Sun Oct 07, 2007 10:26 pm
JDK wrote:CAPFlyer's points on the DA are correct, I understand. However...
I'm not sure what you mean? As a generalisation, the static preserved aircraft in the UK are either cared for or ideally inhibited protected (lots of exceptions). There's a lot of enthusiasts 'running' un-airworthy aircraft, ranging from Canberras having working electrics and lighting to the English Electric Lightnings, Vulcan, Victor and this Lancaster, all capable of 'fast taxiing'. In each case, that kind of achievement is within the qualification, enthusiasm and finances of voluntary groups. Operating an airworthy equivalent is almost impossible on that basis (with a couple of exceptions). Despite the additional risks of personal risk and airframe loss, these guys get my support - it's fun, it's interesting, and it's dooable.
While the legal and certification requirements for a taxiing jet or bomber are much lower than for a flyer, the guy(s) driving (usually type ex-pilots) aren't going to strap into something with bits that might go twang, and from my understanding, these dedicated volunteers put countless hours of back-breaking work to make everything work as well as possible. The exception (in all cases, I'd expect globally) is that weapon systems don't work.
Not only are they not 'deteriorating' but these people are fund-raising for buildings, putting them up themselves, and working every weekend to maintain these machines - unless you know different?
In short, there are lots of people who can get an aircraft ground running who haven't a hope of flying it - that's a positive, and draws more people into active aviation, rather than being a failure to launch. Had this thread had a more accurate title 'Lancaster Just Jane taxi run' we'd not be here, methinks!
Regards,
Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:02 pm
CAPFlyer wrote:Most static examples are not internally maintained beyond cursory checks of the primary structure and the external skins. They look great, but they are still slowly deteriorating inside until they reach such a point that future flight is impossible no matter how much money one may be able to come up with.
Mon Oct 08, 2007 9:47 am
Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:06 am