6th August 2000
Report and Pictures by Andrew Ford

On Sunday 6th August, a group of Friends gathered at Coventry Airport for a tour of Air Atlantique's Hangars and Historic Fleet. The original intention had been to incorporate a flight in one of the historic aircraft. However, an unfortunate chain of events in the preceding weeks led to none of the aircraft being available. The DC-3 had blown an engine on landing, whilst the Twin Pioneer was suffering from an excessive magneto drop. Of the two Rapides, one was stuck at White Waltham with a blown cylinder whilst the other was part way through a thorough overhaul.

Steve Bridgewater shows FoD Members around the Electra

Letters were urgently dispatched to all those who had booked advising of the situation. It was decided to go ahead with the ground tour on the 6th, and to reschedule the pleasure flying on a future date when the aircraft were available. An additional tour would be provided, and everyone who booked will be invited to re-attend

Despite the lack of a flight, the majority arrived for the the tour on the 6th. The party met in the terminal and were escorted onto the apron by Steve Bridgewater, who, as well as being part of the Friends of Duxford Events Committee, also works as a volunteer for Air Atlantique. The first aircraft encountered was one of the Lockheed L.188 Electra freighters, which everyone was able to view at close quarters. Steve provided an impromptu commentary and answered questions, and there was ample opportunity to take photographs.

Walking around the Avro Anson G-VROE

 
This set the scene for the rest of the tour, the party moving around the airfield to view the other aircraft in the fleet, both outside and in Air Atlantique's hangars. These included the S.A. Twin Pioneer, Percival Prentice, Rapide, Convair 440, Avro Anson as well as numerous DC-3s which were kitted out for a variety of tasks.

One of the highlights of the tour was a chance to look inside the Shackleton

A highlight for many was the opportunity to view inside the Avro Shackleton. This was an interesting contrast for those who had been inside Duxford's Lancaster during the Photoshoot evenings in Hangar 1. The Shackleton is very much as the RAF handed it over, complete with charts and logs in the lockers. Unfortunately, as Steve explained, there seems little chance at the moment of seeing this aircraft flying in the U.K. In all, the tour lasted over two hours and was much appreciated by those who came along.

Thanks must go to Annette Bowden of Air Atlantique and to Steve Bridgewater, Gill Shillabeer and Joan Buckerfield (Friends of Duxford) who, through swift reorganisation made the best of unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances.

FoD Members look around the Twin Pioneer