Thunder City aftermath
 

I happened upon a science documentary last night and Professor Brian Cox took a ride in one of the Lightnings up to 50,000ft plus to see the atmosphere etc etc. The Documentary was filmed in 2010, so all was still good with Mike Beachyhead and his wonderful stable of fast jets.

Obviously I know about the crash and the SA CAA shutdown. I was hoping to hear from those who might know, rather than read websites about the demise. Also, how much did it cost for a single Lightning sortie, as I've heard all sorts of figures quoted ?

I also saw the documentary and was surprised that if he really went to much over 50,000ft. he did so without a proper pressure jerkin and suitable helmet!

The program was first shown on TV in 2010 IIRC, it was however filmed in 2009, as Cox flew in ZU-BEX (ex-XS451) which was the T.5 that crashed in Nov 2009.
I have a vague recollection that Ian Black (the last pilot to qualify to fly the Lightning in the RAF) was flying the other T.5 which was used (the black ex-XS452 which he'd flown many times from Binbrook) to film the external inflight shots from, for the BBC filming sequence.

A year old admittedly but the latest news that I know of :Hangar 51 company buys Thunder City collection of Ex-Military Jets and aims to use it for Adversary Air Services - The Aviation Geek Club

A little update on one of the ex-Thundercity EE Lightnings

Stellenbosch Flying Club (my flying base here in SA) is taking EE Lighting XR773 (ZU-BEW), which will be restored for static display alongside ex SAAF Mirage F1CZ, 207.

As a club which welcomes visitors, be sure to drop by and have a look if you are ever passing

XR773

XW 987 was one of the three S2s delivered direct to Farnborough in '75 (could have been '74) and as such would have lower airframe hours compared to one of the 'operational' Buccs. I was present in the tower for several practice RHAG engagements with it plus at least one for real.