leading edge

Pelican 22 start up last weekend.

The Shackleton is a magnificent aircraft.

As an example, the Shackleton at Ysterplaat airforce base in Cape Town will be taken out of its hangar and given an engine run this Saturday afternoon, 12 May 2012.

We're working harder than ever now. We found out a couple of weeks ago that WR963 is the LAST Shackleton still running.

Rich, the South African Shackleton is most definitely still running.

It does not fly due to an almost expired main spar, and the fact that all the last qualified aircrew are now getting on a bit, but it most certainly has everything else still working, and still gets an engine run every now and then, to the best of my knowledge.

Keep up the good work by the way.

My favourite story heard to date has to be this one:

 

In the 1980's Shackleton's were used for crew training for the BBMF Lancaster, due to similarities and to avoid stressing the Lancaster to much doing repeated take offs, landings and using valuable flying hours.

 

After the training was over, the Shackleton had to return to Lossiemouth, and set off north, battling against a headwind. A while after takeoff they were asked for an ETA. This they gave. "1600hrs". More time passed with the old grey lady growling sedately on. Another request for an ETA. Again they reply "1600hrs." After a short pause another request is heard.

 

"Is that 1600hrs today, or tomorrow?"

 

 

The longest recorded endurance flight for a Shackleton was 24hrs 21 minutes.

 

Regards,

 

Rich

Hello all.

My first proper post on the forum, apart from my introduction.

On the post quoted above, There has been a longer Shackleton flight than the 24 hr 21 minute one.

Down in South Africa, over the 24th and 26th of July 1970, Chris Lombard, with Captain Hoon flew Shackleton 1721 for 26 hours 15 minutes, as part of Operation Mortgage.

Which is staggering.

Lombard also flew a 21 hour mission from South Africa to Madagascar and back, a 16 hour weather mission in the Geophysical Year (1957/1958) and another 16 hour mission to Marion Island in the 1960's .

My name is Vin.

I was in infantry about 2 decades back, and have an abiding interest in all military vehicles, historic and current.

Looks like a great forum.

Look forward to chatting to everyone.