Olympic Torch to fly with BA

[ilesmark]

London flame to land at Culdrose military base | Sport | The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/10070817)

[Wycombe]

Seems a strange choice, not exactly over-endowed with tarmac (or handling facilities for an airliner) down there.

If it has to be Cornwall, Newquay has lots more and could easily accommodate anything in BA's fleet.

[BOAC]

I used to fly with the 'Olymoic Torch' in BA when I were an F/O - 'e were known to the c/crew as 'Never goes out'.:rolleyes:

[ilesmark]

Yes, that was my first thought too. But it's the most westerly tarmac runway and I guess BA can use something small.

[Reverserbucket]

BOAC - I think his still there.

[crewmeal]

I wonder what aircraft they'll use. Back in the old days they could have used a Brymon Dash 7 or 8.

[Groundloop]

The runway at Culdross could easily handle an A319/320. The torch only has to come from Athens.

[srobarts]

There is apparently a practice flight to Culdrose on Monday 5th March - anyone at BA know what time it is likely to arrive?

[reptile_105]

Can confirm BA landed an Airbus around 10.30 am at RNAS Culdrose on Monday morning as a pre run to the real event

[Wycombe]

....and here she is on the ground at said location British Airways plane lands at RNAS Culdrose (From Falmouth Packet) (http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/9570444.British_Airways_plane_lands_at_RNAS_Culdrose/)

[captain_flynn]

Nice :) I bet a few of the locals were not expecting that!

I bet they had a nice view when flying down there. I still miss the time when I spent a few years flying around Cornwall and Devon.

[greekphotog]

Arrived at Athens today to receive the Olympic flame"

JetPhotos.Net Photo » G-EUPC (CN: 1118) British Airways Airbus A319-131 by Bill Kokkotas-CFT Photography (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7367332)

JetPhotos.Net Photo » G-EUPC (CN: 1118) British Airways Airbus A319-131 by Bill Kokkotas-CFT Photography (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7367333)


Cheers

[MATELO]

Hard times these days.... even BA can only afford one tin of yellow paint.

[WASPERNATOR]

what a waste of time and money..

don't they know there's a global recession on?

No-one seems the least bit interested or enthusiastic about the Olympics.

[srobarts]

Whatever happened to the Dove painted aircraft that was billed as the plane to carry the flame?

[AndoniP]

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l584/jeffsphotos1/BAFF/IMG_1719e.jpg

[AndoniP]

srobarts

i think those 9 or so dove livery A319s will be flown for a year. that livery wasn't destined for only one aircraft to carry the flame.

BBC News - London 2012: British Airways Olympics dove plane unveiled (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17565838)

Andoni

[srobarts]

Much prefer this one which was originally billed as the livery for the flame carrying aircraft.
http://thedesignair.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/britishdove_2.jpg?w=710

[AndoniP]

i thought wing surfaces were never supposed to be painted? or am i spectacularly wrong?:(

[Evanelpus]

I quite like the second one.

The 'Dove' on the other hand is awful. But, as in life, not everyone likes the same things.

[Skipness One Echo]

The 'Dove' on the other hand is awful. But, as in life, not everyone likes the same things.
Agreed, thought it looked awful, then I saw it up close for real and realised it actually looks pretty awesome!

[DaveReidUK]

I thought wing surfaces were never supposed to be painted? or am I spectacularly wrong?

No. Not spectacularly, just wrong.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/7/0/0640073.jpg

[Groundloop]

i thought wing surfaces were never supposed to be painted? or am i spectacularly wrong?

You are.

Nearly all wings are painted these days - mostly grey(!!!) but white painted wings are quite common. It provides protection from corrosion.

[TurboTomato]

Apparently the One Show will be covering the arrival live tonight on BBC1...

[GROUNDHOG]

Any suggestions the best place to watch the arrival from....

[maliyahsdad2]

Your Sofa ...

[AndoniP]

Groundloop

white painted wings are quite common. It provides protection from corrosion

Cheers for the explanation, appreciated!

A

[GROUNDHOG]

Malyihasdad2 - Thanks, very droll, If I am very lucky I will see it fly past the window, thought there may be someone local could suggest a spot as it is going to be rammed around there tonight

[srobarts]

Any suggestions the best place to watch the arrival from.... The wind suggests that they will be using 30 so the approach will be from the viewing enclosure end. The standing for the plane where the flame comes down the steps is at the western end of the airfield. I passed there yesterday and there were grandstands and marquees around the stand so you might not be able to see much once the plane is on the ground. One other factor is the display that is FAA Historics and Black Cats. This will probably at the western end for the benefit of the VIPs in the grandstands. You could park in Helston and walk up Degbna Lane for a view of the display. The choice is up to you.

Update from another forum: Display due to commence at 18:00 - Exactly what is displaying is not clear as conflicting posts on other forum. ETA of BA2012 from Athens is 19:20

[GROUNDHOG]

Thanks that is exactly what I wanted to know!!

[airsmiles]

When I was a youngster I used to love those red painted BEA wings at Heathrow. Funny how these stay with you for the rest of your life.

[srobarts]

The flame's arrival from the Culdrose public viewing area:
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt47/jasperspaniel/DSC04825.jpg

[captain_flynn]

Nice shot of it there :) If I was still living in Cornwall I would have gone to see it too! :)

[Dubaian]

I prefer the 'Dove' over the 'Custard Comet' livery. :)