Do the CAA have an archive department ? The G-INFO web search does not help but I would guess the data will be available in paper form. As a lot of the impressed types were DeHaviland does information exist within there records, sorry I do not have any contact details.

DOUGHNUT

For those on the Forum who do not visit other web sites it would be usefull to know who was flying what ? with a link to other news based web sites if the reader wishes to see photos or more gory details. In the latest Oshkosh incident which two P-51 were involved, who were there pilots and where were they based. I am sure that members of this Forum can provide the facts and dismiss the rumours.

DOUGHNUT

Whilst in favour of this kind of ‘Swap Shop’ approach it should be a win-win deal. Not sure I like this one though. Totally agree that the Heron prototype would be great back in the UK, two locations spring to mind. The Science Museum collection at Wroughton, although nobody would ever see it as it would most likely be stored in bits, and the Mosquito Museum, home of all things De Haviland. As for exchanging the Dragon I would say no. I can only think of four Dragon’s which can be seen in UK EI-ABI, G-ECAN and G-ACIT at the Science Museum and the afore mentioned VH-SNB. Although rarer (in the UK) the DH Drover at Lasham would seem a better swap, it has little significance to the UK and, although there are several in Oz I am sure many more people will appreicate it there.

DOUGHNUT
p.s. I dont not mean to upset anybody by playing ‘swap shop’ with other people’s toys, but with a litle sideways thinking a deal might be struck to everybodys satification.

Great to see the Ripon being re-assembled. What are the long term plans for its display ? Is owned by the air force if so will it go to Tikkakoski.

Given the Cranfield connection maybe one of the local opperators might be able to provide an aircraft, or better still, fuel, landing fees, sponorship for a private owned Warbird. Try http://www.cabair.com

Also dont forget the local air cadets http://www.cranfieldaircadet.org.co who might want to provide a guard of honor.

best of luck
DOUGHNUT

Assuming that XM173 arrived at Bently Proiry by road it must have been taken to pieces, does anybody know when and how she was transported ? I think that comon practice today is to cut the wings off and splice them back on. I guess that this is easier than taking the aircraft apart at a manufacturing joint, indeed was the lightning wing made in one piece without ‘bolted’ connections ? Lets hope a good home can be found for her.