planes which were gradually falling apart ... doing well to have one working radio, with the rest of the panel defunct ... this typical-UK-GA scene
Not a pretty picture. Sounds like there is an urgent need for new airplane construction in the UK. Homebuilts are all very well, but could they resurrect de Havilland, Percival, or one of the great firms of the past (we don't need any more spam cans or plastic slippers)?