N447FT
 

It is known that this aircraft has continued to linger at BOH and that its current owners continue to assert that it remains their ultimate intention to have this one-off type returned to an airworthy condition.
The primary cause of the aircraft's grounding some 11 years ago was the corrosion that was evident.
However, this was not the first occasion that corrosion and exfoliation were found for in February 1992 whilst in service with Heavylift Cargo Airlines, it was recorded that corrosion was found on the forward wing spar, port side together with an area around the front spar cap.
Whilst the aircraft did re-enter service following much repair work, the eventual inspection did deem the aircraft to be beyond repair.
The aircraft was withdrawn from service and presented to an Association
although, following a short time, was re-sold and re-registered, receiving the Philippines Registration of RP-C8029.
This proved to be short-lived and a new owner re-registered the aircraft as N447FT reflecting its earlier life with the Flying Tiger Line.
Since then, it has remained under CAA Grounding Orders whilst no longer having the support of Bombardier or Rolls Royce.
It would be interesting to learn what Design Authority Approval the many issues of repair or refurbishment are now being met

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Skymonster.JPG

For those wondering what this aircraft is, click here...

N447FT
 

T'would be enlightening to know from someone (anyone) what alternatives
ARE available to this aircraft.
The current owner insists that it will fly out of BOH but given opposition to that ever happening again (professional and legal opposition such as CAA Grounding Orders), is that a reality?

All opinions welcome

This aircraft should of never left the USA it should of stayed there in a museum. Even when it originally arrived at Teesside it was obvious that nothing was going to become of it. Lets hope some sort of preservation can be made in the uk, nip it over to Kemble and stick it next to the Britannia!

It should be possible to put a team together that can negotiate a one-off ferry flight out of the UK. Most important is that such a team is composed of credible individuals with a solid reputation in the industry. But where would you go?

Job for Mr Weaver & SkyFerry?

Surely it would be cheaper to buy an AN-124?