Sud-Aviation "Caravelle"
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Sud-Aviation "Caravelle"
I would like to know if somewhere in this wide world a Caravelle exists? Parked somewhere waiting for someone crazy enough and with deep pockets to do whatever it takes to ferry to the East coast USA. Not tomorrow but time is passing. Might there be an example in a collection which could be acquired? If we don't ask we'll never find. Many thanks. Michael Whitcomb
There was until relatively recently a Caravelle in Africa, perhaps Gabon, that was flying but now on the ground. However, unless it's under cover it's chances of being in a decent state is small going by the many classics that you can see parked up at various airports on the African continent. Always liked the Caravelle I have to say.
SHJ
SHJ
I had a a few minutes free to assuage my curiosity and yes indeed it was Gabon, but the airline Gabon Express ceased operating in 2004, so said Caravelle is most likely sitting in Libreville gathering dust. Here's a little video about the airline that features the HS748 and the Caravelle, simply filmed, but charming.
Gabon Express ? Caravelle e Avro ainda voando #video : Aviões e Músicas
SHJ
Gabon Express ? Caravelle e Avro ainda voando #video : Aviões e Músicas
SHJ
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Worked for Sud Aviation/Aerospatiale in 72/73 as an exchange student in Toulouse. At the time they were still building the Caravelle, stretched version for Sterling Airways as I remember. Great looking aircraft but have to say never enjoyed being SLF in them. The guys I worked with reckoned it had a super efficient wing which would allow it to glide from Paris to Toulouse!! Never bothered to verify if this was true or just French bravado.
At the time work was also taking place on Concorde and the Prototype A300 was being assembled in the (then) new hangar next door. Interesting times for a 21 year old aviation nut.
At the time work was also taking place on Concorde and the Prototype A300 was being assembled in the (then) new hangar next door. Interesting times for a 21 year old aviation nut.
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I remember travelling with Hispania from Manchester to Palma in the Caravelle. We where seated front row right side next to a door which had ice forming on the inside as we cruised at 41,000 feet !!.
Another "Caravelle" moment occured some time later when monitoring another Hispania flight into Teesside late on a Friday evening. Visibility was poor with autumn fog and the Caravelle was directed to the holding pattern. I seem to recal he only made a couple of circuits before declaring a fuel emergency and immediate diversion to Manchester, where a straight in approach was completed.
I seem to recall seeing a couple parked up at Perpignan / Rivesaltes a few years back. Maybe they are still there ?.
Another "Caravelle" moment occured some time later when monitoring another Hispania flight into Teesside late on a Friday evening. Visibility was poor with autumn fog and the Caravelle was directed to the holding pattern. I seem to recal he only made a couple of circuits before declaring a fuel emergency and immediate diversion to Manchester, where a straight in approach was completed.
I seem to recall seeing a couple parked up at Perpignan / Rivesaltes a few years back. Maybe they are still there ?.
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A sizeable proportion (40+) of the 280 or so Caravelles built are extant, but the chances of getting any one of them back into airworthy condition are close to zero.
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I had a a few minutes free to assuage my curiosity and yes indeed it was Gabon, but the airline Gabon Express ceased operating in 2004, so said Caravelle is most likely sitting in Libreville gathering dust. Here's a little video about the airline that features the HS748 and the Caravelle, simply filmed, but charming.
