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Classic Flight Update

Posted: 21 Nov 2006, 22:41
by Tom Everitt AFG
I know there is interest amongst people here in what goes on at Coventry so here is a little bit of an update and a hint of what is to come in 2007 for Classic Flight.

1st, we are no longer on the market! Mike has decided he would rather like to hang onto the Flight and has a renewed interest and drive towards us, which is good!

We have NOT bought Deenethorpe airfield as recently reported in Aircraft Illustrated and Pilot magazine and I'm not entirely sure how they came to that conclusion! It IS one of several airfields being evaluated as a possible future home for us but any development on that front is likely to be some time away.

The restoration of Percival Proctor V G-AKIU is about to be transferred to Coventry for completion this will hopefully be completed next year. This will be another addition to the pleasure flying fleet and I believe the only Proctor available for pleasure flights in the UK. Our Hunter has also now arrived at Kemble for rebuild and will hopefully be completed in 2008. We are also currently looking at several other types to add to the collection, both Jet and Piston.

Our 2007 events program is now on the website and available for booking. By early 2007 we will have approval in place to operate A-B flights on our Devon, Rapides and Prentice. This will allow us to operate these aircraft into airshows and events around the country and one new feature for next year will be special two day airshow excursions on the Devon. These will feature special behind the scenes access to the chosen events.

I'm also pleased to say we have reached agreement with the Shuttleworth collection to operate Rapide pleasure flights from all of their day airshows next year.

2007 will see a huge increase in DC3 pleasure flying. I am currently speaking with airports around the UK to arrange dates for this to take place, so why keep an eye out for us in your area and come fly on a true legend! Our Rapide pleasure flying operation will also expand and new venues will be announced in the near future.

Classic Flight must rank as one of the most important collections of CLASSIC BRITISH aircraft in the world (+ Dak and DC6 of course). Our small team works very hard to keep these aircraft flying, but without the support of the paying public - you - this wouldn't be possible at all. Even if you only buy a patch from our shop, you are helping us maintain these aircraft for future generations and for that we are very grateful.

We will have a new website on-line at the start of December with more news and updates so have a look at classicflight.com on December 1st.

Tom.

Posted: 22 Nov 2006, 01:22
by DaveB
TksVM for the update Tom :wink: Back from the brink once more with much brighter news for the future :rock:

ATB

DaveB :tab:

Posted: 22 Nov 2006, 08:30
by jamesstables
I'm pleased to see you're doing sheffield again- I missed out last time as I could't do the rearranged date :sad:

Looks like the april one is while I'm home for easter! :dance:

Posted: 22 Nov 2006, 09:36
by Nigel H-J
1st, we are no longer on the market!
Good news indeed Tom. :dance:

Posted: 23 Nov 2006, 01:33
by TSR2
Thats great stuff Tom... Look forward to seing you next year, both on the ground and in the air. Well done to all at AACF and good luck for 2007! :smile:

Posted: 23 Nov 2006, 02:24
by Chris Trott
Great news Tom. Hope to get to visit the UK and the collection some time.

Posted: 23 Nov 2006, 10:10
by Filonian
That's good news indeed Tom.

It is good to know that there are people and organisations about that are willing to keep these great machines where they belong, in the air. I have a particularly soft spot for the Rapide, being the second aircraft I went up in at EGNM more years ag than I care to remember.

Best wishes for 2007 and the future.

Graham

Posted: 23 Nov 2006, 19:01
by Chris558
Hi Tom

Yes, I did read about the supposed purchase in 'Aircraft illustrated' and thought I would have seen it here first. :roll:

Good to know it's staying in reliable hands. All the best for next year! :wink:

Re: Classic Flight Update

Posted: 23 Nov 2006, 21:41
by Hot_Charlie
Tom Everitt AFG wrote: 1st, we are no longer on the market! Mike has decided he would rather like to hang onto the Flight and has a renewed interest and drive towards us, which is good!
That's very good to hear. You did have to wonder if he ever really wanted to sell it...