Cornwall to get VC10 this week

Holidaymakers in Cornwall on Wednesday (28 August) should not be alarmed to see (and hear) a Vickers VC10 aircraft overhead in drab RAF colours.  Classic Air Force at Newquay Airport is taking delivery of one of the last three remaining airworthy “Queen of the Skies”.  ETA 11.00.

The first Vickers VC10 made its maiden flight on 29 June 1962 from Brooklands.  The type would serve with BOAC (and BA until 1979) plus a number of overseas airlines throughout the 1960s and 70s and subsequently the Royal Air Force.  

The Classic Air Force example built for East African Airways in 1967 and when joining the RAF in 1977 ‘ZA148’ was named ‘Guy Gibson VC’ after the leader of the Dambusters' Mission in May 1943.  Amongst the many aircraft it will join at the unique museum is another British Airways stalwart, a BAC 1-11.

Tim Skeet, Chairman of the Classic Aircraft Trust, which supports the aircraft on display at Newquay, said:  “As an example of British design and engineering at its best, it is fitting that one of the last airworthy examples should find a home with the Classic Air Force.  This is a very significant addition to the collection and a further attraction at Newquay”.  Pleasure flying in Classic’s de Havilland Rapides continues. www.classicairforce.com

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