Concorde (merged)
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Jordan D
You are way out of line. Saying that "the French" didn't clear the runway at CDG is preposterous. Yes, ultimately someone is to blame but for Christ's sake put it to bed. People died there and an investigation took place where blame was assigned officially so we don't need your stupid, Francophobic kangaroo court. Did the whole of France check the runway? So why blame the whole of France.
In case it had escaped your attention, half of our own country did not want to commit troops to Iraq. No oil for them either? Decisions are taken the world over for economic reasons and as I said, it is only an aeroplane.
Whatever, we don't need ridiculous, racist nonsense of the sort you posted (and others) on here. As the professionals we are, we should mourn Concorde's passing with the respect and dignity that she deserves. Nothing lasts forever. You could do well to remember that.
P7
You are way out of line. Saying that "the French" didn't clear the runway at CDG is preposterous. Yes, ultimately someone is to blame but for Christ's sake put it to bed. People died there and an investigation took place where blame was assigned officially so we don't need your stupid, Francophobic kangaroo court. Did the whole of France check the runway? So why blame the whole of France.
In case it had escaped your attention, half of our own country did not want to commit troops to Iraq. No oil for them either? Decisions are taken the world over for economic reasons and as I said, it is only an aeroplane.
Whatever, we don't need ridiculous, racist nonsense of the sort you posted (and others) on here. As the professionals we are, we should mourn Concorde's passing with the respect and dignity that she deserves. Nothing lasts forever. You could do well to remember that.
P7
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I believe the grounding of the concorde fleet is a total disgrace. The true culprits / vilans are hard to pinpoint as they blame each other.
However, BA keeping 1 for shows is equally outrageous. The cost would be outrageous and in this cost cutting world we now live in this would be the ultimate proof that BA is still run for the benifit of its staff and not the customers or share holders. I can see no advertising or PR value in Mr Bannister flying by at a few air shows to show the punters what only he is now alowed to enjoy.
I hate to say it, but if she's being grounded thay all should.
However, BA keeping 1 for shows is equally outrageous. The cost would be outrageous and in this cost cutting world we now live in this would be the ultimate proof that BA is still run for the benifit of its staff and not the customers or share holders. I can see no advertising or PR value in Mr Bannister flying by at a few air shows to show the punters what only he is now alowed to enjoy.
I hate to say it, but if she's being grounded thay all should.
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Can agree with you - one should be kept airworthy as an example of british engineering. We were the first to sustaned supersonic passenger service and to destroy that on a given day is wrong. As a shareholder I do agree with you though - that is why brasons offer to put money into a charity, co sponsered by BA to keep one bird flying should havebeen accepted
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So, Concorde supporters, what we going to do about it guys?
It's probably in vain, but I'd still like to do some lobbying so at least I can say I've not just sat back and watched muttering and complaining.
Somebody out there must have an email address of suitably senior people in Airbus, BA, BAe, CAA.
Martin - Bristol, UK.
It's probably in vain, but I'd still like to do some lobbying so at least I can say I've not just sat back and watched muttering and complaining.
Somebody out there must have an email address of suitably senior people in Airbus, BA, BAe, CAA.
Martin - Bristol, UK.
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Stepping aside from our alternative national sport for one moment 
, does anyone else find it odd that BA haven't made a Concorde available for flypasts at any of the major airshows in the UK this year?
I'm particularly thinking of RIAT, Waddington, and Duxford, all of which have been themed in such a way as to have made a Concorde appearance a potentially huge crowd-puller, especially after the announcement of the aircraft's retirement. An opportunity missed, I feel.
, does anyone else find it odd that BA haven't made a Concorde available for flypasts at any of the major airshows in the UK this year?I'm particularly thinking of RIAT, Waddington, and Duxford, all of which have been themed in such a way as to have made a Concorde appearance a potentially huge crowd-puller, especially after the announcement of the aircraft's retirement. An opportunity missed, I feel.
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Good point. I expect BA would say the remaining airworthy Concordes are too busy...shame though.
Incidentally, I've emailed chief exec of Airbus asking why they won't support keeping a Concorde airworthy for special occassions.
I believe his email address to be: [email protected] for anyone else who wants to lobby.
Martin - Bristol, UK
Incidentally, I've emailed chief exec of Airbus asking why they won't support keeping a Concorde airworthy for special occassions.
I believe his email address to be: [email protected] for anyone else who wants to lobby.
Martin - Bristol, UK
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Indeed, that's was my first thought. I believe a 'permit to fly' is adminstered by the PFA and I don't think an aircraft as complex or as large as Concorde comes under their jurisdiction!
Anyone know though, if you can operate an aircraft like Concorde without a 'type certificate' if it's not used for fare-paying pax? How about an ordinary private C of A?
Anyone know though, if you can operate an aircraft like Concorde without a 'type certificate' if it's not used for fare-paying pax? How about an ordinary private C of A?
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Amusing this love-hate relation that English have with the French..
It seems everything they do upset you, but I am told the Brits are he first importers of their wine and buy the most property in that land than any other European country..
And France second most polular game , rugby is almost exclusively an British-French affair.
But, what amaze me most is that you all seem to identify Airbus completely with France...
To my knowledge France has less than 40% share on Airbus, so if the decision was indeed only Airbus , ( as your Press claim ) then it is equally the fault of the Germans, and of course the UK,which hold 20% of Airbus
I was told that bare economics stopped Concorde, not AFR alone.
It seems everything they do upset you, but I am told the Brits are he first importers of their wine and buy the most property in that land than any other European country..
And France second most polular game , rugby is almost exclusively an British-French affair.
But, what amaze me most is that you all seem to identify Airbus completely with France...
To my knowledge France has less than 40% share on Airbus, so if the decision was indeed only Airbus , ( as your Press claim ) then it is equally the fault of the Germans, and of course the UK,which hold 20% of Airbus
I was told that bare economics stopped Concorde, not AFR alone.
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Thank you ATC.
I've been around enough to know that Concorde people of both Great Britain and France are very proud and know that it was not a British aeroplane nor a French aeroplane but a wonderful example of two great nations working together to produce something quite exceptional.
That partnership was not always 100% sweetness and light and neither is any other meaningful relationship between two brilliant parties, but, by heavens, it worked!
Concorde has given great service but now the time has come to move on.
Airbus is not a French company but truly an enterprise using skills from around the world owned by Germany, France, the UK and Spain - that diversity is why it's doing so well! So, the juvenile pastime of French bashing is not only distasteful in itself but also insulting to half the team that built the Concorde and also wildly inappropriate in the context of Airbus.
Saman
I've been around enough to know that Concorde people of both Great Britain and France are very proud and know that it was not a British aeroplane nor a French aeroplane but a wonderful example of two great nations working together to produce something quite exceptional.
That partnership was not always 100% sweetness and light and neither is any other meaningful relationship between two brilliant parties, but, by heavens, it worked!
Concorde has given great service but now the time has come to move on.
Airbus is not a French company but truly an enterprise using skills from around the world owned by Germany, France, the UK and Spain - that diversity is why it's doing so well! So, the juvenile pastime of French bashing is not only distasteful in itself but also insulting to half the team that built the Concorde and also wildly inappropriate in the context of Airbus.
Saman
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To clarify my earlier post
If one was to be maintained by a charity / enthusiasts group, in flying condition- great. It is amazing what such groups can and have done. BUTany such group should be totally seperate from BA
If one was to be maintained by a charity / enthusiasts group, in flying condition- great. It is amazing what such groups can and have done. BUTany such group should be totally seperate from BA
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Concorde
Let the RAF have them, converted to a bomber,
I remember years ago that they thought about it.
Maybe they will go the same way as the TSR2 did, after all it was scrapped in favour of the Concorde. I hope not though. A Beautiful British (and French) Aircraft.
Mike
I remember years ago that they thought about it.
Maybe they will go the same way as the TSR2 did, after all it was scrapped in favour of the Concorde. I hope not though. A Beautiful British (and French) Aircraft.
Mike
If Concorde continues to fly, it should be in revenue service. Not just an air show ego trip machine for Porky.
Concorde is being killed by many factors. Here are some of them:
1. The French accident caused principally by the risky decision to take-off well over RTOW compounded by questionable CRM (read the accident report and CVR print out if you don't believe me).
2. BA and AF's failure to market the aeroplane positively when it returned to revenue service.
3. BA's refusal to talk to Sir Richard Branson about the possibility of Virgin Atlantic taking over the operation of Concorde.
The aircraft should continue in revenue service whilst it still has airframe life left. In this so-called 'centenary of flight' year, for BA to give up on its only unique asset is an utter disgrace.
Concorde is being killed by many factors. Here are some of them:
1. The French accident caused principally by the risky decision to take-off well over RTOW compounded by questionable CRM (read the accident report and CVR print out if you don't believe me).
2. BA and AF's failure to market the aeroplane positively when it returned to revenue service.
3. BA's refusal to talk to Sir Richard Branson about the possibility of Virgin Atlantic taking over the operation of Concorde.
The aircraft should continue in revenue service whilst it still has airframe life left. In this so-called 'centenary of flight' year, for BA to give up on its only unique asset is an utter disgrace.
David Learmount and Richard Branson were on GMTV this morning arguing for one Concorde to be kept flying. RB even agreed that it should remain in BA colours. They suggested that Qinetiq could take over responsibility for design authority.
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Maybe they will go the same way as the TSR2 did, after all it was scrapped in favour of the Concorde.
I though TSR2 was ditched by Dennis Healy to curry favour with the US so they'd support his application for an IMF loan?
SSD
I though TSR2 was ditched by Dennis Healy to curry favour with the US so they'd support his application for an IMF loan?
SSD
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ATC - don't know who your missive was aimed at but as the author of the original post, I can clarify I for one, are not anti-French. The UK does hold a minority interest in Airbus but you are right that it is truly pan-european not just French.
My original post emphasised my complete amazement and desperation that no one seems to be able to come up with an acceptable plan to keep just one flying. When there are so many historic aircraft being flown and many others being restored it seems unforgivable to let Concorde die making any future restoration so much more difficult.
Why do some people just shrug their shoulders and say 'Concorde has had it's day...let her rest in peace'? This attitude fails to capture the exitement many, many people around the world have with Concorde and also is somewhat defeatist. I can't beleive that between Airbus, BA, Virgin and the public in UK and France, a workeable solution cannot be found.
If The Times is to be believed, Airbus have put the final nail in by refusing to support Concorde. As has been posted by others, I wouldn't expect them to soley pick up the tab but perhaps make a contribution if only administrative. I would imagine many of their engineers would give their time for free to be part of a historic Concorde group.
Still...it's only the most famous passenger aircraft in the world...it's only something that is still unsurpassed and with the last Concorde flight later this year, it will be the first time in aviation history that technology has gone backwards.
Not to worry, in a couple of months Concorde will be grounded forever and I'll quietly cry into my beer (or should that be magnum of Bollinger in tribute to Concorde).
Martin - Bristol, UK
My original post emphasised my complete amazement and desperation that no one seems to be able to come up with an acceptable plan to keep just one flying. When there are so many historic aircraft being flown and many others being restored it seems unforgivable to let Concorde die making any future restoration so much more difficult.
Why do some people just shrug their shoulders and say 'Concorde has had it's day...let her rest in peace'? This attitude fails to capture the exitement many, many people around the world have with Concorde and also is somewhat defeatist. I can't beleive that between Airbus, BA, Virgin and the public in UK and France, a workeable solution cannot be found.
If The Times is to be believed, Airbus have put the final nail in by refusing to support Concorde. As has been posted by others, I wouldn't expect them to soley pick up the tab but perhaps make a contribution if only administrative. I would imagine many of their engineers would give their time for free to be part of a historic Concorde group.
Still...it's only the most famous passenger aircraft in the world...it's only something that is still unsurpassed and with the last Concorde flight later this year, it will be the first time in aviation history that technology has gone backwards.
Not to worry, in a couple of months Concorde will be grounded forever and I'll quietly cry into my beer (or should that be magnum of Bollinger in tribute to Concorde).
Martin - Bristol, UK
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I have a cat, now where are those pigeons again?
There is a 'conspiracy theory' doing the rounds at the moment, that NASA want at least one Concord for supersonic research.
Any takers on the thought this is why Airbus are so reluctant to allow access to type certification?
There is a 'conspiracy theory' doing the rounds at the moment, that NASA want at least one Concord for supersonic research.
Any takers on the thought this is why Airbus are so reluctant to allow access to type certification?
Concorde - a name, not a number! As were Comet, Viscount, Vanguard, Caravelle........even Brabazon.
(Unlike 340, 380, 747, 7E7 or any of the other anonymous people-tubes so beloved of today's bean counters)
(Unlike 340, 380, 747, 7E7 or any of the other anonymous people-tubes so beloved of today's bean counters)
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Heres the pigeons...
"There is a 'conspiracy theory' doing the rounds at the moment, that NASA want at least one Concord for supersonic research."
Not out of reach really, dont forget they did the same with the Tu-144 a couple of years ago. Mind you Tupolev (as far as I know) are still able to support the type.
Supersonic research is underway at the moment with a modified F-5 to test various ways of reducing sonic booms so could be the next logical step to use a larger aircraft.
(I think I'm being a bit too optimistic though plus I'm not a conspiracy theorist so I'll shut up!!!)
Not out of reach really, dont forget they did the same with the Tu-144 a couple of years ago. Mind you Tupolev (as far as I know) are still able to support the type.
Supersonic research is underway at the moment with a modified F-5 to test various ways of reducing sonic booms so could be the next logical step to use a larger aircraft.
(I think I'm being a bit too optimistic though plus I'm not a conspiracy theorist so I'll shut up!!!)