Shuttleworth Displays - Feedback Required, Please
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Ashwell, U.K.
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If the idea of a MacRobertson Air race recreation did come about wouldn't Wroughton be a good place for it? The Science Museum have a Boeing 247 (unairworthy) in their store there and I'm sure you could rustle up a Rapide, BA Eagle and a Puss Moth to join the DC-2 and the Comet. Not sure about a Falcon or Hawk Major though.
On the subject of the Comet I've never seen any reference to it in the Grosvenor House Hotel or have I been looking in the wrong place? I would have thought a photograph might have been in one of the bars somewhere.
On the subject of the Comet I've never seen any reference to it in the Grosvenor House Hotel or have I been looking in the wrong place? I would have thought a photograph might have been in one of the bars somewhere.
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Join Date: Mar 2002
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Comet to Lleystad - Current policy is not to send the aircraft overseas as an engine failure over water could lead to total loss of (pilot as well as) aircraft. However, nothing is set in concrete. Risk to the aircraft and hours burnt off must be weighed against the event it would be attending and remuneration. A trip to Lleystad is unlikely, but always possible.
Wroughton - perhaps, but same criteria wrt risk, hours, the event and costs applies.
Air race event in 2005, or when the Comet is back in the air - I expect it will be high on the agenda, but you'll have to wait and see as to exactly when.
Wroughton - perhaps, but same criteria wrt risk, hours, the event and costs applies.
Air race event in 2005, or when the Comet is back in the air - I expect it will be high on the agenda, but you'll have to wait and see as to exactly when.
I've only seen the Comet in the air once; I was flying a Bulldog back to Benson when the red rocket shot past. Magnificent sight!
You lucky chap, Airbedane - when you fly the Comet, what will that bring your number of types and hours up to?
You lucky chap, Airbedane - when you fly the Comet, what will that bring your number of types and hours up to?
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Luck doesn't come into it, BEags old chap, it's more a case of recognising it as it flashes past and having the right qualifications to grab hold for dear life before it dissappears into the distance.
As regads types and times, the latter is probably about a half as much as you and the former is not very many compared to others in my position. Not a good answer, but I don't think such stats are valid - they're certainly not a measure of ability, for which, unfortunately, they are oft used.
I've been fortunate enough to see the Comet many times, but by far the best was the display given by Angus McVitie (who unfortunately passed away on Jan 13th this year) at Great Warbirds, Wroughton - he won the award for best display, if I remember right. Well deserved, too!
As regads types and times, the latter is probably about a half as much as you and the former is not very many compared to others in my position. Not a good answer, but I don't think such stats are valid - they're certainly not a measure of ability, for which, unfortunately, they are oft used.
I've been fortunate enough to see the Comet many times, but by far the best was the display given by Angus McVitie (who unfortunately passed away on Jan 13th this year) at Great Warbirds, Wroughton - he won the award for best display, if I remember right. Well deserved, too!
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Very sad to hear of the passing of Angus McVitie, this is the first mention I have heard.
Certainly one of the greats, and one of my personal favorite display pilots at OW, up there with the likes of Dicky Martin and John Lewis.
Certainly one of the greats, and one of my personal favorite display pilots at OW, up there with the likes of Dicky Martin and John Lewis.
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Is that bit in the commentary about historic aircraft should only be flown by test pilots still compulsory ? - ah well, it's still a glorious place to visit first thing on a winter's morning when anyone can have the place practically to themselves.
Silas.
Silas.
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Very sorry to hear that Angus passed away. I agree, we were always pleased to see him flying at Old Warden or Shuttleworth aircraft elsewhere. Many thanks for the flying.
James
James
Awesome but Affordable
So sad to hear of Angus's death though he had been in poor health for some time. His displays were lways a joy to watch particularly in the Vega Gull with which he had a great affinity. He was a fine test pilot and in his latter days in retirement he often tested prototype PFA aerplanes for an intial PtoF. On one occasion in a Glasair the undercarriage limit microswitch was out of adjustment and the gear continued to come up until the upper wing skins started bulgeing up. Other men would have had a cardiac arrest but not Angus. He calmly coped and put the bird back on the ground in one piece. We seldom see pilots of his calibre and I am proud to have had him as a friend. We are indeed the poorer for his passing but while he was with us we saw some very high quality displays in a wide variety of aeroplanes. Rest with the angels Angus and give your personal wings a good workout prior to recommending them for a full Permit to Fly.
Goodbye and many thanks,
Trapper 69
Goodbye and many thanks,
Trapper 69
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Airbedane,
I saw in this month's Pilot magazine that Vic Norman's Curtis Jenny is up for sale. Now that would be a nice sight at Old Warden.....At least it would fly a bit more than it does now
I saw in this month's Pilot magazine that Vic Norman's Curtis Jenny is up for sale. Now that would be a nice sight at Old Warden.....At least it would fly a bit more than it does now
Join Date: Mar 2002
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Jenny
I got straight 'on the case' when I heard about the Jenny.
I have always marvelled at the famous photo of a Jenny with 2 wingwalkers playing tennis on the top wing!
Now, I'm not suggesting we try that here(!) but it would make a wonderful backdrop behind the aircraft at Old Warden.
Alas, not to be....
The Jenny comes with a breathtaking price tag (well...it made me gasp!)
Lets hope that it stays in the UK - shame if goes back across the pond.
HP
I have always marvelled at the famous photo of a Jenny with 2 wingwalkers playing tennis on the top wing!
Now, I'm not suggesting we try that here(!) but it would make a wonderful backdrop behind the aircraft at Old Warden.
Alas, not to be....
The Jenny comes with a breathtaking price tag (well...it made me gasp!)
Lets hope that it stays in the UK - shame if goes back across the pond.
HP
