the person who is prepared to drive 250+ miles at 5.00am on a Sunday morning requires a little bit more than just the Red Arrows and the BBMF. A good location will always bring the enthusiast back next year, as will the thought that the star exhibits will not be hidden behind the VIP enclosure and aircraft appear to play second fiddle to the ice cream van, flea market and car show.

In short the ideal airshow will give the opportunity to photograph all the aircraft with the minimum amount of obstruction and clutter, a flying display that is varied, not repetitive and runs to programme. A show that appreciates that a small number of enthusiasts really care about what is being presented to them and gives them that ‘special treat’ or at least goes to the trouble of offering that little bit extra.

DOUGHNUT

Let’s consider the options :-

1) Commercial passenger operations are very unlikely, if BA and Air France can not make it pay then I would doubt that Virgin would be able to.

2) Non commercial passenger operations ie special charter, ‘pleasure flights’ and airshow appearances. This would require massive sponsorship, but it might just happen. it would be a more logical ‘advertising’ tool than say the Vulcan.

3) Non passenger related operations. This would have to have major industry and/or government support. Concorde is unique in is ability to sustain high Mach numbers with a large payload and as such would be useful for research, remember that a few years ago NASA contracted to use the Tu-144 for such work, did this work ever happen and what were the results?

Realistically grounding of the fleet is the only logical answer. So where can we put them?

The primary consideration MUST be protection from the elements, no collection should be allowed to obtain a Concorde without the necessary hangarage available. This would be a very good, high profile Lottery project for museums wishing to obtain a ‘star’ exhibit and a hangar in one go.

http://www.concordesst.com give the fullest details of all the Concorde’s and speculates as to their fate.

I had already heard that the German museums of Speyer/Sinshiem had made a request to Air France about acquiring a Concorde for display. As have the Smithsonian at Washington and the Boeing Museum of Flight in Seattle. As the museums of Yeovilton, Duxford and Le Bourget already have prototype airframes let exclude them for the time being. I would suggest that the two manufacturers would like to have examples of their work, one is already at Toulouse, but its condition may be poor and Filton has an airframe that has been stripped of spare parts, both could be scrapped if newer airframes are made available. I don’t think Air France has a policy of preserving old airframes although a Concorde is outside their Orly maintenance area, once again this could be scrapped in favour of a newer airframe. BA as we know do sponsor their own collection at Cosford so one could move there to become the centrepiece of a new, long over due, hangar development. I would doubt that a Concorde could land at Cosford so an expensive delivery by road would be required. In my option British Airways should not miss the opportunity to preserve a Concorde at Heathrow and they should immediately start talking to BAA about installing one within the new T5, maybe even hanging from the roof.

Over to you for your suggestion of where to preserve a Concorde and why

DOUGHNUT

Just visited the Tangmere website at
http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk
Sadly I dont expect to see WB188 outside on 7th September, it is at the back of the hangar and I would doubt that she will even fit thought the door without the wings off.

DOUGHNUT

Also try the excellent, though out of print, ‘Action Stations’ each book has an airfield architecture section.

Thanks for your input Sibs.

As I said the small regional museums are the life blood of the UK preservation movement.

So would it be possible for members of this forum, who have a direct ‘hands-on’ involvement with such groups, be prepared to give regular updates as to the status of their exhibits, restoration progess, new colours, even a bit of self promotion as to any special events.

Over to you>>>>

DOUGHNUT

I think that Hendon has enough dusty cabinets full of medals and old tin hats. One more set, even if they did belong to a famous person from New Zealand, was not required. The £138,000 would have provided a lot of paint and glue to help finish off one of the many exhibits currently in store.

DOUGHNUT

ANT wrote

“The Duck is on a two year loan, rather than as a permenant exhibit, so they don’t actually own the aircraft.”

Where do you get your information from, the RAFM web site say’s

“Dr. Michael Fopp, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum said “We are obviously delighted with this generous gift but it is a particular pleasure for it to come from someone who has done so much to support the U.K. over several decades and has such a passion for Anglo American history.””

It has been said many times before, there is not an unlimited budget and difficult choices about which project gets the cash have to be made. I believe that the approx $1.5 which the sale of an airworthy P-51 would bring could be used more wisely.

Where would you spend $1.5 – please limit your self to realistic projects for the RAFM at either Hendon or Cosford.

How about these for starters :-

Full restoration of an existing project, Halifax maybe or better still the Hampden

Purchase a new exhibit or commission a replica, how about a set of wings for Southampton.

Additional hangarage at Cosford to provide protection to the larger aircraft.

DOUGHNUT