TriangleP wrote:
DH82EH wrote:
...I would imagine, that the number of people that would be considered skilled enough to fly one of these aircraft, as well as foot the bill to build it, could be counted on one hand. This way, whom ever is paying for this project will at least get to fly in it!...
Andy Scott
...or a more cynical person could say that having a second seat could provide an additional revenue stream to support the operation of the aircraft, in training more 109 pilots and joy rides for fans of the 109. Collings Foundation P-51C comes to my mind, which has a second seat. I think its a great way for people with the means to experience and enjoy learning about these iconic aircraft while supporting the overall outreach program that the CF does so well.
@TriangleP: Of course, but there is even more to it. The owner, Air Fighter Academy / Hangar 10 (Heringsdorf / Germany) does have quite a lot of planes of WWII aera, but even more interesting than the mere aircraft is their concept. They want to show by their flying exhibits how (fighter) pilots proceeded in the 1930ies to ´40ies in 4 different countries. US planes are: Stearman, AT-6, TF-51, (and there was the P-51 D BBD destroyed at Duxford Airshow), and a Piper Cub. British ones are: Tiger Moth, Spitfire Tr.9 (no single seater at the moment). Russians are: Po-2, Yak 9. German ones are: Bücker Jungmann, Bücker Jungmeister, the (to be converted from their Buchon) Bf-109 G-12, and the (to be finished) G-6. You get the idea?
Though the Spitfire Tr.9 is for sale (maybe due to the other {Bf-109} projects [my guess]), they for sure follow a red line with their collection.
BTW, they are offering an event in May, providing the opportunity to get rides in their TF-51 and Spitfire Tr.9.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theaterGerman language article only.
Michael
P.S.: For anybody interested in the event, I forgot to mention the price: 20 mins. flight 1500 €, (including use of an apartment 1 night / 2 person half-board during the time mentioned)