Important Update !
Due to unforeseen expenditure problems with another project, the current bidder has had to withdraw from the Skymaster project. The Good News is that she could fly again with some work done. The survey carried out was positive and we have all the facts and figures to make her airworthy again in JUST 8 MONTHS ! Her engines are good and we have 2 x spares !
The Very Important bit is that we only have 3 months ...Yes ! Three months left to raise £65,000 to secure the aircraft and pay for parking for a period of 1 year before the owner starts stripping her down for spares and scrap....We all know what happened to the other one !
We need to talk to investors and request donations and sponsorship to save her. The restoration cost has been factored in at £200k with contingency of £300k. This excludes insurance , licencing & registration. This is not a lot of money compared to a Spitfire or P-51 Mustang which cost £2,5 million to restore and is a fraction of the size.
The plan is to set up a Charitable Trust or society and fund raise for the restoration. We spoken to a number of organisations already and they are willing to get on board and give some funding ASAP. Volunteers with the necessary skills will be welcomed ! This helps keep restoration cost down to a minimum. Once restored we will secure permanent hangar space for her and ALL the supporters will be able to visit and get to see inside. Flights will be offered to just as they do in the USA. She can do the airshow circuit in the UK and Europe which will bring in vital appearance money.
Next year is the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and what a fantastic achievement it would be if we could have her ready and fly into Berlin for the event !
Can I please ask that you share this message and help us save this iconic Warbird.
Feel free to contact me at allan@hcas.me.uk if you are able or willing to contribute to saving her in any way, whether it be fundraising /talking to corporate sponsors and hands on skills etc. Thank you."
Taken from Save the Skymaster Facebook Page. Spread the word! (I am not associated with this project)