Bring Avro Cadet 'C7' back to Baldonnel campaign!

[Silver]

It was mentioned in another thread that the Air Corps was trying (within the last year or so) to purchase the oldest AC aircraft in existence, Avro Cadet C7, from it's New Zealander owner James Schmidt.

See http://www.avrocadet.com/ for aircraft details.

Apparently, the Dept of Finance stepped in and put an end to the deal.

Well, why not sell a couple of Marchetti's to fund the aquisition of the Cadet ?

I recall reading a few years ago the s/h Marchetti's can fetch in the region of $100,000 - and are much in demand.
(There is no reason why the Marchetti's can't be 'demilitarised' and sold on the open market.)

That way the DoF don't have to hand out any money and the AC would have their most historic aircraft returned to Ireland.

It really would be a disgrace if this piece of Irish aviation history was lost to the State !!!

[FMolloy]

Whatever the money is spent on, the Marchetti's should be sold while the AC can get something for them.

[Rover1]

There was a discussion on another forum (British)recently and the general opinion was that the seller would not get anything near 200,000 Dollars for the Avro Cadet.
Rover1

[Silver]

Well, I suspect that a price could be 'agreed upon' between the AC and the seller if/when the AC are in a position to conclude a deal.

[FiannaFail]

My own view of this is that we should keep some of the Marchettis for Basic Flight Training and light strike training.
FiannaFail '>

[FMolloy]

Quote (FiannaFail @ 27 Feb. 2005,14:21)

My own view of this is that we should keep some of the Marchettis for Basic Flight Training and light strike training. FiannaFail '>

What's the benefit in a small air wing like the AC operating two entirely different aircraft in the same role? Especially when it's training needs aren't massive?

[clan]

Spotted two Marchetti's for sale today, ex AF Euro 170k each. Not a bad price at all. Also spotted a Gazelle Airframe ex Britsh Army Air corp 5k stg. Any one want to make a simulator?

[Silver]

Ok, enough 'talk' - time to show if you are really interested in the Air Corps and it's heritage !

I have just finished a lenghty correspondence to the Minister of Defence, Willie O'Dea T.D. requesting that Avro Cadet C7 be purchased by the State and returned to Ireland where it belongs.

I do not believe funding is a valid reason not to go ahead with this project.
There is no reason, for example, why one (or two) of the Marchetti's cannot be sold and the funds used to purchase 'C7' !


Ask yourself this .........

If €2 million can be spent on the Collins Museum in Cork, why can we not spend €151,000 (or less!!) on the most historic Irish Air Corps aircraft in existence ?!!!


Therefore, I ask that you send an email (or letter) to the Minister of Defence, requesting the return of 'C7' to Baldonnel -

Email - minister@defence.irlgov.ie


Postal address:

Willie O'Dea T.D.,
Minister of Defence,
Department of Defence,
Parkgate,
Infirmary Road,
Dublin 7.


(N.B. - Your email or letter does not have to be lenghty or elaborate - just a few sentences showing your interest in this matter will suffice).

Avro Cadet C7.


I have no connection whatsoever with the seller of this aircraft. I just wish to see (what many countries would regard as) a 'national treasure' returned to Ireland.

Silver.

[sealion]

Puts on idiot hat

Whats so special and historic about it?

[RMR]

C-7 was the last of the cadets purchased by the air corps to replaced the crashed c-3,it would be a nice museum piece to have and for some nostalgic flying at salthill etc

[Silver]

Quote (sealion @ 28 Feb. 2005,18:25)

Puts on idiot hat Whats so special and historic about it?

The fact that it is the oldest AC aircraft in existence makes it both 'special' and 'historic' - the fact that it is oldest airworthy AC aircraft only adds to it's historic value !

[pilatus]

i agree and EVERYBODY using this board and website even unregistered users should lend their support and register and make their voice count!even get ur pals to do it to!its a national treasure.sure its not the big fella(first aircorp aircraft) but its still gold dust treat it like it!

[Rover1]

Quote (sealion @ 28 Feb. 2005,18:25)

Puts on idiot hat Whats so special and historic about it?

Sealion Keep the hat on ! you do not seem to have any respect for our history

[FiannaFail]

I have been in touch with the Ministers advisors to support your campaign Silver and I have canvassed some party members as well who will write to the Minister.
It woould be nice to gwt a Spitfire back as well!
FiannaFail '>

[Fouga]

Has anybody sent off an email? ? I have.