The Historic Aircraft Collection have just made an announcement regarding the DH9 E-8894 which they’re restoring to flight:-

https://www.facebook.com/Historic-Aircraft-Collection-281457865276755/

I realise not everyone has access to Facebook, so the for the benefit of the forum the statement they’ve posted is as follows:-

“Exciting times at HAC… Keep your eyes peeled for updates and a brand new Facebook page dedicated to the DH9.”

The 2013 ITV news clip (included at post #17 of this thread) is also included with the announcement.

Fingers crossed 2016 could be the year it returns to the sky. Exciting stuff.

And just for giggles, a slight spin on the forums running gag . . . . . will it be at Shuttleworth!?! 😉

Well I’m braced for disappointment but at the same time have my fingers firmly crossed. Whatever the outcome, I’m confident it will be a great Airshow (it’s the default setting at Shuttleworth!!!).

Also available to view via the HAC website is the following ITV news report from 2013 which I’ve linked to directly via the following link:

http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/story/2013-09-02/rare-aircraft-set-to-fly-again/

Towards the end it indicates that once complete the DH9 will indeed be up for sale.

As such, once it becomes airworthy I intend to make the most of it and see it fly as often as possible before it potentially moves on.

I suspect it will be too big a draw for Sir Peter Jackson. However, I don’t feel it would be a bad thing if it went to New Zealand for the simple reason that there would be the distinct possibility that The Vintage Aviator Ltd could potential use it as template with which to produce one or more reproductions.

It does indeed seem a great pity that Bristol Fighter D-7889 is now no longer flying.

However, reading the final three paragraphs at the following link it would appear the the DH9 project wouldn’t have been possible without the sale of the D-7889 to Canada.

http://www.historicaircraftcollection.ltd.uk/restorations/f2b/

In the ebb an flow of warbirds, this doesn’t seem too
bitter a pill to take, especially considering it’s still possible to see the Shuttleworth Brisfit regularly take to the air.

I am however very sad to have missed the Bristol Fighter 3 Ship formation which I believe (correct me if I’m wrong) D-7889 was a part of.

Well it’s offical. Sadly, Shuttleworth have announced that the Comet will not be flying at the Autumn Airshow. See the small print underneath the now slightly erroneous poster:

http://www.shuttleworth.org/tickets/event-details.asp?ID=163*

As a new member to SVAS I’ve been to all bar one of the airshows this year and have been hugely impressed with everything about the place. I particularly enjoyed Shuttleworth Uncovered yesterday and felt immensely privileged to be allowed to view the collections incredible aircraft at such close quarters.

However, I must say I’m a little concerned. I’m only to familiar with and accept that display aircraft often go unserviceable. However, I do wonder whether there was ever a genuine hope of flying the Comet as advertised or whether, as some here have eluded to here, it was never going to happen?

I really hope it’s not the latter, as to knowingly put out a misleading poster doesn’t seem at all in keeping with Shuttleworth’s apparent modus operandi or ethos.

Hopefully my concerns are unfounded. Fingers crossed that the Comet returns to flight at some point next year and that Shuttleworth continues to go from strength to strength.