Ride in a Lancaster
 

For those interested, an auction is to be held for a taxi in a Lancaster, Just Jane, at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre on 22 September. Also on offer is a chance to fly in a Mosquito.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...shire-45454398

I can't help but think that running it as a well publicised lottery rather than an auction would raise a greater sum, especially as I suspect the winning bid is going to be 4 figures or more, which is way more than the other half would consider allowing me to bid.

As for the mosquito flight, that's National Lottery wet dream territory

I think you'll find it's a taxi ride in both.

I had a Just Jane taxi ride about 8-10 years ago. Sitting in the WOp seat while the engines started up was an incredible experience - you feel the engines rather than hear them. The taxi ride in a way was an anticlimax after that. I couldn't fit in the rear gunners position - I was far to tall and wide!!

R101

I too had a taxi "experience" in Just Jane......and what an experience! Agree with r101.....the taxi itself was great.....but feeling the Merlins through the airframe and my feet was something I'll never forget. I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what it must have been like.....which was ridiculous and pointless! The whole experience was memorable though! Hope they get her airworthy!:ok:

I had the experience of 1,500 hours in a Shackleton, so although I would have liked a taxi in Just Jane, I don't think that my hearing will cooperate!

As for getting her airborne.... I have mixed emotions. While it would be good to see two Lancasters in the air together again (after the Vera visit), perhaps it might be better to save Just Jane in case something happens to the BBMF Lanc and she can no longer fly - then we could get Just Jane fit for flight and would have many more Lancaster flying hours into the future rather than use up hours on two Lancs at the same time.

Have a look at post #4 on this thread where I refer to paid "joyrides" in a Lanc in Australia. I did know the actual sum charged for a flight but it's a bit hazy - I think it was in the region of Aus£15, a not inconsiderable sum in 1945 but still a bargain, even allowing for inflation.

https://www.pprune.org/military-avia...lancaster.html

Mrs. dook did the trip for free in the BoB Lancaster - to Luxembourg and return with a display at Vilz. :ok:

I spoke with Fred Panton once and asked him if he was going up in Just Jane on her maiden flight. ''No!' He replied with a twinkle in his eye. '''But I might go up on the second!'.

I tend to agree. A backup could be a better bet for the future.

I wonder what the airframe hours are on PA 474.