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Post by PB on Apr 19, 2023 6:24:25 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 19/04/23For many years Blackbushe throbbed to the sound of large and powerful piston engines as aeroplanes of the time went about their business. For some of us those sounds are but a distant memory, the sight of the airliners of the day still saved in 'memory' and also in places such as our Blackbushe Forum.. Throughout the ensuing decades that followed Blackbushe's closure in 1960 the memories have lingered only recaptured when the occasional Dakota has come and gone, a Bristol Freighter arrived for some TV movie work, or two Varsities participated in the 1977 Blackbushe Air Festival..the Breitling Super Constellation gave us a farewell flypast en rout to Farnborough, and DC-6 G-APSA came to see us in 2008.
The very last Bristol Freighter at Blackbushe, on a movie making job..
The Varsities 'farewell'. Two joined up for a nostalgic two-ship display at the 1977 Blackbushe Air Festival...
A couple of fly-bys by Brietling's Connie...
The last of the many..DC-6 G-APSA saying 'farewell' to Blackbushe.
The Viking was without doubt the most abundant of airliners at Blackbushe through the 1950s, but the prospect of seeing one here again were nil, not a chance, they've been scrapped or in one or two rare cases preserved for the sake of history. BUT, through the Blackbushe Heritage Trust and fantastic support by your donations, British Airways and Blackbushe Airport the impossible is about to become possible! This weekend coming our team will be in Austria preparing our Viking for the journey home to Blackbushe. She should be arriving home in the not too distant future!!Photographed by Trust Secretary David Payne this week, "RW" has now been moved from her Austrian grassy resting place to solid tarmac. The job of dismantling awaits..Meanwhile, at Blackbushe preparations are in full swing! The new hangar that will protect the Viking, and all who work on her, is currently being assembled. It will be complete by the end of this week.What would be appreciated are some more hands to help painting the two large containers that form the side of the 'hangar'. Are you free this week to do some painting for a while?? If the answer's "YES" perhaps you could leave me a message via the Forum's 'Message' facility or leave your contact detail on the "POTD Comments" section and we'll get back to you.. Thanks!! Paint, rollers, and PPE supplied...
Meanwhile, as we look forward to June 3rd and the Blackbushe Air Day new aeroplanes continue to be added to the 'static park' exhibits. An interesting gathering awaits!!!
Hopefully some of you can assist at Blackbushe with the painting operation this week? Meanwhile, thanks for tuning into the BB Forum, wouldn't be the same without you!!
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 20, 2023 7:33:46 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 20/04/23Work continues today on the Viking hangar at Blackbushe. As discussed yesterday in the POTD paragraphs volunteer painters are invited to join the fun and paint the shipping containers that form the side of the structure that will be home to the Viking during her restoration period. Nobody came forth from yesterday's call for volunteer painters, the invitation goes out again today! If you fancy some Blackbushe air in your lungs while doing a very worthwhile task in good company just leave a note under the Forum's "Messages" facility or leave a note in the "POTD Comments" section and we'll get back to you.. Hopefully there is someone who can wield a paintbrush and would like to leave their mark on the exciting 'Viking returns to Blackbushe' story? All necessary equipment provided, including PPE....
The blue bits will be turning green..
Another Vickers design made its first flight on this day, April 20th in 1959. The Vanguard lifted off from Brooklands for her first taste of flight, returning to the Weybridge airfield for her continued development. The Vanguard came along just in time to enjoy Blackbushe's runways when G-AOYW made some training flights and approaches during 1959, and BEA conducted Vanguard crew training at Blackbushe with Vanguards G-APEA, G-APED, and G-APEE during the first three months of 1960. Blackbushe's closure in May put an end to more than just Vanguard operations..
Not related to Blackbushe, but on this day in Brazil back in 2008, Brazilian priest Adelir Carlie attempted to break the world 19 hour record for flying suspended under helium balloons. The attempt was in an effort to raise money for a truckers rest stop...He lifted off from Paranagua and travelled some 450 miles beneath 1,000 party balloons inland before reaching 20,000 feet when the wind carried him out over the Atlantic Ocean. Some of his balloons were found floating in the sea two days later, his body was recovered on the following 4th July.
On this day in 1997 Steve Fossett set a new ballooning distance record of 10,363 miles (16,722km) when he was forced to abandon his attempt at a round-the-world flight in northern India. The flight had commenced in St Louis, Missouri. What a lonesome sight...Tiger Club Tiger Moth G-APRA resting on Blackbushe's still full sized apron on a bleak Sunday in the days just after AVM Bennett had acquired the Airport. Being one of the group who spent all their spare weekends at Blackbushe once the airfield looked like being saved I had become an enthusiastic 'wing walker'. The type who ran along with the aircraft while taxiing holding a wing tip to steer the aeroplane while the pilot gave hand signals and trusted the young person gripping the wing tip... On this Sunday morning having sprinted out to the Tiger Moth after landing I offered my services but the pilot via hand signals said, "No need" and ushered me onto the wing walk instead. I thus completed my first moments aboard an aeroplane under power as we taxied to the apron while gripping one of the struts emerging from the fuselage. Rather drafty I recall, one had somewhat more hair at that time which blew in the very determined slipstream, but I had now travelled by aeroplane if not in the air. Thanks to Blackbushe the feet off the ground time would soon arrive...as it has many times since!PB
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Post by PB on Apr 21, 2023 6:13:43 GMT
Photo of the Day" 21/04/23As these words are being transferred from that mysterious medium between my ears to their destination before your eyes the boys from Blackbushe will have assembled armed with determination and resolve for their ultimate sortie to Vienna and preparing our Viking "Vagabond" for her epic journey back to the UK, Blackbushe, and restoration to something resembling her former glory... We wish them the greatest of luck and success on their mission, it will not be easy, but the end result will be seen in early May when the transports arrive at Blackbushe bringing a Viking airliner back to the airport where above all the Viking was the keystone to the numerous post war airlines who grew and flew from Blackbushe Airport.
Mission ready at Heathrow, this morning, the team are ready for Vienna and some hard work. One missing, Pat's behind the camera...
There are very few left, very few. The Blackbushe Heritage Trust Viking will be here for all to see once she is restored, but prior to that thanks to fantastic help from Blackbushe Airport Management she will have a home under cover courtesy of the new hangar assembled this week!! A rare sight, new aircraft shelter at Blackbushe, and in a short while it'll be even rarer 'cos it will have a Viking living there!!NOW, this is where YOU can become involved!! For the past two days "POTD" has asked for volunteers to come forth and help with painting the blue containers you can see above. As of yet not one volunteer has come forth....but the opportunity remains. IF you are able to use a paint roller (all equipment supplied) and would like to get involved with some green paint PLEASE leave a message in the Forum's "Message" facility or leave a note in "POTD Comments". There's plenty still to do...
Now, we move onto the next Viking support opportunity..On 26th April it's American Quiz night!! All proceeds going toward the Blackbushe Heritage Trust, but beyond that it's a fun night out with a difference.
It's all here.. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/quiz
Back by popular demand, the Pathfinder Cafe Quiz Night is hopping the pond and celebrating all things American! The don’t-miss event is on Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 19:00. Settle yourself down and enjoy an american-style burger, with ‘slaw, onion rings, and fries.
Put your general knowledge to the test with our quiz, which will have a USA slant!
The Essentials
Teams of 4-6 people, advance booking is essential.
£17.50 per person, includes:
American Style Burger (or Veggie Burger)
Quiz Entry
One Beer, Wine, Tea/Coffee or Soft Drink
A bar is available for more drinks!
All proceeds from this event will go to the Blackbushe Heritage Trust.
Quiz Round 1 starts at 19:00 sharp! Doors open from 18:30.
PRIZES
1st Place: An adult entry ticket for the Blackbushe Air Day on Sat 3rd June 2023 per team member.
2nd Place: A bottle of wine per team member.
3rd Place: A Pathfinder Cafe voucher per team member.
WHO CAN ENTER?
Any from 18 to 180! Whilst the Pathfinder Cafe usually accepts dogs during the day, we’re planning for a full house of quizzers, and ask that you leave your four-legged friends at home for the evening.
Please see the Blackbushe website for the Team Booking Form.. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/quizSupport the Viking, have a fun evening, see you there!!
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 22, 2023 6:27:13 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 22/04/23OK, so in a few days it'll be the merry month of May. While the climate pundits provide promises of a warming climate at 06.00 on this late April morning ice on the car, zero C on the OAT, assisted by a chill laden breeze from the east, such promised warmth feels far away!! A chill wind has certainly been blowing around the new Blackbushe hangar while precipitation yesterday also helped by making surfaces too wet for paint application..
For anyone who might wish to assist with the painting operation, work will resume on Monday morning. Will it be warmer? Possibly not....Meanwhile in Austria the team are working furiously dismantling our precious Viking ready to come home to Blackbushe. The freight door opens no problem as you see, all the interior installed for the burger joint it used to be is being ripped out, both engines are off, and one wing's outer section was also removed yesterday! So far so good.. We'll update with more progess reports next time!Talking of aeroplanes travelling from one country to another, as our Viking is getting ready to do, on this day 22nd April, a gent named Denys Corbett Wilson made himself a page in history in 1912 by making an historic 100 minute flight from Goodwick in Pembrokeshire to Crane in County Wexford thus becoming the first aviator to fly from Britain to Ireland. He had purchased a Bleriot XI aircraft for his flying exploits.Meanwhile, looking ahead to flying exploits, the aeroplanes gathered for this year's Blackbushe Air Day is expanding with some real gems now included in list of participants in the Static Aircraft Display. There are still one or two out there it would be nice to net, but thus far the day promises to be one very worth attending!One of this week's confirmations, Peter Teichman once again comes up with the goods, this time PT879 the world’s only Spitfire Mk IX that fought with a Russian squadron in 1944/1945 WW2, times when Nazi Germany was our shared foe..See the Spitfire and many others PLUS the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking, be sure to attend the Blackbushe Air Day on 3rd June..More news from the Viking front as it comes in, and if anyone feels like wielding a paint roller from Monday next week, you'll be very welcome!!
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 23, 2023 9:14:35 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 23/04/23Sunday might be a day of rest for some, but not for the boys in Austria who are working their socks off preparing the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking for the journey home. Home being Blackbushe, the airport where Vikings once proliferated, the sound of their mighty Bristol Hercules engines playing extracts from the 'Sound of Blackbushe' as they throbbed in their own special way into the skies of Hampshire and beyond. Being of a 'certain age' one is blessed with the memories of such times. On a warm summer's day the sound of a distant Viking slowly climbing to altitude as the restful resonating of her Bristol power plants working in perfect harmony lulled one's young imagination toward the chilled layers of the upper atmosphere and life aboard the machine from whence those summer afternoon sounds emitted. None of today's 'come and go in a fevered jet propelled rush', the dear old Viking took her time as if savouring every inch of the atmosphere through which she progressed..
And so it is in Austria this Sunday morning that the boys from Blackbushe are going about the task of preparing G-AGRW for the journey she has hoped for for so many years. The journey home to where she will be loved, cossetted, and brought back to service as a salute to the many Vikings who paved the way of civil aviation after the war - not to mention the part Blackbushe played in that priceless story..
Below, the latest news from Austria...What's in a name? A lot in this case, "Vagabond" carries the name from her origins flying with British European Airways for the first time in seventy six years since her retirement from her original operator and transition to independent owners.. She will carry the name for her journey home before the major work begins on giving her a new identity sharing the colours of two previous operators. BEA and Eagle Airways..Things ain't what they used to be... "RW" is coming apart well thanks to the skill and dedication of the volunteer team whose socks are indeed being worked off.. "Welcome aboard!".. The evidence of MacDonalds previous tenancy happily removed, an open platform for eventual changes!!Daylight creeps beneath the Dunlops..how long is it since that previously happened? Didn't need jacks then!Pat Marchant, the technical 'Godfather' of RW's "rapid scheduled disassembly".. as opposed to another aerial adventure in the skies of Texas a few days ago. The liberal and beneficial use of WD40 aiding our disassembly would surely be a great advert for the product's lubricative benefits freeing up bits that have not been exercised for some while?More from Austria tomorrow!!
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 24, 2023 6:38:09 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 24/04/23What a difference a day makes...Following the extraordinary achievements of the Blackbushe team, "Vagabond" sits on her belly as you can see. She now awaits the transporters that in a very few days time will deliver her to her new and rightful home - Blackbushe!Huge credit goes to all the team behind getting the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking to he point where she is ready to be shipped home. Without the support, technical know how, and guidance of RPM Aviation we would not have got to this point, to them we can but pour praise and appreciation.Meanwhile, in the USA the B-17 is requiring airworthiness considerations as indicated in this extract from the latest "Pilot" magazine...
"The FAA is expected to issue a mandatory Airworthiness Directive (AD) within the coming weeks to address Boeing B-17 wing mounts.
Pre-empting a directive that could ground all B-17s, the Michigan-based Yankee Air Museum temporarily grounded B-17G Yankee Lady on 13 April 2023. One of only three B-17s left flying in the United States (along with sister aircraft Ye Olde Pub of Erickson Aircraft Collection and Sentimental Journey of CAF Arizona Wing), Yankee Lady is the youngest surviving Flying Fortress in the world.
Although an earlier Facebook post from the Yankee Air Museum noted that the grounding was due to wing spar issues – noting that similar problems had been identified during inspections of other B-17s – a statement from Hangar Thirteen on 17 April confirmed that her grounding referred to the wing mounts rather than the spar itself.
However, Hangar Thirteen – who are restoring B-17F Lucky Thirteen – also highlighted the problem posed by B-17 wing spars, citing an earlier AD from November 2021 which “grounded many of the airworthy Forts due to the near impossibility of recreating the parts in question”. Each wing has four spars, each 25ft 4in long, and alongside the difficulties in finding a manufacturer “capable of reproducing these materials” come significant cost implications.
Clarifying that no spar issues have been found with Yankee Lady, Hangar Thirteen noted that “it was [their] hope that throwing some light on the subject might aid in fabricating new spar extrusions”; adding that “the aviation community needs a quality, economical means of recreating these pieces”.
Any upcoming AD may also affect Europe’s only airworthy Flying Fortress – the Sally B – which is based out of IWM Duxford and “continues to fly from there today as a memorial to the US servicemen who died whilst serving in Europe”.Meanwhile, thanks to one of our star photo reporters, Paul Phillips, some of Blackbushe's recent visitors.G-MDSZ by wokinghampaul, on Flickr G-COMB by wokinghampaul, on Flickr G-KLNH by wokinghampaul, on Flickr 2-AKOP by wokinghampaul, on Flickr N2454Y by wokinghampaul, on Flickr G-RRRZ by wokinghampaul, on Flickr F-HJTA by wokinghampaul, on Flickr THANK YOU PAUL!!!There is no doubt that Blackbushe life continues to stir as we move toward the day when the Airport can finally provide her full infrastructure of hangars and aviation facilities, the future is without doubt exciting and within that future there will always be a salute to her past commercial prowess - a Vickers Viking!! She'll be here soon....
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 25, 2023 6:37:32 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 25/05/23We've seen the amazing progress made in Austria over the past few days as the Heritage Trust's Viking is prepared for her momentous journey across Europe, the English Channel, and the last bit from the coast to Blackbushe. Just needs the hangar painting to reach completion - if the aeroplane should arrive ahead of its expected arrival time she'll need to have her nest ready...
For the record, G-AGRW first set foot on Blackbushe on 19 March, 1947. Resplendent in British European Airways colours she was on a charter assignment with Blackbushe based Airwork. During the ensuing years RW's use of Blackbushe was wearing the colours of Hunting-Clan when primarily involved in training operations. So far as I can see, her last time seen at Blackbushe was 9th June, 1959. Blackbushe was closed the following year and for all intents and purposes pretty much destroyed and abandoned. G-AGRW flew on until eventually surviving as a burger joint far from home. Now, 63 years after her last Blackbushe departure by nothing short of a miracle both Blackbushe and Romeo Whisky have survived enough to be reunited.. For those of us who remember the so familiar shape of Vikings at Blackbushe it will be a moment of deep reflection remembering the sights and sounds of long ago when Vikings were pristine and Blackbushe a widespread and busy second airport for London...An early BEA Viking wearing the colours that "RW" would have worn while serving the BEA network in her very youthful days.The nest awaits, RW's new home while she is brought back to her former glory. A lot of blue metal to be painted in a short time, the finished metalwork will match the green fence panels that now surround the new hangar... all who'd like to get stuck in are welcome!! Paint and rollers await you...the new resident will be here in a very few days.PB
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Post by PB on Apr 26, 2023 6:38:55 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 26/04/23The Forum's 'header' photo this morning features David Payne's classic Eagle Viking at Blackbushe image wherein a thousand memories are released, a scene shared by thousands of Blackbushe passengers as they were lead across the apron by ground hostesses to their awaiting aircraft. As a lad just about to enter his teens a thousand memories cascade back, the sounds, the wonder, and the magic as those huge propellers started to turn and a cloud of blue-grey smoke suggested that 'ignition' was taking place... Minutes later another Viking lumbered into the air en-route to some far off place I could but imagine, and wonder of some day I might fly to far away places!
Little did I think that decades later I would be painting a Blackbushe hangar in readiness for the Viking's return...but life has many twists and turns down the unexpected.So many flew from Blackbushe aboard the Viking. HM the Queen prepares to depart Blackbushe aboard a Viking of the Queen's Flight...Meanwhile, in more recent times such as yesterday, Caroline Lucas and her Green Party followers would take heart at the news that Blackbushe Airport was going green. Brush master, volunteer supreme, Pete V is caught between cups of tea as yet another side of the new 'Viking hangar' nears its green completion. Actually, yesterday Pete was taking a significant turn toward painting himself too. People of my vintage might remember the fabulous boys paper/comic the 'Eagle'? Invaders from Mars were a continual threat, they were green too.. We'll see what this morning brings. Huge credit to Pete Vickery for his devotion to duty and support of the Pathfinder!! We wish him and his team good luck at tonight's "Quiz night" at the Pathfinder.. Almost there..Pete and Kevin as another of the Viking's sides awaits its final splash of green..The previous time I spent time working on a Blackbushe hangar was around 1962 when as the Airport's Operations 'person' I found a wide variety of occupational pursuits... Working with AVM "Pathfinder" Bennett and turning creosote brown instead of space invader green building the new lock-up hangars knee deep in mud and frozen was very character building..or so I was told! Aeroplanes were rare to non-existent from the ops point of view so a bit of time was freed up for career development opportunities. Working with AVM Bennett was a unique experience that perhaps did not suit all, we made do with fairly basic equipment but at the end of the day we got the job done. "Can do" was very much a part of the AVM's point of view whether at war or building hangars in a sea of mud..
Talking of endurance, did you know that on this day in 1949 flying continuously in their Aeronca Chief for 1,008 hours, and one minute, that's just over six weeks, Dick Reider and Bill Barris set a world endurance record for a flight-refueled aircraft in the United States? They received food and fuel handed up from a speeding vehicle four times a day.
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 27, 2023 6:28:20 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 27/04/23What a difference a day makes.... Fully painted, the banners now attached to the hangars security fence proudly proclaim the names of businesses who have actively supported the Blackbushe Heritage Trust in their ambition to reclaim a slice of history in the form of our Vickers Viking.Yesterday, by lunchtime, the bulk of the Viking's hangar repaint was complete. Just one or two minor touching-up jobs to be done.. This afternoon, if all goes according to plan, Viking G-AGRW will start her journey home, home to Blackbushe where her new 'nest' awaits and work begins. At this moment RW resembles a full-scale Airfix kit as her components are loaded ready for travel..Huge thanks to the guys who joined the painting team yesterday, extra hands saw us whizz down the last remaining side in record time!Another great photo from Ken Lipscombe.. Yesterday morning as I arrived abeam Blackbushe on the A30 around 09.00 this Dutch Beech 90 had almost reached the holding point for departure on runway 07. I was heading east inbound he was heading west as we passed, but in that unexpected moment of delight Blackbushe threw up the most enlightening moment of days gone by. In that instant Blackbushe could still have been the way she was in the fifties, an international passenger flight ready for departure easily seen from the road as it approached the holding point..Back then all shapes and sizes might have been seen, but nonetheless it was an interesting moment as yesteryear blended into a brief and moving reflection with 'today'.Back in the fifties there was no knowing who, or what, you would pass when driving down the A30. Every chance it might have been a Viking, or two, but the most surprising thing today is that far away a Viking will be starting its return to Blackbushe.. PB
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Post by PB on Apr 28, 2023 6:13:37 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 28/04/23Well....this is an historic day, as was yesterday. The Blackbushe Heritage Trust's team have done it, the Viking IS on her way home to Blackbushe. A convoy of gigantic trucks are bringing her home. The actual arrival time will be advised nearer the time, there's a long way to go yet... Carrying her message to all who see her, our Viking is back on her travels. The sign was made by our most loyal supporters Prestige Signs, our thanks go to them and all who have so generously assisted in the Trust reaching this point.The beginning of her new life! Looking something akin a a NASA launch site or a Coca-Cola advert, a blaze of lights indicate Vagabond is getting ready to launch.No doubt about it, she's gonna to be hard to miss on her 1,000 miles of surface travel.Meanwhile Blackbushe continues to show how she's growing up in the world of business jet travel, the mighty Falcon 50, quite some leap of technology since the Viking days!The amazing and versatile PC-24 at Blackbushe yesterday. A bizz jet that can operate from grass strips or the luxury of runways such as found at Blackbushe. Able to operate from Blackbushe at max take-off weight, this Pilatus aeroplane and its stable mate the PC-12 are both becoming regular sights on the Blackbushe tarmac.Another moment from yesterday as the Royal helicopter came in for fuel. You may remember that she was a home based resident in the days of Air Hanson living in a luxury Blackbushe hangar. Unfortunately changes happened and BCA decided to sell the Airport all except the hangars, these they kept to prepare their used cars for auction. Dear old Blackbushe was rescued by today's investor group, thank god, and the endeavours to provide more hangars for aeroplanes continues. The day will come.Sincere thanks to Paul for his photos once again!!The following article is currently on the 'Pilotweb' site, it brings exciting news of a new venture toward zero-emissions flight and the merging of minds from Cranfield and the Isle of Wight..
"A “new UK green aircraft business” – merging Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and Britten-Norman – has been formed with the intention of creating the world’s “fully integrated, zero-emissions sub regional aircraft for entry into service in 2026”. With the merger due to complete in mid-2023, the partnership will pair Britten-Norman’s expertise in manufacturing the “iconic Islander aircraft” with CAeS’ pioneering work in hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion technology. In anticipation of the technologies required, the two companies have been collaborating on Project Fresson for over two years, backed by over £14 million in private funding and UK government support via the UK Aerospace Technology Institute. A consortium of investors have also pledged to invest up to £10m in the new company, including up to £5m of investment from Hydrogen One subject to successful completion of the merger.
This is the first time an OEM has developed a hydrogen-powered sub-regional aircraft, something William Hynett, Chief Executive of Britten-Normen, described as bringing “a huge boost to UK aviation exports”. The merger will also “create a new market leader in green aircraft manufacturing, bringing together joint strengths in aerospace manufacturing, certification and innovation”, he added. Noting that “it is imperative that the aviation industry accelerates its own transition to new, clean aircraft”, Cranfield Aerospace Chief Executive Paul Hutton added: “Looking to the future we will use the combined experience of Cranfield Aerospace and Britten-Norman to produce an entirely new aircraft design, optimized around hydrogen fuel cell technology”.
The new company will incorporate seven sites in London, Cranfield, Gosport, the Isle of Wight, Southampton, Miami and Malta, and will employ around 220 people".Additionally, also comes news of the Home Office's consultation regarding the introduction of increased regulation toward international General Aviation flights..."The CAA has opened a consultation on a proposal “to introduce regulations that would require people responsible for international General Aviation (GA) flights to submit information online and in advance about flights and people on board”. The consultation opened on Monday 24 April and closes on Friday 16 June. “The unscheduled nature of GA and the high number of locations across and around the UK that flights can arrive into present significant challenges to border security and law enforcement”, note the Home Office in an online statement. To counter the threats of illegal immigration and smuggling, proposed regulations would see Advance Passenger Information (API) submitted online and in advance for all international flights. This, say the Home Office, would “enhance watchlisting and intelligence-led analysis and improve the effectiveness with which resources are deployed to meet those flights”. Although all airlines making scheduled commercial flights to and from the UK are required to provide API, the Minister for Aviation the Rt. Hon. Robert Kenrick notes that information regarding GA flights “does not [currently] have to be submitted in a consistent format”. He adds: “Requiring the data to be provided online will have minimal impact on those pilots and operators already providing that information, but it will set a responsibility for those who do not currently support the GA community’s contribution to the security of the UK border”.
Under the proposed changes, GA flights using systems “already connected to the government’s border systems would continue to use those to submit GARs”, as would Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) with “direct connections into Home Office Systems”.With that I'll wish you a pleasant day, and look forward to bringing updates as we close the gap between Austria and the UK and the Viking's return to Blackbushe! Can't believe I just said that!!
PB
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