Strange Request - Aviation Instruments
Ian N Ford (ian@FORD.DIRCON.CO.UK)
Thu, 29 Jul 1999 14:17:30 +0100
The Scott-Chard Scout Air Activities Centre at Biggin Hill Airport, Kent, UK
has a unique item of aviation history - the cockpit of the first Comet
passenger airliner to fly the Atlantic. It was part of a flight simulator,
and is now used for instruction purposes. We are looking for a radio
compass, original if possible, and any other instrumentation, documentation
or memorabilia. Unfortunately we can't pay a lot of money, but if you have
suitable items to donate we could pay for shipping.
A bit about the centre. Biggin Hill was a RAF station from 1917 until 1997.
In the early part of the century it was the home of early ground-to-air
wireless experiments. In WW2 it was a vital link in the defence of London,
and crews flying Hurricanes and Spitfires defended the capital from German
bombers. After the war it was used for early jet fighters such as the
meteor, but ceased to be an operational fighter station in the '50s due to
the need for increased runway length and the proximity to expanding London
suburbs. Up until a couple of years ago it was the base for the RAF Officer
and Aircrew Selection Centre.
Now Biggin Hill is an executive airport serving SE London and Kent, and a
base for flying clubs and executive charter and light freight operations.
We have a hut, which we are hoping to replace with a modern prefabricated
building, that is used for teaching Scouts and other youth groups, and
school parties, about the airfield and aviation generally. A typical visit
includes looking at aircraft on the ground, sitting in a two-seater trainer
on the ground for " hands on " experience of the controls, aircraft
recognition, a tour of the remains of the WW2 defences (now largely
overgrown) and a visit to the fire station, where usually visitors get a
chance to climb over the appliances and squirt water.
It there are any Scout aviation enthusiasts who might be able to help us
track down Comet instruments it would be a great help. Of course, if you
have contacts with organisations that would be interested in corporate
donations or sponsorship that
would be wonderful, but my primary reason is not the pass the begging bowl
but to try to locate (preferably authentic)
comet instruments.
Ian N Ford
ADC(AT) Greenwich
Service Team Member, Scott-Chard Air Activity Centre, Scout County of
Greater London South.
