CORNWALL GETS READY FOR THE CLASSIC AIR FORCE

Volunteering opportunities too

2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Newquay Airport’s ‘Classic Air Force’ (CAF) visitor attraction is “moving along very nicely” according to Chairman Tim Skeet, and should be open to the public by the end of March.

A significant milestone was reached on January 5 when the first airworthy aircraft arrived at its new home, marking the next step in the Classic Air Force’s progress in preparing the facility at the former RAF St Mawgan. Amongst the aeroplanes expected to make their home at Newquay is the world’s oldest flying twin jet (ex-RAF Gloster Meteor T.7) and three de Havilland Dragon Rapide biplanes, which will be available for pleasure flights across the South West.

Mr Skeet, who is Chairman of the Classic Aircraft Trust, which supports the CAF aircraft, continues: “I am very pleased to note our progress to date. It is wonderful to see aircraft start to arrive at the Classic Air Force hangar and everything coming together. We are very excited about the opportunities the new facility has to offer”.

The first flyable aircraft to arrive was Auster J1 Autocrat G-JAYI, flown down from its previous home at Coventry by experienced vintage aircraft pilot Trevor Bailey. It now takes its place alongside the two static Hawker Hunters and a newly acquired Hawker Sea Hawk which have already moved into the hangar. The fuselage of Vickers Varsity WJ945, recently acquired from Duxford, has also now arrived and will be joined shortly by the wings and engines. Depending on weather, serviceability and pilot availability, other aircraft from the combined Classic Aircraft Trust and Air Atlantique fleets will be flying in or being moved by road over the coming weeks and couple of months.

The Trust announced its move to Newquay in July 2012, when development plans at Coventry made a move to a new location inevitable. Considerable time and money has now been spent by the local council and the Trust to upgrade and renovate the former RAF St Mawgan facilities at Newquay, where Hangar 404 offers 70,000 square feet of display and engineering space.

Meanwhile, work continues to bring other important aircraft back to airworthy condition, continuing the Classic Aircraft Trust’s essential work in preserving machines from Britain’s post war aviation heyday. Work is now progressing on renovations to World Altitude Record breaking Canberra WK163, with a new Rolls-Royce engine due to arrive and be fitted during the spring

As the collection gathers, the CAF remains open to acquire and house relevant aircraft, both static and airworthy as evidenced by the arrival of the Varsity and the Sea Hawk WV798. The CAF aims to be a living memorial to the heyday of British aviation manufacturing in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

“I am very pleased with our progress to date,” concludes Mr Skeet. “In total the Classic Air Force fleet numbers about 40 aircraft, of which approximately half are currently flyers. Arrangements are being made to fly in a de Havilland Vampire and BAC Jet Provost, hopefully in late January, and also our Avro Anson RAF transport aircraft. The arrivals will undoubtedly prove spectacular.”

There are also plenty of chances for local volunteers to get involved in the exciting new developments at the airport and the Trust would welcome enquiries from local aircraft engineers, both current and retired, to assist with this very unusual enterprise.

“This is a great opportunity for us to hand down vital skills to the next generation,” concludes Mr Skeet. “The change in methods, materials and techniques mean that many skills are at risk of fading away if enthusiastic youngsters do not get involved in the maintenance and operation of these historic icons. This is a project that will benefit young and old alike and presents a number of opportunities.”

Work continues towards the CAF’s official opening at the end of March with a major indoor static display being established as well as a shop and activities to keep younger visitors fascinated. The Trust expects that the Classic Air Force will become a major visitor attraction in Devon and Cornwall over the coming years.

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