I think I’m correct in saying that the Chipmunk is a RTAF-4 Chantra, a local conversion of Chipmunk airframes dating from the 1970s.

Well I never ! First I have heard of those. I wonder if the squared off fin made any difference, with spinning for instance.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Thailand—Air/RTAF-4-Chandra/1652190/M/ (photo of Chantra)

The CAA are in the midst of a ‘cut the red tape / cut out the gold-plating’ initiative.

There is a rumour, nothing more, that this might include some relaxation – even to the point of paid-for passenger rides provided they are A to A, not A to B, on historics – of the rules.

I’m not holding my breath though.

Moggy

This is NOT a rumour. This is happening. It is being progressed by the CAA and with much input by the Historic Aircraft Association, and significant reference to content and experience from Part 115 of the New Zealand CAA Venture Aviation initiative. At Wanaka last year you could buy rides in Mustangs, P.40’s , Yaks and others.

Imagine how the UK operators of the Catalina and Fortress could benefit from an income stream derived from air experience flying. It happens in the USA, and Canada and has been a wholly positive experience.

There are seismic changes occurring in the CAA at present, just witness the new microlight category now entirely unregulated, not even a requirement to do an annual Permit To Fly, relying instead on the owner/pilot to be responsible. Times they are a -changing.

Even if owned by a UK registered company, they could still be operated elsewhere

It makes me think of the Hunter deployed for training in Japan, owned by Airborne Tactical Advantage Company

http://www.atacusa.com/mk_58_hawk_hunter.html

Bloody missed it.

Worry not. Two hours can be spent in so many ways better than that.

To call the plot clunky is disrespectful to a clunky thing. Every time they attempted any dramatic event with aeroplane content it was laughably bad, such as the ludicrous sequence of a Super Cub upping the murder count by chasing a runner across a field and bashing him with the starboard tyre. If he is stupid enough to stay on his feet he deserves a good whacking !

Nice to see Bernard Cribbins and June Whitfield giving their all, but it was beyond saving. A right load of cobblers.

That Woodford collapse was a tragedy, mainly for those who died, but such a blow to lose an airframe in what would have seemed the safest of environments was a cruel twist.

Picture here, from Aviation North West.

http://www.edendale.co.uk/ANW/WFD.H5.9.html

Half an RV should bankroll a big tub of dripping!

Boyfriend is an ex Red Arrow, so between the two of them, they are used to the oxygen of publicity, and probably nothing is worse than not being in the public eye, hence the Big Idea.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2336873/Carol-Vorderman-unveils-plans-solo-flight-world-follows-footsteps-hero-Amelia-Earhart.html

I think it is pretty reckless, though not quite as dodgy as it once was, with GPS and Weather radar now commonplace and no chance of getting lost. The ocean is just as big, though, and the weather just as unpredictable.

Mr Duff (Red Arrow) will follow in a support plane. Just because they are out of sight does NOT mean he is going to follow from in front..

Sheila Scott managed it and she was reckoned to be dangerous liability by the Tiger Club pilots with whom she flew before her adventures.

Mad??. I would say so, yes.