Pasted from Thunder and lightnings website
A number of the Lightnings in private hands are in near airworthy condition, but the UK's CAA blocked any attempt to fly them here. You can imagine what most aviation enthusiasts, including myself, think of that. This meant that the best of the bunch simply got exported to South Africa, where they have joined Mike Beachyhead's expanding collection, along with his Buccaneers and Hunters! Thunder rolls once more, but it's a crime that it won't be here, in the Lightning's own country of origin.
No less than three Lightnings are now flying in South Africa, two being two-seaters and therefore available for passenger flights. Yes, you can pay for a flight in one... take a peak at the Classic Jets web site but have some tissues ready, you will probably be drooling a lot. Now start saving! They have one more single seater to return to the air as well.
Another Lightning is due to fly, and this time in America - T.5 XS422, previously held by Keith Smith at Marine Salvage is being restored by the Anglo-American Lightning Association, who are doing well in their restoration.
Last edited by MAN777; 20th Oct 2007 at 18:23.
Reason: remove urls