Shackleton MR3 1722

[Gully]

I see in the review of Africa Aerospace & Defence 2008 (Dec. Aircraft Illustrated) that the above Shack is fully airworthy, but unable to fly due to the lack of qualified crew! Ironic, given the fight the Coventry-based team is about to embark upon.

Anyone know how this situation arose in SA? Their version of the CAA seems far more can-do in approach than our's, but are they more strict regarding crew currency & experience? Seems unlikely to me, but prepared to be corrected! And if there are no qualified aircrew, how do they go about training more before it's too late and the anti-dets are allowed to lapse?

Cheers,

Gully

[Cluny]

I see in the review of Africa Aerospace & Defence 2008 (Dec. Aircraft Illustrated) that the above Shack is fully airworthy, but unable to fly due to the lack of qualified crew! Ironic, given the fight the Coventry-based team is about to embark upon.

Anyone know how this situation arose in SA? Their version of the CAA seems far more can-do in approach than our's, but are they more strict regarding crew currency & experience? Seems unlikely to me, but prepared to be corrected! And if there are no qualified aircrew, how do they go about training more before it's too late and the anti-dets are allowed to lapse?

Cheers,

Gully

Sort of , 1722 is still on the SA mil register and has to be crewed [by their rules]by a current airforce crew . Sadly the crew current on the Shack has reached the mandertory retirement age

[Mayfly]

oh dear that sounds like catch 22 then... hope they can get some sort of exemption or whatever to over come the problem

Edit - having just read your reply again Cluny, does it say current airforce crew OR current SA airforce crew?

[Cluny]

Current SA Airforce crew i think Pam , does DT want to have a go

[Gully]

Current SA Airforce crew i think Pam , does DT want to have a go

Like the thinking Cluny: 4 engined Avro...hmmm - I see a pattern developing here!

Did DT fly the Shackleton as training / conversion prior to the Lanc, Pam? Or did he join the BBMF after the Shack had left service?

Back on the original topic - seems that the only way the SA Shackleton can continue to fly then is by moving onto the Civil Register, which given their CAA's acceptance of the Buccaneer and Lightning would indicate a flying way forward. Just needs their military to pension it off before it's too late.

Cheers,

Gully