Thunder City Buccaneers have moved
Discussion
I was glad to see this news shared on Facebook today. Fingers crossed for their future.
https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/...
Edit: not the best English in the news link. It appears that one Bucc has gone to Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth).
https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/...
Edit: not the best English in the news link. It appears that one Bucc has gone to Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth).
Edited by Tony1963 on Friday 2nd December 18:14
They are the aircraft most likely to ever return to flying again, as unlike the Hunters and Lightnings, there is still some residual Buccaneer operational knowledge in SA, as the SAAF were the only other air arm outside of the RN/RAF to operate the Bucc in service, which it did for some 25 years between 1965 and 1991.
swampy442 said:
I doubt you'll ever see them flying again, especially since the CAA grounded Thunder City over suspect maintenance, plus whos to say they've been stored and maintained correctly since.
I have my doubts as well, especially as I doubt there was any anti-det maintainance done on them between Mike Beachyhead dying in spring 2017 and them being sold this year....! As said, if any of the ex-TC fleet is going to get back in the air, its likely the Bucc's. No way with the 3 x Lightnings ever fly again, and I think it was you that mentioned the Hunters are not in good nick now, which is a crying shame, as the F.6 is rare bird now and also a genuine ex-Black Arrows machine.
Such a shame the ex-Dutch Hunter Foundation F.6 has gone to North America......that made such a lovely blue-note
I worked on Buccaneers for a year in 1982, 208 Sqn. No way would I want to take on a project to get one in the air again.
Not flying an aircraft is the worst thing you can do. Everything deteriorates, corrosion starts in hidden places, engine bearings and seals ‘don’t’… and who would want to fly in them? You’d be a brave/foolhardy pilot to do that.
South Africa might have much slacker rules than the U.K. when it comes to warbirds and ex-military jets, but the expertise and spares requirements would be huge hurdles now.
The days of Lightning and Buccaneer air displays are long gone. We just need modern air shows to be a little more entertaining.
Not flying an aircraft is the worst thing you can do. Everything deteriorates, corrosion starts in hidden places, engine bearings and seals ‘don’t’… and who would want to fly in them? You’d be a brave/foolhardy pilot to do that.
South Africa might have much slacker rules than the U.K. when it comes to warbirds and ex-military jets, but the expertise and spares requirements would be huge hurdles now.
The days of Lightning and Buccaneer air displays are long gone. We just need modern air shows to be a little more entertaining.
Edited by Tony1963 on Monday 5th December 12:35
My S-i-L's partner in CT is friends with some of the old Thunder City folk. The airframes have been up for sale for ever. From what I understand, some have been stored in a hanger and the rest under covers, and run up occasionally. But I don't think that the Buccs are in airworthy shape. I'd be very surprised if they could get them back airborne, even getting parts/support would be difficult, plus lack of current pilots, and insurance.
Would be nice to see one fly again... We can but dream.
Would be nice to see one fly again... We can but dream.
SVX said:
My S-i-L's partner in CT is friends with some of the old Thunder City folk. The airframes have been up for sale for ever. From what I understand, some have been stored in a hanger and the rest under covers, and run up occasionally. But I don't think that the Buccs are in airworthy shape. I'd be very surprised if they could get them back airborne, even getting parts/support would be difficult, plus lack of current pilots, and insurance.
Would be nice to see one fly again... We can but dream.
There’s one ready to fly (I think this is still the case) at Scampton, but I doubt that’ll happen. Extremely complex, would a fortune to run. A real shame, but common sense prevails. Would be nice to see one fly again... We can but dream.
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