Third Lancaster bomber 'could fly soon'
Discussion
I'm so sure.
NX611 is in very much "proper" Worls War 2 condition. If she is to go back into the air, it is almost definite that she will have to be modified to comply with current regulations.
And it could mean the end of the enthusiast access to the on board taxi-runs and engine run ups.
NX611 is in very much "proper" Worls War 2 condition. If she is to go back into the air, it is almost definite that she will have to be modified to comply with current regulations.
And it could mean the end of the enthusiast access to the on board taxi-runs and engine run ups.
Eric Mc said:
And it could mean the end of the enthusiast access to the on board taxi-runs and engine run ups.
Given the exposed nature of the flying controls, I'd say that would probably be the case.Has the one in Canada started flying again? I heard she was grounded a couple of months ago...
Eric Mc said:
I'm so sure.
NX611 is in very much "proper" Worls War 2 condition. If she is to go back into the air, it is almost definite that she will have to be modified to comply with current regulations.
And it could mean the end of the enthusiast access to the on board taxi-runs and engine run ups.
But which is better - taxi runs with passengers, or another Lancaster in the air?NX611 is in very much "proper" Worls War 2 condition. If she is to go back into the air, it is almost definite that she will have to be modified to comply with current regulations.
And it could mean the end of the enthusiast access to the on board taxi-runs and engine run ups.
Since we already have two of them airworthy, I would say having an open access, working Lancaster available to enthusiasts and veterans is actually a very good thing.
If they were able to combine airworthiness status with WW2 authenticity and access - then I would be all for geting her back in the air. But my expectation is that, if she is to become a flier again, she will be changed internally and access will become far less.
The upside is that more people will see her - from a distance - where she will just look much like PA474 - apart from whatver squadron codes and markings she will wear.
If they were able to combine airworthiness status with WW2 authenticity and access - then I would be all for geting her back in the air. But my expectation is that, if she is to become a flier again, she will be changed internally and access will become far less.
The upside is that more people will see her - from a distance - where she will just look much like PA474 - apart from whatver squadron codes and markings she will wear.
davepoth said:
Eric Mc said:
I'm so sure.
NX611 is in very much "proper" Worls War 2 condition. If she is to go back into the air, it is almost definite that she will have to be modified to comply with current regulations.
And it could mean the end of the enthusiast access to the on board taxi-runs and engine run ups.
But which is better - taxi runs with passengers, or another Lancaster in the air?NX611 is in very much "proper" Worls War 2 condition. If she is to go back into the air, it is almost definite that she will have to be modified to comply with current regulations.
And it could mean the end of the enthusiast access to the on board taxi-runs and engine run ups.
The brothers aren't getting any younger, and they always wanted to see it back in the air one day. It could also be that they are thinking about what happens to JJ when they are not around anymore, and perhaps they see that her being airworthy might mean she has better prospects beyond their care if she is....?
Eric Mc said:
It's quite a complex conundrum.
The site of two Lancasters in the air at the same time would be very inspiring I agree.
But would what we gain with another flying Lancaster be worth what we lose by removing the access and authenticity available at the moment?
Access to JJ isn't that easy, it's in the middle of nowhere for a start and turning up on the day doesn't guarantee anything really. I'd like to see the Duxford one made more accessable and have JJ fly again, operating from Duxford if possible to ensure it's supportThe site of two Lancasters in the air at the same time would be very inspiring I agree.
But would what we gain with another flying Lancaster be worth what we lose by removing the access and authenticity available at the moment?
Hooli said:
Good luck to them, I didn't realise it could be that soon. Last time I visited (a few months ago) the notices were talking about a five year plan to get year plan to get her airborne.
Depends on the definition of soon though.The 5 year plan is probably on course timewise, given that timeframe started at least 3 years ago.
Bearing in mind they are saying that they hope to do the job in 14 months once they have assembled all of the bits that they have on the listed of 'bits needed' and the 'go' decision is made to start dismantling her and transporting it all to wherever location they intend to rebuild her at.
If this indeed feasible I would love to see her take to the air. The Lancaster is a wonderful aircraft, and while the ground runs have been fantastic to watch & participate in.. she deserves to fly. I can't get away from the feeling that a great aircraft like this is stuck earthbound. Flight is where they are best appreciated.
To see her 'perhaps' one day fly & formate with PA474 would be awe inspiring & very emotional.
Maybe...there would exist a way to actually see all 3 Lancs fly together..maybe.
To see her 'perhaps' one day fly & formate with PA474 would be awe inspiring & very emotional.
Maybe...there would exist a way to actually see all 3 Lancs fly together..maybe.
Is anyone totally sure they would not allow people into Just Jane if airworthy ? If you were still able to maybe pay to go onboard, but without a taxi run and she was airworthy, I'd say that would be ideal.
I had a taxi run in Just Jane a while back ( there is a thread on here ) and while being onboard as each engine starts, and then all 4 are taken up to near crusing speeds is an amazing experience I will never forget, one of the best things was after the run when everyone was still onboard and we swapped crew postions and got the chance to chat with the team that looks after her. For me, just being sat in that rear turret and thinking about what war time air crews must have gone through, was a real moment I won't forget. Trust me, it really brings it home.
I would hope just being able to go onboard could be a possibility and a fund raiser too. If not perhaps she has served her time as a museum display and now deserves the chance to fly. Whatever happens, I think its a win win situation.
I had a taxi run in Just Jane a while back ( there is a thread on here ) and while being onboard as each engine starts, and then all 4 are taken up to near crusing speeds is an amazing experience I will never forget, one of the best things was after the run when everyone was still onboard and we swapped crew postions and got the chance to chat with the team that looks after her. For me, just being sat in that rear turret and thinking about what war time air crews must have gone through, was a real moment I won't forget. Trust me, it really brings it home.
I would hope just being able to go onboard could be a possibility and a fund raiser too. If not perhaps she has served her time as a museum display and now deserves the chance to fly. Whatever happens, I think its a win win situation.
Mr_B said:
Is anyone totally sure they would not allow people into Just Jane if airworthy ? If you were still able to maybe pay to go onboard, but without a taxi run and she was airworthy, I'd say that would be ideal.
I had a taxi run in Just Jane a while back ( there is a thread on here ) and while being onboard as each engine starts, and then all 4 are taken up to near crusing speeds is an amazing experience I will never forget, one of the best things was after the run when everyone was still onboard and we swapped crew postions and got the chance to chat with the team that looks after her. For me, just being sat in that rear turret and thinking about what war time air crews must have gone through, was a real moment I won't forget. Trust me, it really brings it home.
I would hope just being able to go onboard could be a possibility and a fund raiser too. If not perhaps she has served her time as a museum display and now deserves the chance to fly. Whatever happens, I think its a win win situation.
The nearest example to how a privately owned flyable Just Jane could operate is the B-17 Sally B. Sally B DOES NOT perform engine run-ups and taxying with members of the public on board and she certainly doesn't fly with members of the public on board. However, the public is allowed on bord when she is parked.I had a taxi run in Just Jane a while back ( there is a thread on here ) and while being onboard as each engine starts, and then all 4 are taken up to near crusing speeds is an amazing experience I will never forget, one of the best things was after the run when everyone was still onboard and we swapped crew postions and got the chance to chat with the team that looks after her. For me, just being sat in that rear turret and thinking about what war time air crews must have gone through, was a real moment I won't forget. Trust me, it really brings it home.
I would hope just being able to go onboard could be a possibility and a fund raiser too. If not perhaps she has served her time as a museum display and now deserves the chance to fly. Whatever happens, I think its a win win situation.
Waynester said:
Was there a waiting list after booking the JJ experience Mr B, if so how long approx?
I haven't looked at the website in detail but I assume there are different cost package experiences?
It was given to me as a gift and bought I think 6 months in advance and was one of the last dates available. I believe all of 2012 was booked well in advance, so it's not something you can do on a whim. Check the site, they still have a few dates for 2013.I haven't looked at the website in detail but I assume there are different cost package experiences?
I did the basic taxy ride. There is a VIP package which is a lunch with the crew and a longer time spent onboard Just Jane prior to the taxy run.
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