Does anyone know the reason why the CAA won't approve a Lightning for flight?
It's because it is a requirement by the CAA that such ventures require the support of the manufacturer, and BAe are, perhaps understandably, unwilling to offer support. No such inhibition in Sith Ifrikaa.
Having said that, the team at Bruntingthorpe have done a magnificent job of keeping their two in airworthy condition. I was speaking to a friend of mine (Air Commodore ret'd) the other year and he said that during a high speed taxi run, in reheat no less, he was very tempted......
Probably because even when they were being looked after, 1 in 3 fell out of the sky!
Garbage, if you'll forgive me.
JP (and LP)