Breitling Connie is Back!

[Sooty655]

Sorry, I meant that it's how "OUR" C.A.A. interpret the EUROPEAN LAWS!

Or, to put it more precisely, how the rest of Europe seems to be able to ignore its own rules, whilst we (stupidly IMHO) obey.

[Dan4th]

Well, EYE just think there has to be Some
Way to get that %&/*@! Constellation over
to England at Some Point this Summer!!!!!!!!

But that's just ME.........

And what do EYE know?

I'm just an ignorant Murkin Crackpot!

D.

ADDENDUM::::::::::::::

I just found out that France won't allow them to carry
pax either, and that their week at Orly coming up soon
is fully paid for by Breitling.

It seems that Breitling would have to foot the bill for
any activity in the UK........

I'll see what I can find-out from the Breitling London
Office.

Danf.

One Last Thing::::::::::::::::::::::::

Can you folks give me a little information here concerning
what might be some of the best venues for Connie in your
country......

RIAT might seem ideal, but it is primarily a military show,
and might not be best for Breitling's purposes......

Where might they get the best exposure in order to justify
ponying-up the funds to pay for a visit and/or which show
might be best able to fund her on their end?

I have an E-mail for Breitling London , but I'd like to have
some decent info before I zap them a note.......

Thanks;

Danf.

[Xplumberlives]

D4th, DUXFORD would probabbly be IDEAL and KEMBLE would be good.

[10680]

I would have thought Flying Legends with a trip to Coventry

[Dan4th]

Ah!

Names to be Dropped!

Any more?

And any "Whys"?

D.

[Xplumberlives]

Dux because it is a MAJOR show which concentrates on OLDER aircraft and Kemble for similar reasons although it's not so big!

[Dan4th]

I would guess, then, you are suggesting the
Duxford Show in early September......

This is ALL very helpful!

Anyone have anything to add???????

I would expect that if she were going to make
the trip, then why not bring the large suitcase
and make more than one appearance over two
weekends???????

D.

[10680]

I would have thought Flying Legends with a trip to Coventry

Reasons

To see alongside DC6 at Coventry

http://www.classicflight.com/airbase

and Flying Legends is more in period (and closer for me), RIAT being more modern and military.

Would look nice at Waddington as well

[Xplumberlives]

I would have thought Flying Legends with a trip to Coventry

Reasons

To see alongside DC6 at Coventry

http://www.classicflight.com/airbase

and Flying Legends is more in period (and closer for me) , RIAT being more modern and military.

Would look nice at Waddington as well

Selfish git!

[RLN]

Just a thought - Breitling do have a hospitality area at RIAT, so I don't think the military thing would put them off.

[Sooty655]

If you can persuade them to come to Wellesbourne Wings and Wheels we'll waive the landing fees.

[10680]

If you can persuade them to come to Wellesbourne Wings and Wheels we'll waive the landing fees.

But charge exhorbitant Take Off fees

[Tonka 71]

The last flying connie i saw in this country was the MATS connie that flew into woodford for the airshow, am sure it was accompanied by a DC 6 if my memory serves me right...

[Dan4th]

What year was that, Tonka?

I think that was the last time.....

Danf.

[Tonka 71]

early 90s i think mate.

[Dan4th]

Most recent I can find is Cosford in 1998.....



MATS Connie's airframe was timed-out and
she now resides in South Korea in KAL livery.

Early 2000s, both the Dutch and Swiss Connies
passed through England on the way to their
present homes.

I haven't yet E-mailed to the Breitling London
Headquarters, but in nosing around I have found
that perhaps the biggest limitation, even bigger
than financial concerns, is the shortage of qualified
flight crews. This all by itself might make a 2011
visit to the UK impossible, but I haven't given up yet!

All the money in the World might not make it possible
this summer with noone to fly her.

I just want to know what I'm talking about when I
do start leaning on Breitling.......

Danf.

[Gully]

The MATS Connie appeared at Duxford's Flying Legends back in 1998 - I've an old VHS video of the show that includes air to air on the transit. Duxford's runway was deemed too short for her, so they operated from elsewhere (if I could find the video I'd remind myself where elsewhere actually was!).

Gully

[Dan4th]

I do know that somewhere during that 1998
UK visit she landed on Grass!

Now, THAT must've been a sight to see!

Can't find the vid now, unfortunately

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Well, I E-mailed the London Breitling office
and haven't received an answer......

However, it has been reported that when
her corrosion repairs were inspected there
were three small areas found which must
be dealt with.

This will keep her on the ground for at least
two to three weeks.

Whether these are niggles or real problems,
I have no idea.

Anyhow, that's where things stand, but who
knows?

Danf.

[Gully]

In terms of places to appear, Kemble's September show is officially their Battle of Britain show, but welcomes 'older' types generally. Last year that included '558. It's a couple of weekends after Duxford's September show and the same weekend as Goodwood Revival. The latter is becoming larger as an air show to complement the '50s & 60's racing theme. I believe Sally B may be there this year.

Gully

[Dan4th]

Thanks Gully!

Nothing from Breitling UK as yet, but
here's a nice recent photograph:::::::::::::::::



Also no news regarding final corrosion
repairs for certification.............

Danf.

[Gaz]

Thanks Gully!

Nothing from Breitling UK as yet,
Danf.

Tell them they can have one of my limbs!

Any one they like, really!

[Dan4th]

I know it, Gaz.........

Fire!

Smoke!

Sexy Curves!

What more would you want out of
an airliner???????????

I'll lean on them yet again tomorrow.

If the repairs take too long and she
doesn't get to Paris, then she'll have to
go SOMEWHERE outside of Switzerland!

Danf.

[Dan4th]

More Bad News:::::::::::::::::::::::::

Bad luck for the Connie

Bad luck for the Connie after the receipt of the permit to fly: Based on a number of unfortunate circumstances during the start of the engines, a propeller was touching the frame of the ground power unit. The propeller has been damaged. As a consequence, the flight training could not be carried out. The work to replace the propeller is going on. The time to resume flying cannot be determined at this moment. SCFA, committee

How Un-Swiss of them!

These guys can't catch a break!

Danf.

[10680]

Someone will be for the high jump.