First Private Harrier Takes Flight

[Eric Friedebach]

From today's AvWeb email:

First Private Harrier Takes Flight

What is likely the first civilian Harrier jump jet reportedly had its first flight in private hands at St. Mary’s County Airport in Maryland on Saturday. Owner Art Nalls reportedly decided not to shatter any neighbors’ nerves (not to mention their windows) and made his first takeoff and landing in the ex-Royal Navy Harrier FA2 short field, rather than vertical. Just what he plans to do with the notoriously (some say gloriously) loud VTOL aircraft isn’t clear but there’s not much doubt he’s comfortable in the cockpit.

Link

[PeterA]

First Civil registered Harrier.

I think this one beat him to it by about 30 odd years.

PeterA

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=224211

[Vulture]

I think that is an apples and oranges comparison. This is a civilian Sea Harrier owned and operated, not the OEM.

[Old SAR pilot]

...Bet some folks "across the pond" might be secretly glad that SOMEONE is keeping a FA2 (SHAR) in the air!

[n5151ts]

[Vulture]

I have never met mr. Nalls but I sure do appreciate his sense of humour and "balls" to pull this off. If you have not seen hsi website it is great reading. I sorry to report that the Harrier will not fly for a bit due to repairs. ..... Read the story and see the photos.

http://www.nallsaviation.com