If the powers that be have any respect for the UK’s aviation heritage, then to keep one of these beauties airworthy as part of the preservation movement must be a worthwhile consideration. In my view, the best looking jet airliner ever built – anywhere! With the demise of Concorde – is this once again the fastest jet airliner in the world?

I have no particular preference on livery or indeed sponsorship logos – all I know is that for generations to this day, the VC10 has provided a ‘lifeline’ to home for those of us who have worked overseas – often in hostile and unfriendly environments.

Maybe – with a bit of foresight – ie before all the jigs, tools and spares are broken up – this will be one aircraft that will not be allowed to just wither and die on the vine. Yes I know it would be costly to keep one flying and in the current climate that might be a tall order. I guess my point is that even if its too costly now – lets not pull the rug from under us but keep an airframe, spares etc in the hope that one day – after its OSD – somebody might come along with funding to get one back in the air. Q the accountants – concerned about storage charges and return on capital employed!!!

I agree with the link to the Valiant.

I’ve often thought that HPs product range was a bit odd – Hastings – Herald – Victor – Jetstream. In todays parlance – not sure which part of the market they were targetting with no clear strategic plan?? Perhaps they spread themselves too thinly?? Anyhow it was an awesome sight to see all those Victors lined up at Radlett in the late 60’s!

What a good question.

If the financial pundits on radio and TV are anything to go by – and I suspect they are probably right – most of us will suffer in one way or another and we might have to get used to the world – and our lifestyle – never being the same again.

I, for one, now think twice about making a journey in my car. Is it essential? – in many cases no and as much as I would like to travel from Wiltshire to the likes of Waddington or Duxford, I’m now prepared to settle for local airfields like Kemble , Yeovilton and Fairford. I suspect day trippers to the likes of Dawlish and other seaside airshows might think twice too. I’ve no doubt Bournemouth will be a success but I bet they feel the impact next year.

As for aircraft operators, I think we should make the most of this year – the 90th of the RAF at Fairford on the Friday probably being a highlight for some time to come. Warbird owners will doubtless have their own views but I suspect some might suffer.

Maybe more appropriate for the commercial section of Key, but the global economy will also impact low cost no frills airlines and I already detect a price creep upwards. Sorry to be all doom and gloom but I fear all aspects of aviation will be hit very badly.

Fuel prices push up the cost of airshow participation – not just aircraft but the price of those hideous burgers and a pint. Add to this the cost of airshow and family insurance, utilities, mortgages etc………………………………sorry I’d love to be more positive but just being pragmatic!

Oh for the good old days of diamond nine Lightnings when fuel was 20p a litre!

Regards

Some years ago, ex AWE boffins related the story of a significant number of new build Spitfires, that were surplus to requirements, being bulldozed into a large hole in the ground at the end of one of the runways at the then RAF Aldermaston at the end of WW2. Not sure if they were burnt first. I understand Aldermaston did indeed produce Spitfires during WW2 but stand to be corrected?

I gather AWE are quite meticulous with scientific sampling of the ground on their patch for obvious reasons. Evidently this indicated that something might well be down there but, again, I doubt of we’ll ever know for sure – again for obvious reasons.

PS: I understand Eaglescliffe ‘processed’ a huge number of ex Luftwaffe aircraft at the end of WW2.

At least until some 5 years ago, there was what looked to be a medium sized miltary aviation museum on the northern outskirts of the military airfield in downtown Riyadh – clearly visible from the motorway that ran past it. This airfield should not be confused with the international airport which is some distance out of town. I seem to recall there being at least a dozen or so aircraft parked outside including a couple of Lightnings, a Hunter and possibly a Vampire/Venom type – not easy to concentrate on the scenery when driving on Saudi motorways!!

The aircraft outside surrounded a medium sized hall that I guess probably contained more aircraft. I have no idea as to the status of the museum or whether it was indeed open to the public. My guess would be that westerners might need to get some form of approval to visit in advance from the relevant Saudi authorities. You might find it worthwhile contacting the Saudi Embassy in London for more information.

I went on goggle earth recently and although the military airfield is clearly visible – I could not locate any preserved aircraft in the area where I thought the museum to be located. Hope this helps.

Ah would that be the Richard Montgomery? Seem to recall reading that if it ever went up, it might cause a tidal wave that would shoot straight up the Thames and flood a fair bit of central London. Best left untouched I gather as the munitions are less volatile undisturbed