Chance Vought FG-1D Corsair
 

In the mid 80s a Corsair in French navy colours was ferried through Labrador City NFLD CYWK to France. Via Goose Bay (aka Booze Gay) and onwards.
Brand new restoration and paint - a thing of beauty.
He had the 2 150 gallon drop tanks (?)anyhow the big ones and as I recall and said that using long range cruise power settings fuel was not a problem. A very nice man who had his sxxt together and every confidence in the aircraft. (a tall man with steel grey eyes as intrepid aviators were always described in days of yore)
The fellows ADF was U/S and we helped him fix it. Minor snag I think it was a loose grounding wire on the antenna.
I have a very low quality photo somewhere at home and will try to find it.
Such a wonderful noise.

Was it this one

I have a recollection of two Corsairs at Belize in the 70/80's ? We were told they were being ferried to the USA after being retired from a South American air force. Can anyone confirm this ?

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Yes it really happened - P-51s dogfighting with F4Us!

Fans of the Corsair in the first video clip (G-FGID) will be pleased to know that following extensive engine work she is now undergoing function checks in our hangar, and will very soon be aloft again. One of the most original Corsairs in existence, we're all looking forward to showing her off again at Flying Legends 2014 :ok:

Good job it's not a Vought-built airframe, you'd never have got the CAA to give you G-F4U1. :O

In answer to AA62, I was in Belize when the Corsairs ferried up from Honduras on their way to the Confederate airforce in the US. One of the aircraft had lost a drop tank on takeoff from Honduras when he brought the gear up and the other couldn't get one u/c leg down on arrival at Belize. An immaculately flown approach, with the engine shut down short finals to avoid engine shock, resulted in a successful wheels up landing. With the help of the RAF ground crew and a prop flown in from the US, the aircraft went on its way northwards. I always remember my amazement at the age of the skilful pilot when he stepped out of the aircraft - he looked really old, but then this was from the eyes of a 22 yr old! I'm not sure on which Belize detachment this took place but suspect it was the first in 75-76.

bonajet,
thank you for the confirmation. As usual in these cases my camera was nowhere to hand !

One of the most original Corsairs in existence......
 

This one's much more original . . . KD431 at the FAA musem, Yeovilton. The book detailing its return to 'original' status is a fascinating read . . . not sure if still in print . . . . the last time I was there I don't recall the museum even had a copy! Am prepared to be proved wrong though . . .

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