Keep it flying, although the replica has performed a triple crown of incredible flights, its long term place in front of the public will only be ensured if its flown on a regular basis.

Just remember Jean Batten and her beloved Gull Six, G-APDR was superbly restored by Hunting Aviation and operated by the Shuttleworth Collection. Sold and subsequently displayed strung up like an ‘Airfix’ kit at Aucklland International airport.

Septic.

SteveG,

Where do they hope to finally preserve the Vimy?

Steve I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers at Brooklands today, an absolutely superb day out, which even included a spirited run around the old banking in a rather quick Aston Martin, although not as quick as the awesome Railton.

Bleriot and Dep replicas were allowed out to soak up the sun.

Septic.

PS Burgers were great too.

Unfortunately the OFMC duo suffered from particulary cloudy conditions, whilst the poor old Aces High Dak had to display in terrible cloud and rain.

Digital can be very flattering at times, in the old days of shooting film I would have put the camera away and gone home.

Septic.

My own thoughts on the display are somewhat mixed;

Plus points.

On the one hand it was great to see some powered flight return to both the tarmac and grass runways of historic Kenley. (Please note I’m not counting powered gliders.)

The event raised the profile of the airfield locally, which can only be a good thing given the number of new residents the area now has.

On the down side.

I felt there were several missed opportunitys.

A major reunion for ex Kenley pilots and ground crew could have been arranged, this could have raised extra funds through signings etc.

Given the historic nature of the location a vintage aircraft fly-in could have been organised.

I know i’ve said this before but a private Spitfire or Hurricane should have been booked. I know the Solent Sky replica Spitfire was there but its not quite the same thing.) I know the BBMF were weathered out but a Spit or Hurricane back on Kenley would have made all the major aviation publications.

Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the day at Kenley, but I have been going up to Kenley since I was about six years old and i feel passionately that it should be preserved.

Septic.