Piston Engine Airliners

[bobdh478]

I suspect that much of what I write here will be on this website somewhere! I wonder if there are any of the old piston heavies at any air displays in the UK? If memory serves there was a DC 6 that was ex Air Atlantique that used to appear at Biggin Hill a long while ago. Would that have been G-APSA? I saw it was at Coventry and was likely to be scrapped in 2018. Did it survive?

[jimjim1]

https://www.flyingbulls.at/en/events-stories/events were in England last year with their DC-6A.

Web site seems pretty poor to me (possibly cos I only have a 5-20Mbps ish internet connection and an old ish PC) but it looks like they did not visit UK this year. Maybe next year?

[DaveReidUK]

PPRuNe: DC-6 Location(s)

[ex82watcher]

I saw,and just as importantly,heard a Connie fly into Farnborough about 4 Years ago...lovely !

[goofer3]

The Connie was at Duxford, 2014 but is now in Germany for restoration.


https://www.superconstellation.org/images/MV_4JUL_E.pdf

[rog747]

Sadly I never got a ride in the Coventry based DC-6 (I last saw her at Farnborough in British Eagle livery) before it was grounded for good - It was AOG for the air display!

Managed to get a last DC-3 flight out of NQY a few years back before the CAA pax ban.

My last piston sojourns were long ago - before then were PBA's DC-3 and Martin 404 EYW-MIA, plus a TTAS DC-6 POS-TAB-POS

Oh yes well actually in 2014 I was VERY lucky to fly in the Canadian Lancaster when she was over :P Does that count?

[Canadair4]

Both G-APSA and G-SIXC were still in Coventry July last year and as far as I know are still there, G-SIXC was being used as a diner but that is now closed and she is looking a bit sad looking, which I was sorry to see as I had flown in her. G-APSA was looking somewhat better, so hopefully one of them will be saved. Of course the Red Bulls DC-6B put on a great display at Duxford last year, There is great work taking place in North Weald at the moment to restore the C-54/DC-4 there.

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by Canadair4

G-APSA was looking somewhat better, so hopefully one of them will be saved.

As per the link in my previous post, G-APSA is destined for SWAM.

[Canadair4]

Sorry I missed that in your previous post Dave, any word on G-SIXC or is it doomed.

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by Canadair4

Sorry I missed that in your previous post Dave, any word on G-SIXC or is it doomed.

I did read a report about a year ago that it was also going to be dismantled and go to St Athan like G-APSA, but I take that with a pinch of salt as I can't see why SWAM should want 2 DC-6s.

I fear it will end its days rotting away at Coventry.

[The AvgasDinosaur]

Originally Posted by DaveReidUK

I did read a report about a year ago that it was also going to be dismantled and go to St Athan like G-APSA, but I take that with a pinch of salt as I can't see why SWAM should want 2 DC-6s.

I fear it will end its days rotting away at Coventry.

I thought she was going to Liverpool to join the Brit that’s outside the old control tower?
Fingers crossed
Be lucky
David

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by The AvgasDinosaur

I thought she was going to Liverpool to join the Brit that’s outside the old control tower?

That's interesting. I hadn't heard that - what's your source ?

I'd have thought that SAHG already had their hands full with their 748 restoration.

[treadigraph]

Miss seeing G-APSA on the airshow circuit, watching and hearing such an amazing piece of kit being displayed in such a sprightly manner was very much a highlight a few years back.

[The AvgasDinosaur]

Originally Posted by DaveReidUK

That's interesting. I hadn't heard that - what's your source ?

I'd have thought that SAHG already had their hands full with their 748 restoration.

It came from either staff or security at the hotel. While discussing the Brit he said “and that space is for the big DOUGLAS coming from Coventry”
The team there seem to do a very thorough job if at a steady pace.
Hope it helps
Be lucky
David

[RedhillPhil]

Came into LGW back from Malta in an Eagle Airways DC-6 May 1962. The abiding memory is the droning noise throughout the cabin.

[rog747]

Good Lord just remembered we flew back on a BMA Argonaut from Costa Brava - Perpignan - How on earth did I forget that!

[bobdh478]

Originally Posted by treadigraph

Miss seeing G-APSA on the airshow circuit, watching and hearing such an amazing piece of kit being displayed in such a sprightly manner was very much a highlight a few years back.

Yes definitely, one of the highlights of the day without a doubt.

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Originally Posted by rog747

Managed to get a last DC-3 flight out of NQY a few years back before the CAA pax ban.

You can still go flying in a DC-3 in New Zealand.

And one of the two airworthy DC-3s in the country is owned by Air Chathams who even use it on some scheduled airline services between Auckland and the eastern Bay of Plenty during the summer season.

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by Kiwithrottlejockey

And one of the two airworthy DC-3s in the country is owned by Air Chathams who even use it on some scheduled airline services between Auckland and the eastern Bay of Plenty during the summer season.

The last couple of flights I've had in DC-3s were also scheduled flights - Air BVI between San Juan and Tortola/Beef Island. The now-defunct airline's marketing slogan was "re-live nostalgic moments".

[Spooky 2]

This is not a DC6 but it stilll remains an interesting project, especially since this aircraft has returned to it's original operator.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...ZVUJGUrpKAyUy7

The airplane is being ferried to Atlanta where it will be restored to it's original configuration. Unfortunately it will not be maintained in an airworthy condition, but none the less it remains a significant part of the Douglas airliner history.