Classic Air Force

[106500]

It occurred to me that it's been quite a while since there's been news on the whereabouts and status of the Classic Air Force aircraft following its sad demise last year. In particular, who can forget the wonderful Meteor, Vampire and Venom displays of 2015! Where are they now? Has the unfortunate events at Shoreham spelt their permanent grounding?

[LN Strike Eagle]

The Vampire was sold and left the country to fly to Jordan last spring. I believe the remainder of the jets are still for sale.

[Spotty_Jag]

The DH Dove was sold to AeroLegends and both DH Rapides were sold to Classic Wings. As Dan said, one of the Vampires has been sold to Jordan.

The rest of the fleet remains for sale at bargain bucket prices. In the meantime, their insurance cover was cancelled so most of the fleet haven't flown in over 24 months which for jets like the Meteor and Venom means restoration work is required if/when they are flown again. A sad state of affairs given the number of events which would likely be interested in booking classic RAF aircraft types in 2018...

[CameronSys]

G-HELV Vampire was indeed sold, and now resides in Jordan. Here is a photo of its final landing at Coventry, the day before beginning the long journey east...
Vampire G-HELV by Cameron Sys, on Flickr

As said above, the DH Devon VP981 was sold to Aero Legends, as was the Percival Prentice. DH89 Rapide G-AIDL was sold to Classic Wings, however G-AGTM (the other Rapide) was not. It has been sold to a private owner, in the UK. Chipmunk G-APLO was sold to a private owner and resides in the Netherlands I believe. Dakotas G-ANAF and G-AMPY remain based at Coventry to fulfil their RVL Oil Spill Response contracts. The Percival Pembroke has flown to its new owner, and is now based near Dublin - the Chrislea Super Ace and Twin Pin (whether by road or by air is unclear at the moment) are also planned to join it. The Anson, has flown very recently...

As is very well documented, Canberra B.2/6 WK163 has been sold to a well known owner at Doncaster.

The remainder of the fleet are still hangared at Coventry, being looked after until such a time that they sell. Don't assume the worst is all I will say about these.

Cameron

[mr_craig]

Most can be found here. They may be advertised elsewhere.
http://www.historicandclassicaircraftsales.com/

[Spotty_Jag]

The remainder of the fleet are still hangared at Coventry, being looked after until such a time that they sell. Don't assume the worst is all I will say about these.

How many engineers/aircrew are still on the books at Air Atlantique, and "looking after" the jets then, out of interest?

[106500]

G-HELV Vampire was indeed sold, and now resides in Jordan. Here is a photo of its final landing at Coventry, the day before beginning the long journey east...
Vampire G-HELV by Cameron Sys, on Flickr

As said above, the DH Devon VP981 was sold to Aero Legends, as was the Percival Prentice. DH89 Rapide G-AIDL was sold to Classic Wings, however G-AGTM (the other Rapide) was not. It has been sold to a private owner, in the UK. Chipmunk G-APLO was sold to a private owner and resides in the Netherlands I believe. Dakotas G-ANAF and G-AMPY remain based at Coventry to fulfil their RVL Oil Spill Response contracts. The Percival Pembroke has flown to its new owner, and is now based near Dublin - the Chrislea Super Ace and Twin Pin (whether by road or by air is unclear at the moment) are also planned to join it. The Anson, has flown very recently...

As is very well documented, Canberra B.2/6 WK163 has been sold to a well known owner at Doncaster.

The remainder of the fleet are still hangared at Coventry, being looked after until such a time that they sell. Don't assume the worst is all I will say about these.

Cameron

This is a terrific, comprehensive update, thanks. Particularly interested in the Twin Pin. I'd love to see that fly again. Also rather surprised the Meteors haven't sold, they are really special aircraft.

[FGR2]

In autumn 2015, I heard that the Anson and Meteor T7 were going to the same UK owner.

The rest of the collection were intended to stay together and flown by another UK operator.

Seeing that the Meteor is up for sale on Platinum Fighters, I can only assume that this/these deals came to nothing.

It is a shame that with the RAF's anniversary next year, it looks like some of the most significant aircraft in British Military History will be non-airworthy in a hangar.

[CameronSys]

In autumn 2015, I heard that the Anson and Meteor T7 were going to the same UK owner.
The rest of the collection were intended to stay together and flown by another UK operator...
...I can only assume that this/these deals came to nothing.

Correct, sadly nothing ever came of those talks.

It is a shame that with the RAF's anniversary next year, it looks like some of the most significant aircraft in British Military History will be non-airworthy in a hangar.

And to that, never say never...

[Tommy]

They would've needed a re-brand, but if VTTS really wanted to keep themselves in the game, this, or part of this collection should have been on their shopping list, imo.

[Spotty_Jag]

There's only one Venom listed on the HCAS website? Does that mean one has already been sold?

[PeterR]

If any with some cash to burn reads this, feel free to steal the idea:

"PHOENIX SQUADRON" (Because they're rising from the ashes, get it?).

To start with just acquire...
Canberra (Ex-Midair PR9 is probably easiest)
Meteor (Preferably both of them, but the T7 first.)
Venom (Just the FB1/FB50)
Vampire (Preferably the VPG T11)

And if funds allowed...
Hunter (A T variant, sure you can pick one up for cheap in the current climate)
Buccaneer (ZU-NIP is available but I imagine they'd be a lot of paperwork involved).

You model the collection to be self-funding by selling flights using the same authorisation model that now allows Spitfire passenger flights etc. It'd be pricey but imagine the corporate hospitality days when you and your boss would dogfight in a pair of classic British fighter jets? It'd be a niece market but I'm sure they are people out their who would have the cash to burn for their chance to fly in these aircraft.

I think having them all in matching colour scheme with newly designed Phoenix Squadron markings would be the best way forward, even if they had to wear their G- registrations rather than authentic colour schemes. Just for the brand identity value and it would also allow sponsors logos to be applied to the airframes when required. For example, a local hotel/restaurant can sponsor the appearance of one of the jets at their local airshow and their reward is their logo stickered onto the topside/tail/droptank (depending on how much they spend) of the aircraft for that display. I know there's plenty of enthusiasts who think that would be a sin, but a choice of a flying jet with logos or a grounded one in authentic scheme only has one winner in my eyes.

Of course, airshow bookings would also help the revenue stream. Create a public hype behind the Phoenix Squadron which would lead to public desire to have them booked at their local airshows. Look at how many more bookings Miss Demeanour got that other Hunters, because of the recognisable paint scheme and hype around that. Displays could just be solos but also routines of multi aircraft formations available for bigger events with bigger budgets.

Also a proper membership programme with weekly donations of differing amounts getting different access. Weekly newsletters don't cost much to produce for your loyal supporters, and also exclusive photoshoot opportunities for club members etc. The possibilities with this are endless and who wouldn't donate £1 a week to help jets in the air, every little helps! Hangar tours could also be offered, perhaps with a small fee on top for members but steeper prices for non-members.

Anyone who knows a good investment banker, drop me a PM and we'll make it happen..!

[RAF4EVER]

[quote="PeterR"]If any with some cash to burn reads this, feel free to steal the idea:

"PHOENIX SQUADRON" (Because they're rising from the ashes, get it?).

To start with just acquire...
Canberra (Ex-Midair PR9 is probably easiest)
Meteor (Preferably both of them, but the T7 first.)
Venom (Just the FB1/FB50)
Vampire (Preferably the VPG T11)

And if funds allowed...
Hunter (A T variant, sure you can pick one up for cheap in the current climate)
Buccaneer (ZU-NIP is available but I imagine they'd be a lot of paperwork involved).

You model the collection to be self-funding by selling flights using the same authorisation model that now allows Spitfire passenger flights etc. It'd be pricey but imagine the corporate hospitality days when you and your boss would dogfight in a pair of classic British fighter jets? It'd be a niece market but I'm sure they are people out their who would have the cash to burn for their chance to fly in these aircraft.

What is a niece market?,or do you mean niche.?

[GertrudetheMerciless]

They would've needed a re-brand, but if VTTS really wanted to keep themselves in the game, this, or part of this collection should have been on their shopping list, IMO.

So they bought the most unairworthy one!

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but with the stated long term aims of the project you do wonder whether a smaller start would have been better. Then again, maybe CAF saw it as an opportunity to sell the Canberra? We just don't know.

[Wes_Howes]

"PHOENIX SQUADRON" (Because they're rising from the ashes, get it?).

I'd had similar ideas regarding this, just need that huge Euromillions win first

[106500]

"PHOENIX SQUADRON" (Because they're rising from the ashes, get it?).

I'd had similar ideas regarding this, just need that huge Euromillions win first

If you won a roll over Euromillions jackpot you'd be able to import a SA Lightning and fly it - everything has its price!

[Pat Murphy]

"PHOENIX SQUADRON" (Because they're rising from the ashes, get it?).

I'd had similar ideas regarding this, just need that huge Euromillions win first

If you won a roll over Euromillions jackpot you'd be able to import a SA Lightning and fly it - everything has its price!

Even a Rollover Euromillions won't get that flying in the UK, more's the pity. CAA sez No

[The Baron]

And to that, never say never...

Care to expand on this Cameron? Living close to Coventry you obviously have info us mere mortals might be interested in.
Personally, besides the Meteors I want to see the Anson, Pembroke and Twin Pin back on the circuit.

[106500]

Must admit I'm intrigued about the Twin Pin and the long saga about its wing struts. As I understand it, replacements were found and imported but didn't fit. Any update on this story? I for one yearn to see this plane back in the air where it belongs!

[Spotty_Jag]

Personally, I want to see the Pembroke back on the circuit.

The AA/CAF example was sold, and likewise the example previously operated by Andrew Dixon has a new owner too, based at St Athan.
I believe both aircraft are available for display bookings so they may be seen during 2017? Guess we need one of the display organisers who frequent the forum to confirm if that's the case?

[Beech18Boy]

Personally, I want to see the Pembroke back on the circuit.

The AA/CAF example was sold, and likewise the example previously operated by Andrew Dixon has a new owner too, based at St Athan.
I believe both aircraft are available for display bookings so they may be seen during 2017? Guess we need one of the display organisers who frequent the forum to confirm if that's the case?

Andrew Dixon's Pembroke is now owned by Mark Stott down at St Athan with his other 2 very significant British aircraft, if you would like to see the pembroke it will be at Halfpenny Green in April for the Radial Fly-in for the weekend.

there is plenty of interesting things going on with CAF aircraft what that space...

[106500]

Wow, that's 2 x clearly informed posters who imply exciting time ahead for the former CAF aircraft! Surely we can't just leave it there - any more snippets pretty please?!

[CameronSys]

Must admit I'm intrigued about the Twin Pin and the long saga about its wing struts. As I understand it, replacements were found and imported but didn't fit. Any update on this story? I for one yearn to see this plane back in the air where it belongs!

Imported wing struts didn't fit, so it was decided that some should be scratch made. The issue being the original strut material is no longer available, so a lighter but stronger material had to be used - which of course needed to be approved. This process began, but I'm not sure if it ever progressed past that.

[Beech18Boy]

Wow, that's 2 x clearly informed posters who imply exciting time ahead for the former CAF aircraft! Surely we can't just leave it there - any more snippets pretty please?!

The DC6 is wanted to carry passengers to take them back to a golden age of travel when the issues are solved.

[CameronSys]

Wow, that's 2 x clearly informed posters who imply exciting time ahead for the former CAF aircraft! Surely we can't just leave it there - any more snippets pretty please?!

The DC6 is wanted to carry passengers to take them back to a golden age of travel when the issues are solved.

Indeed I just hope the flights are priced affordably and not just for the richer among us...