Mach 2 Concorde magazine

Commemorative issue 50 years since the first Concorde flights

The maiden flights Concorde’s emergence

Concorde at 20 A double display

The story goes on Celebrations in the UK Issue 21 and France April 2019 Mach 2 April 2019 Introduction

The subject of this commemorative issue is Concorde’s 50th anniversary. Half a century ago, in the spring of 1969, the work of more than six years and 250,000 people was brought to fruition when the two Con- corde prototypes made their maiden flights. We look back at those momentous occasions and what they meant to the participants and spectators.

Colin Mitchell, former director of Goodwood Travel, remembers an earlier anniversary – the 20th, for which he and his company organised a double Concorde flight by British and French aircraft.

Lastly, we have news of the anniversary celebrations in France and the UK. These events have included crew members from those first flights; former Concorde -pi lots, engineers, and cabin crew members, passengers; and enthusiasts. Their vivid memories and continuing delight in Concorde leave no doubt about the love and admiration that people still hold for the aircraft now.

Here’s to the next 50 years.

In this issue

2 Introduction 16 Concorde Watch 3 The maiden flights Katie John Events at Manchester, Brooklands, and Duxford 7 A landmark achievement David Morris Editor: Katie John 8 Concorde’s 20th anniversary Contributing editor: Nigel Ferris Colin Mitchell Cover: French prototype Concorde 001 (F-WTSS) 11 From first to last Nigel Ferris takes off for his first flight. Photo © Fleet Air Arm Museum 13 Les souvenirs de 50 ans Celebrations in Toulouse and Paris

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The Maiden Flights Exactly 50 years ago, civil aviation took a giant leap forward that has never since been equalled – Concorde took off for the first time. Mach 2 Editor Katie John looks back at the challenges and triumphs of those first flights.

n 2 March 1969, Concorde 001, the Through it all, though, Concorde survived, OFrench prototype, took to the air over and during the mid-1960s the aircraft began Toulouse and made aviation history. Five to take shape. Finally, on a bitterly cold weeks later, on 9 April 1969, this feat was winter’s day in Toulouse, Concorde 001 was matched by 001’s British partner, prototype revealed to the public for the first time. Avia- 002, which made the 50-mile flight from her tion would never be the same again. birthplace at Filton to RAF Fairford. One small step 18 February 1969: 001 lifts his nose wheel Just to reach the start of its active life, Con- off the ground during a taxy run. corde had had to overcome significant chal- Photo: Fonds André Cros, Toulouse / lenges. Two old, proud nations had combined Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 4.0 their expertise and efforts into a huge and complex (and expensive) organisation. As the world’s first supersonic airliner, Concorde would undergo tens of thousands of hours of examination, testing and refinement of every aspect of its structure and functions. Yet while the Anglo-French team were breaking new ground with the design, other nations watched Concorde’s progress with envious eyes, while some politicians on both sides of the Channel disputed whether the project should continue at all.

The French prototype: 001 (F-WTSS)

The public life of 001 (F-WTSS) began on 11 December 1967, when he was first rolled out of the Sud Aviation hangar at Toulouse-Blag- nac airport, in front of French and British politicians, VIPs, media, and representatives of the 16 airlines who held options to buy Concorde.

Despite the cold, more than 1,100 people stood outside the hangar to await Concorde’s emergence. As British Airways Concorde Flight Manager Brian Calvert put it, in his book Flying Concorde: “The hangar doors rolled back … and there she Official ceremony was, sideways on, long, sharp, and British Minister of Technology Tony Benn (centre left) and French Minister of sleek. … this, the first sight of a real Transport Jean Chamant (centre right) cut the ribbons to release 001 from his Concorde, stopped the breath, leav- hangar. On the wall behind the aircraft are the logos of some of the 16 airlines ing it hanging in condensed wisps holding options to buy Concorde. over the thousand-odd heads.” Photo: Fonds André Cros, Toulouse / Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 4.0

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the flight crew, commanded by 001: Flight crew Concorde Chief Test Pilot André Turcat, were in their seats; however, André Turcat Commander Claude Durand Flight Test the weather was still poor and the Observer cloud base was too low for flight, Jacques Guignard Co-pilot so they left the aircraft and went to Jean Belon Assistant Chief have lunch. By about 3.00pm, the Michel Rétif Flight Engineer for Flight Test, SNECMA weather had improved enough for the crew to begin their preparations. Henri Perrier Flight Observer Then, just before 3.40pm, 001 began his take-off roll. Just 23 seconds later, he was in the air. “Il vole!” the French commentators declared. “She After this first glimpse, there by aviation writer Yves Marc. VIPs, flies!” exclaimed British TV reporter followed over a year of rigor- industry figures, and media from Raymond Baxter. ous ground testing, with the first around the world waited to see From the start, the spectacular taxy runs taking place in August Concorde. One of those present new shape in the air thrilled onlook- 1968. The Olympus 593 engines was fellow Concorde test pilot Jean ers. Gilbert Defer, another Concorde had also undergone their own test Pinet, who had been asked to give test pilot, who was flying the Meteor programme, amounting to more a commentary on the flight to the chase plane that accompanied 001, than 5,000 hours. The date for the guests. Another was Jacqueline was heard by the Concorde crew to first flight had had to be postponed Auriol (see Mach 2, March 2016), exclaim, “Looking from here, you several times, and even at the last it who would become Concorde’s only wouldn’t believe how beautiful it is!”. was delayed for two days because of female test pilot, and one of the It flies pretty well... wind and heavy mist. first people ever to take the aircraft Concorde 001 photographed from a Finally, on 2 March 1969, the through the sound barrier. French chase plane during the maiden French were ready. The day is de- Normal air traffic had been flight over Toulouse. scribed in Concorde: Le Magnifique, suspended for the day. By 10.30am Photo: Fleet Air Arm Museum

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The aircraft passed over Toulouse mander Turcat left the nose and brought 001 in to a perfect landing. and the surrounding area; one local undercarriage down throughout. Afterwards, Commander Turcat football match was even paused for The flight crew focused on assessing gave a speech to the media about the a few minutes so the players and the controls and calibrating the air flight; he said simply, “The machine spectators could watch Concorde speed indicators with those of the flies, and it flies pretty well.” pass overhead. chase aircraft. Their work was made The flight, at an altitude of more challenging by a failure of the A film of Concorde 001’s first flight 10,000 feet and a speed of 250 air conditioning on board, leaving can be seen here: https://www.you- knots, lasted 27 minutes. Com- them sweltering. However, they tube.com/watch?v=zHT6r4wPLKE

The British prototype: 002 (G-BSST)

The roll-out of British prototype 002 (G-BSST) at the British Air- craft Corporation (BAC) factory at Filton, on 19 September 1968, was a very low-key affair compared to 001’s first appearance.

Brian Trubshaw, BAC’s Chief Con- corde Test Pilot, recalled in his book Brian Trubshaw: Test Pilot: “there was no ceremony, no guests, only the work force to watch it. It was regarded as a normal working day and the aircraft was taken straight to the running base for commence- ment of the ground runs.” Even Tony Benn, Minister of Technology An ordinary working day in the British government – and the Concorde 002 is rolled out of the Brabazon Hangar for the first time, as workers MP for Bristol South East (the area watch. There is no ceremony; the aircraft is immediately started on testing. including Filton airfield) – was not Photo: George Rollo invited to witness the occasion. By the time 002 was brought out the benefit of attending 001’s first Therefore, while planning for an- of the Brabazon hangar, the design- flights (there had been nine in all by other fast taxy run, he decided that if ers and manufacturers of Concorde 9 April) and flying 001 himself on the snag did not reappear he would were already at work on the pre- the French aircraft’s fifth outing, on keep going and take off. production versions; Concorde 101 21 March. (G-AXDN), with her new all-glass Now he and his flight crew Going out to bat visor, could be seen taking shape would take 002 through the ground For the day of the take-off the inside the hangar. The prototypes testing in preparation for her first world’s media were in attendance, did, however, still go on to play a flight. Like her French counterpart, although there was perhaps less part in the test flights and sales Concorde 002 was put through a glamour attached to the occasion tours – including, most notably, rigorous programme of ground and than there had been for the French 001’s unequalled 74-minute flight to engine tests. As Commander Trub- flight. Tony Benn later recalled the follow the solar eclipse of June 1973 shaw carried out fast taxy runs with event (Guardian, 17 October 2003) (see Mach 2, June 2018). 002 on the three days before the first as being “just like a village cricket flight, however, he was concerned match … Brian Trubshaw … came Preparatory testing by a failure flag that came up on out, and people waved at him as if Brian Trubshaw, commanding the the Captain’s air speed indicator as he was going out to bat. ‘Good old flight, had already been participat- soon as he reached about 100 knots. Trubby!’, that kind of thing.” ing in taxy runs with 001, as co-pilot He was aware, though, that the fine When Brian Trubshaw started to André Turcat. He had also had weather would change after 9 April. the engines, early that afternoon, the

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thunderous noise startled observ- ers – allegedly causing Brian Watts’s 002: Flight crew wife to faint. The crowds matched it with their cheering, though, when Brian Trubshaw Commander John Allan Leader, Flight Test 002 took off. Engineers As with 001, the undercarriage John Cochrane Co-pilot and droop snoot were left down. Mike Addley, Peter Holding After a 22-minute flight, at 8,000 Brian Watts Flight Engineer Flight Test Engineers ft and 280 knots, accompanied by a Canberra chase plane, 002 was approaching RAF Fairford when another problem appeared: both tion Concordes F-BVFA and G- A film of 002’s first flight can be of the radio altimeters failed. As BOAA inaugurated the Concorde seen here: https://www.youtube. Commander Trubshaw recalled in passenger services for Air France com/watch?v=zfilF9IhEs0 his book, “This was definitely un- and British Airways. Yet these first friendly.” Without the benefit of the two flights, 50 years ago, represented Well-judged landing height calls from his colleagues as the first steps into a new and still Concorde 002 landing at Fairford. 002 descended, and having to take unmatched realm of air travel. Photo © BAE SYSTEMS account of Concorde’s nose-high at- “no alternative but to eye-ball the landing” titude, he “was left with no alterna- tive but to eye-ball the landing and make the best of the situation”. As he laconically put it in a later TV in- terview, “I think we arrived about a quarter of a second early …” Despite this major challenge, Brian Trub- shaw brought 002 down safely. There would still be almost seven years of work ahead of test flights and route-proving, before produc-

The Communist Concorde

Few people now remember, but Concorde had (although Aeroflot used the aircraft for freight a rival from the Soviet Union – and that rival until 1983). The Tu-144 did, however, set world beat our supersonic transport (SST) into the air. records for speed (2,031.55 kmh/1,263 mph) and altitude (18,200 m/59,700 ft) in July 1983. Then, The Tupolev Tu-144 prototype 00-1 (CCCP- in the 1990s, CCCP-77114 was used as a flying 68001) first flew on 31 December 1968, two laboratory in NASA’s work to develop a second- months ahead of Concorde 001. The Soviet generation SST. This aircraft made a total of 27 airliner was also the first to fly supersonically, in flights between November 1996 and April 1999. June 1969, and to exceed Mach 2, in May 1970. Despite the tragic loss of one aircraft in 1973, Tupolev when it crashed while performing a display at the Tu-144 Photo: Lev Paris Air Show, the Tu-144 entered commercial Polikashin / service on 26 December 1975, flying between RIANovosti Ar- Moscow and Alma-Ata. However, passengers chive /Wikime- found it extremely noisy, and the passenger ser- dia Commons vice stopped on 1 June 1978 after just 55 flights CC-BY-SA 3.0

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A Landmark Achievement Mach 2 is delighted to welcome David Morris, Curator of Aircraft at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton. Here, he considers the impact of that first flight by Concorde 002, now the centrepiece of the museum’s aviation collection.

he year is 1969: the space race is in full Tswing, and the world waits with bated breath to see man set foot on the moon for the first time. However, four months before this world first takes place, another aerospace landmark achievement is happening right here on earth.

Sharing much of the same space-age technol- ogy, Concorde 002 (the first British Concorde to fly) takes to the skies over the south-west of England and begins a series of test flights that would culminate in trans-Atlantic air crossing times being achievable in a little 002 today over three hours. One of the most significant puters and data-gathering devices from the Concorde 002 in points here is that a half a century later, the 60s and 70s, which a couple of today’s good her present loca- fastest air crossing time for Concorde is still lap-tops would be able to match with ease. tion, at the Fleet more than twice that for other passenger-car- The hyposcope (upside-down periscope) look- Air Arm Museum, rying aircraft! Twenty-three miles per minute, ing through the floor of the aircraft is also an where she has pride of place. 1350 mph, carrying passengers faster than object of great fascination – originally used to Photo: Ian Kirk / a bullet from a gun and flying nearly 30,000 view the underside of the aircraft during test Wikimedia feet above all of the world’s other airliners in flying, to observe any leaks or condensation Commons clear, uninterrupted air space, Concorde 002 trails forming from the underside structure or CC-BY-SA 2.0 would set the bar very high indeed. intakes at supersonic speed. It was necessary Growing up 60 miles south of Bristol, the to have such a device to make these observa- sight and sound (definitely the sound) of Con- tions, as no other aircraft could keep up with corde up on test flight would be something 002 for long enough at Mach 2 to make effec- that without fail would stop an entire high tive air to air visuals on test flights. street of people, or playground of children, Everyone remembers where they were the and cause them to stand and gaze skywards first time they saw Concorde. Whether it was at the great white triangular shape – remain- 002 up on test in the early 70s, or an in-ser- ing there, fixed to the spot in a respectful vice aircraft on a commercial flight, Concorde silence, until she had passed overhead. has always had that rare, special power to embed in people’s memory where they were Visitors’ impressions of 002 on the day that they first saw her. Not many People seeing Concorde up close for the first things have the ability to do that. time often respond with a comment along the lines of how small it looks, compared with a Jumbo jet, especially when they step on Concorde cavalcade board. It is only after their thoughts have con- On 9 April, at 9.30am, there will be a densed all of the information that they begin cavalcade of Bristol cars and buses to realise that the fastest passenger jet in the departing from Aerospace Bristol, world is not necessarily the largest, and that home of Concorde G-BOAF, to visit for such speed something has to be sacrificed. 002 at Yeovilton. For information After all, even on a London to New York flight, and tickets, see the Fleet Air Arm you would not be on it for long. museum’s web page: https://www. Stepping inside, people are equally amazed fleetairarm.com/event/155.aspx by the banks of huge, archaic-looking com-

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Concorde’s 20th anniversary As we celebrate Concorde’s half-century, Colin Mitchell, former Director of travel company Goodwood Travel Ltd, recalls his company’s role in an earlier anniversary event, held in 1989 to commemorate 20 years since Concorde’s maiden flights.

In 1989, as the 20th anniversary establishment. We were soon made The introduction was made, and of the maiden Concorde flight ap- only too aware that Airbus wanted we were delighted when Brian Trub- proached, we at Goodwood Travel to be seen as forward-looking; the shaw agreed not only to come with realised that neither British Airways Concorde was the past for them. us but also to take the fourth seat on nor Air France were planning to However, as a special favour, they the BA flight deck and provide an commemorate the event in any way. would make “Concorde Numero in-flight commentary in both direc- For us, this seemed a golden oppor- Un”, 201 (F-WTSB), which was tions. Our guests would fly out on tunity to offer a unique tour. in store at the site, available for our one airline’s aircraft and back on the guests to view. other. We needed to persuade Air Toulouse would be the obvious des- We visited this aircraft, standing France to take a retired BA Captain, tination – with possibly a combina- forlorn outside a hangar, with BA Brian Titchener, on their flight deck tion of a British Airways and an Air livery on one side and Air France since normally no PR was provided. France aircraft? Could we manage on the other. No plant visit was They agreed! to gain access for our guests to the possible. That was it. We visited The tour was put on sale and was Airbus (formerly Aérospatiale) plant some local chateaux and chose one soon full. The Air France aircraft at Toulouse? A celebration lunch – that was just perfect for our celebra- would fly supersonically to LHR maybe in a French chateau? Could tory banquet, a short drive from the from CDG the previous evening, we make contact with the original plant, and secured local coaches and and return the morning after, in test pilots and include them? guides. Things were just about fall- both directions filled with our guests ing into place. on Paris tours. We were delighted Putting together a plan to receive a call from Air France The first step of course, was to secure Reaching out to the pilots Captain Edouard Chemel, their the aircraft. Both airlines confirmed Our great hope was to make contact Chief Pilot, to say that he person- availability and issued contracts. We with Brian Trubshaw, the British ally would command the flights and made contact with a local agent with Aircraft Corporation (BAC) Chief would we have any objection, since the right connections and Jan, my Test Pilot who had flown the British he was a keen philatelist, for him business partner, and I flew to Tou- maiden flight in 1969. Help was on to take a quantity of “commemora- louse to see what could be done. hand thanks to our friend, British tive covers” on board? Naturally we It was not going to be easy to Airways Captain Tony Meadows agreed; we had no idea how useful gain entrance for 200 enthusias- – one of the early BA Concorde this would prove to be. We also took tic Brits to the hallowed Airbus captains, who knew Brian well. the opportunity to put him in con- tact with Captain Meadows; could they possibly land and park nose to nose for us? Out of the blue, a few weeks before departure, we had a call from Air France; there was no longer an aircraft available on the date we required. We soon discovered that Airbus had realised the publicity value of our visit, and now they and Air France did not want the British Concorde Numéro Un Development Concorde 201 (F-WTSB), in store at the Airbus site in Toulouse, was all that was initially offered to Goodwood Travel for their event. Photo: Colin Mitchell

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A faultless arrival to take the credit and wanted to Jan Knott (left) and Colin Mitchell (right) of Goodwood Travel in front of the Brit- do the operation themselves. A big ish and French Concordes that they chartered for this 20th anniversary double event had hastily been organised at flight. The two aircraft had performed a simultaneous landing and nose-lowering the plant, Concorde No 1 was being for the crowds, before parking nose to nose. repainted in anticipation, and there Photo: Doug Goodman, Goodwood Travel would be no place for our British guests. Telephone lines buzzed. our guests to enjoy. He even asked time? We made for the chateau, the Captain Chemel had connec- André Turcat, his French counter- top table laid out with the guest of tions. Proud of the fact that he was part, to join him there as a surprise honour’s seat vacant … President Mitterand’s personal pilot for our guests. What more could we We hardly heard the roar of the and with, we discovered later, a fi- have asked for? helicopter rotors through the thick nancial interest in the operation (his Both flights to Toulouse oper- medieval walls of the chateau, but covers), the flights were magically ated faultlessly, with a Mach 2 loop arrive he had. Having landed on the reinstated. out over the Bay of Biscay en route adjacent lawn, Brian was introduced and the two captains coordinat- to our waiting guests to a stand- A double display ing their final approaches and taxi ing ovation, and took his rightful The big day came. Both aircraft were arrangements. Brian Trubshaw was place, making his eagerly anticipated ready at Heathrow, and everything enthralling our guests with tales speech after lunch before we all left was in place. Little did we know that of his first flight, and the “dry- for the plant. more magic was being performed ness in the throat” when he pushed behind the scenes, since Airbus had the throttles open for the British Sierra Bravo contacted Brian Trubshaw directly maiden flight 20 years before. We F-WTSB was now inside, sur- and invited him to join his French taxied in; both aircraft performed a rounded by galleried seating, and counterpart, André Turcat, at their synchronised nose lowering, and the repainted by a local art college in a event. Loyal to his promise to us, passengers disembarked to a brass glittering red, white and blue. The Brian told us later that he had band playing and crowds of specta- French had finished their celebra- declared that he was “working for tors. The sun was shining and many tion; now our guests could enjoy the Goodwood Travel”; he had offered photographs were taken. whole spectacle – plus the surprise to participate in the French event on At this point we were made of meeting the two original test his arrival only if a helicopter was aware of Brian Trubshaw’s alterna- pilots together, happy to chat and provided to take him to our chateau tive commitment. Would the French sign autographs! in time for our lunch, and further honour their promise and return our The day’s events were not yet that their event be made open for all prized after-lunch speaker to us in over. Back at the airport both air-

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craft were awaiting us … but where at Heathrow. Our guests dispersed, ence on a later flight, but they would were the BA crew? Air France were having enjoyed a truly wonderful at least still be able to enjoy the operating the day with one crew, day. The Air France aircraft rested at French capital. while BA had chosen to fly a second Heathrow until the following morn- crew out to Toulouse for the return ing when I, in the company of Brian Lasting memories flight, utilising a Dan-Air scheduled Titchener, boarded it with a new It was an event to remember, for flight that was … late. party of guests heading for Paris. many reasons. We had commemo- We still had Tony Meadows with On take-off there was a sudden rated the anniversary in the best us, though. Taking control of the lurch and vibration felt through- way possible and given 200 people situation, he supervised the board- out the aircraft. Brian Titchener memories to last a lifetime. We had ing of the aircraft, with the assis- announced from the flight deck the pleasure and honour to make the tance of our tour managers. To say that we had suffered a “nose wheel acquaintance of the two original test that the cabin crew were surprised shimmy” and that there was nothing pilots as well as Captain Chemel, on boarding the aircraft to find a to worry about. In fact, as he well with whom we remained in contact hundred passengers in place singing knew, we had lost an engine. until he passed away relatively re- “Why are we waiting?” would be an Unable to fly supersonically, cently. Visiting him near Paris once, understatement. Captain Chemel called me and I was taken for a hair-raising ride in Both aircraft took off for Heath- asked whether he should continue his sports car – which, even in his row. The Air France aircraft made to Paris or return to Heathrow. We advancing years, he drove as if he a spectacular take-off; however, a continued; those passengers would was flying his great love, that beauti- video of the event subsequently be offered their supersonic experi- ful supersonic “oiseau blanc”. revealed that something was wrong Anniversary outfit … Sparks were emanating from one Concorde F-WTSB formed the highlight of the Airbus event to commemorate the of the engines … 20th anniversary of Concorde’s maiden flight. The aircraft had been painted in Both aircraft flew the requisite the colours of the French flag by local art students in Toulouse. supersonic route and landed back Photo source: Colin Mitchell

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From first to last Mach 2 Contributing Editor Nigel Ferris has had a unique personal view of this aviation icon. Having worked at Filton during the aircraft’s development, he saw the very first flight, when 002 left on 9 April 1969 – and the very last, when BA Concorde G-BOAF came back in to Filton 34 years later, on 26 November 2003.

From the moment I started work at BAC Filton, on the Concorde pro- ject in 1964, the aircraft has become part of my life.

I was young, greatly interested in engineering and aviation, and Concorde appeared as a pinnacle of design and innovation. From her shape, the noise, the powerplants, the technical innovation, to the re- alisation of carrying 100 passengers in luxury at fighter aircraft speeds A magical sight she was unprecedented and unri- important day for me – I had been Concorde emerges from the Brabazon valled. Even now. part of a rewarding experience, see- Hangar, Filton, as Nigel Ferris and ing this marvel of engineering and other workers watch. The emergence of 002 aviation design taking to the skies, Photo source unknown My employment meant that on a and it was absolutely thrilling. daily basis, I was able to watch the 27 years of near faultless service Concorde comes home British prototype, 002 (G-BSST), ensued, with some hiccups on the There followed a period of last assembled, from the very first struc- “seeing this marvel flights (all fully booked), retirement, tural part arriving and being placed and delivery to various museums on the jig. All the other components … taking to the skies around the world. It was decided followed, then completion of the … was absolutely that Concorde G-BOAF (construc- airframe and removal from the jig. tion number 216) would be the last Then came all the systems installa- thrilling” to fly, and be delivered to the place tions, hydraulics, electrics, undercar- of her birth at Filton. riage etc., and testing in the hangar. way – getting her into the USA With thousands of other people Roll-out onto the apron was a being one example (see Mach 2, round Bristol, we gathered at various magical sight, leading up to engine December 2017). But she prevailed, places in the city and beyond to wit- runs, taxying, fast taxy runs, until she carrying 1.5 million passengers, ness this memorable but sad event. was ready for flight. becoming an icon and world beater. I went to the A38, which ran by the Then 9 April 1969 arrived; this The tragic crash in Paris in Filton runway, and positioned myself was the day she was scheduled to 2000 was a severe blow – but BA to watch – and get very emotional. fly. The engines were started, the spent millions on modifications and The weather was cloudy and flight crew went through their pre- refurbishment, returning Concorde raining, but at her appointed time flight check lists, and then came to service in 2001. However, little blue sky appeared. AF approached the moment when the engines were did anyone realise the effect that the from the east, at 1500 feet, and did throttled up. We had been told she 9/11 atrocity in New York would a slow fly-past. (How we all wished would do a fast taxy run first, but have on air travel, and Concorde she would swoop in low, select full Chief Test Pilot Brian Trubshaw suffered as well. So for financial and power and reheat and climb away had decided to go for take-off. political reasons, Air France and in spectacular fashion.) The flight Down the runway she hurtled, noisy, British Airways decided that the plan, on a radar circuit, took her to smokey, reached V1 and rotated. Off French and British aircraft would be Avonmouth, over Bristol, down the she went for her maiden 22-minute retired from service. (Worth noting Bristol channel, turning inland and flight to RAF Fairford, where all that in 2003, the aircraft could have heading east to begin her approach the testing was to take place. A very gone on flying for maybe 15 years.) onto finals. The familiar, graceful,

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purposeful, glorious shape got big- ger, and Captain Les Brodie brought her in for a final perfect touch- down. The Rolls-Royce Griffon-en- gined Spitfire did a salutary fly-past over Concorde as she slowed with her powerful carbon fibre disc brakes and reverse thrust. She taxied back down the runway, drooping her nose to the crowds in salute, and finally came to rest, shutting down those wonderful Olympus engines. So ended the life of the most beautiful, safe, and crowd-pleasing commercial aircraft ever to fly. Concluding thoughts Returning home In my view the retirement was Concorde G-BOAF returns to Filton, where the British Concorde fleet was built, premature – but the sight and sound on 26 November 2003. The aeroplane was on display from 2004–2010 at “Con- of seeing Concorde take off, fly, and corde at Filton”, where Nigel Ferris was one of the volunteer guides. She has land will be etched in my memory now been re-housed and once again put on display to visitors. forever, and I will always feel terrible Photo: Gordon Roxburgh sadness that the dream ended – but grateful that I saw the first and last flights of Concorde in Britain. Alpha Foxtrot – the story continues The last landing engendered Concorde G-BOAF, the last Concorde ever to fly, has not been just as much emotion as the first operational since she arrived at Filton, her birthplace, in 2003. flight, with sadness (and anger), the In recent months, however, a team of volunteers at Aerospace touch-down prompting as many Bristol, her new home, have been working to restore the famous sensations as the first flight. How- droop snoot to life. The first nose move since 26 November 2003 ever, my passion is undiminished. I is planned to take place on 9 April. The first public nose moves am a member of various Concorde are planned for Saturday 13 April, at 11.00am and 1.00pm. support groups, all dedicated to the preservation and presentation of The event is being held in conjunction with the Fleet Air Arm these beautiful aircraft, and keeping museum (see page 7). For further details from Aerospace Bristol, the memory alive. please see the web page: http://aerospacebristol.org/droop-nose She also serves as an inspiration to young people today, seeing what Photo: Katie John was achieved as incredible technical advances in the 1960s, and hope- fully leading these youngsters to become involved in STEM (Sci- ence, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) so they can become the designers and engineers of the future. So, Concorde – from me, a heartfelt “Thank You” for providing a beautiful sight and sound, show- ing the world just what the UK is capable of doing. Please visit whichever airframe you can, and marvel at the achieve- ment. And feel the tingle through your body as you take in the “Con- corde Effect”.

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Les Souvenirs de 50 Ans The weekend of Concorde’s half-century, 2–3 March, was an occasion of pride and respect in both Toulouse, where Concorde 001 was built, and Paris, where the French prototype is now housed at Le Bourget.

The commemoration begins The 50th anniversary celebrations started early in Toulouse. On Sunday 24 Febru- ary, Cap Avenir Concorde (CAC) hosted a conference to honour the pilots and en- gineers who worked with Concorde from the first flight to the final retirement. CAC member Julian Grosso describes the events of that day.

The illustrious attendees included Also present were some of the guests: Kevin and Laurence Kenis- Michel Rétif, the Flight Engi- people involved in the very last ton, who had been a passenger and a neer on 001’s first flight, as well as Concorde flights for Air France: cabin crew member, respectively, on Camille Combis and André Chau- Captain Jacky Ramon, who had the last ever Concorde flight, when meton, two of the engineers who flown Concorde 205 (F-BVFA) to British Airways Concorde G-BOAF had participated in the flight tests Washington on 20 June 2003, and returned to her birthplace at Filton. with 001. CAC were delighted to Sandrine Pichot, one of the cabin The gathering thus encompassed welcome these “elders of Concorde” crew members on the last ever Air the full extent of Concorde’s life, to the event; it was fabulous, 50 France Concorde flight, on 27 June from the earliest development and years after that momentous day, to 2003, when F-BVFC was brought flight tests to the moment when share memories with those who had back to his birthplace at Toulouse. those mighty Olympus engines were been there at the time. Finally, there were two other notable turned off for the last time.

The elders of the Concorde family ABOVE: Sandrine Pichot, flight attendant on the last Concorde flight, shares her reminiscences with Camille Combis, engineer on proto- type 001, as Air France Captain Jacky Ramon speaks.

ABOVE RIGHT: Camille Combis takes the stage; in the front row are André Chaumeton (centre, by wheelchair), and (in scarf) Michel Rétif.

RIGHT: The last meets the first! Kevin Keniston, one of the final pas- sengers on Concorde, speaks in front of Camille Combis (left) and Michel Rétif (centre), as Louis Paulus, head of CAC, looks on.

Photos © Espace Concorde – Toulouse-Blagnac

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Toulouse: where it all started Toulouse – the site where the French Concordes were built, and the airfield from which 001 made his first flight – devoted a day to its most illustrious product on Saturday 2 March. Attendees ranged from engineers to artists, and from the very first participants in the Concorde project to Airbus personnel of today.

The event was hosted by the Musée Aeroscopia, at the Present and possible future achievements were edge of the airfield. Aeroscopia is the home of Concorde considered in a talk entitled “Will the future be super- 201 (F-BTSB), first Concorde to land at New York, on sonic?” – a look at emerging plans for second-generation 19 October 1977 – and of 209 (F-BVFC), the last Air supersonic airliners, from Serge Bonnet, a senior aircraft France Concorde to leave JFK in June 2003. designer at Airbus. In addition, there was an exhibition of memorabilia, Highlights of the day photographs, and pieces of art inspired by Concorde. Sierra Bravo’s flight deck was opened for visitors, and Thus the day constituted a meeting of science, art, and the volunteers of Virtu’Ailes gave tours of the simula- inspiration – just like Concorde itself. tor. The museum gave a guided tour, entitled “Concorde, avion de légende!”, in which visitors were shown around For further news and information about the events of both Concordes, with a talk on the history and technical that day, see the museum’s website: http://www.musee- features of the aircraft. aeroscopia.fr/fr/actualites/un-grand-merci-à-tous-nos- The highlight was a round-table discussion in front partenaires-et-intervenants of Sierra Bravo, with members of the Académie de l’Air et de l’Espace and luminaries of the Concorde world A glimpse of including Jean Pinet, a former test pilot on 001; Michel the future Rétif, flight engineer on 001’s first flight; and Dudley The talk by Serge Bonnet of Airbus Collard, one of the designers who created Concorde. included a video A constellation of Concorde experts on the future of Dudley Collard (centre, with microphone) speaks as part supersonic civil of a panel including Michel Rétif (third from right) and Jean aviation. Pinet (second from right). Photo: Musée Photo: Musée Aeroscopia Aeroscopia

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A weekend of remembrance On 2–3 March this year, the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace (MAE) at Le Bourget held a weekend of lectures, films, and guided tours to commemorate the first flight of prototype 001 – now one of MAE’s centrepieces, displayed together with Air France Concorde F-BTSD in the Concorde Hall. Concorde 001 on display 001 with F-BTSD in the Concorde Hall. Photo: Eric Salard / Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 2.0

Sierra Delta’s engine bay was opened to display the engines. There were also display cases showing Concorde memorabilia, and mer- chandise to commemorate the event. APCOS held a talk on the theme “Paris–New York en Con- corde avec ceux et celles qui l’ont fait voler”, with a film of a Paris–New York flight on Concorde, and speak- ers Pierre Grange (former Concorde pilot) and Annick Moyal (former The event was the brainchild of as well, on the subject “Concorde: chief flight attendant on Concorde). Museum director Anne-Catherine la légende supersonique”, focusing In addition, there was a filmed Robert-Hauglustaine. It was on Concorde’s history. Former cabin interview with Jean Pinet, one of organised by Amis du Musée de crew members were present, some 001’s original test pilots; this can be l’Air et de l’Espace (AAMA), led wearing their original uniforms, to seen on YouTube: https://www.you- by President Alain Rolland and greet the visitors. tube.com/watch?v=KCefTWIa0vA Vice-President Jean-François Films were shown on screens Louis, together with the Associa- around the Concorde Hall, includ- A worthy tribute tion des Professionels du Concorde ing the Pathé film of 001’s first Over the weekend, the museum et Supersonique (APCOS), under flight, an interview with André welcomed almost 4,000 visitors to President (and former Concorde Turcat about that flight, interviews Concorde. Attendees included local pilot) Pierre Grange. with pilots and engineers associated dignitaries, national politicians, and Souvenir of with Concorde, and two further the media, with the event being the day films: “Un ciel signé Concorde”, and shown on national TV. The badge com- “Plus vite que le soleil”. memorating the APCOS set up a mini-simulator For further information on Con- 50th anniversary showing a Concorde flight as seen corde events at the MAE, see the of 001’s flight. from the cockpit. There was also a museum’s website: https://www. Photo © AAMA Concorde-themed quiz. museeairespace.fr/en Events and insights Driving passion During the weekend, there were One of the most guided tours of both 001 and remarkable F-BTSD (Sierra Delta). APCOS exhibits was a gave a tour entitled “Du prototype à car whose bon- net was painted l’avion de ligne: 7 ans de developpe- with a scene of ment” (From prototype to airliner: Concorde in flight 7 years of development), focusing over New York – on the features and innovations that a real labour of had led to Concorde’s technologi- love. cal success. AAMA offered a tour Photo © AAMA

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Concorde watch

Concorde G-BOAC British production aircraft Location: Runway Visitor Park, Manchester, UK Reporter: Richard Chatham Date: 2 March 2019

“Open the door – let me out!” he history of commercial G-BOAC looks ready for action as she Taviation has been through so faces the runway. many stages and so many anniver- Photo: Richard Chatham saries, but it is still only 105 years since that first commercial flight on to all those at The Aviation Soci- 1 January 1914. ety (TAS) and Heritage Concorde for her condition and the superb The Model 14 Benoist – a seaplane shine, which reflected the “runway design – carried the pilot and one lighting” in the building. We were passenger at a maximum speed of welcomed by the staff as we walked 64 mph. The design was already seri- through the Concorde shop into the opportunity of a conducted ously dated 5 years later by 1919. the magnificent setting for the Star tour of Alpha Charlie by the tour Just 55 years later, on 2 March of the Show. For a design that was guides. Most of us there had either 1969, André Turcat lifted Concorde drawn out 60 years ago and flew been tour guides, enjoyed tours, or 001 off the runway at Toulouse. And 50 years ago, she looked like a time even flown on Concorde, but there on 2 March 2019, 200 enthusiasts machine – and had she managed is always something new to learn gathered at the home of G-BOAC to get out through the window (as and something different to see no – pride of the fleet – in the Runway she appeared to be wanting to do matter how committed one is to our Visitor Park at Manchester Airport all afternoon), she would have taken iconic friend. The interior looked as to celebrate that 50th anniversary in pride of place on the runway with- sparkling and polished as one would the history of flight. out any doubt (move over, A380). expect any Concorde that had made The three-hour celebration over 6,700 supersonic flights and A magnificent display event was timed to start at 12.00 22,000 hours to look, except … has It has to be said that ‘AC’ looked noon but many visitors arrived early, anyone a piece of carpet to go by magnificent, and credit must be paid some as early as 10.30am, to enjoy seat 1a and 1b? – it looks a bit worn there! Comments were made by several aficionados; well, you would expect that with 200 experts in at- tendance! As noon approached we all took our seats at the tables that had been immaculately prepared under the wings. Before the speeches and pres- entations, the 200 guests enjoyed a Concorde-type tea with beautifully prepared sandwiches and an array of cakes and the like, well suited to a snack on board and presented in a manner one would expect associated A glorious setting Concorde G-BOAC stands gleaming in the light, among the immaculate tables set out for the afternoon’s celebration. Photo: Richard Chatham

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with Concorde, tea and coffee being had provided so much of the extra the cabin staff to escort Doctor served by the cabin crew. equipment required. Who to the flight deck. When John Hepple gave an insight into told that he was no longer on the Memories and celebrations why Concorde was designed with a flight, the Captain advised that the The entertainment programme nose that lowered; he described the plane was going nowhere without comprised presentations by Peter angle at take-off and landing and Hampson, Chairman of The Avia- the angles of droop required. “the plane was going tion Society (TAS), ably supported Peter Hampson then took the nowhere without by Debbie Riley, Secretary of TAS; microphone again for a half-hour Doctor Who” John Hepple, one of the tour guides session of personal stories from the at TAS; and the guest speaker, Fred audience; Debbie Riley was kept Finn, the man who made 718 flights busy taking the roving microphone Doctor Who. Some quick changes on Concorde and gained a place in from one speaker to the next, all of were made to seating arrangements, the Guinness Book of Records for the us adding our own special memory. and the Chairman of the Bank of most travelled man in the world. The range of personal anecdotes England gave up his seat to Mrs Peter Hampson opened the show was wide. One quite special contri- Davison; he and Doctor Who spent with a welcome and an introduction bution was from Rory McLoughlan, the whole flight on the flight deck now one of the Senior Managers on with the crew. the Airports Transformation Project. He recalled a fascinating memory Bonds of friendship of when he was a Duty Manager The personal anecdotes continued (OPS 3) providing a “follow-me” with memories of anniversaries for Concorde on a very foggy day at celebrated on the plane and memo- Manchester. He quietly drove across ries of flights. The Mayor of Altrin- the airfield with all lights flashing to cham, who was there in his official guide the Captain and crew to the capacity, spoke of his round trip to stand, and at one point he looked Cairo. Paul Evans, who now runs in his mirror but could not see the the Foxie’s Filton Flyers Concorde aircraft and thought she was lost in group, related that he had been in- the fog. It was not until he looked volved with a team that looked after again that he realised that she was one of the planes (Alpha Foxtrot) so close, and the nose wheel was after 2003; from that had been cre- positioned so far back, that he was ated a friendship, through the love actually driving under the nose. of and pride in Concorde, between A humorous moment individuals and groups associated TAS Chairman Peter Hampson hands Doctor Who and the with the preservation and the con- the microphone to a guest. Time Machine tinued enthusiasm and passion for Photo: Richard Chatham Another fascinating story related this special aircraft. to the TV programme Doctor Who. Many of those present had be- to the event, explaining what would Alpha Charlie actually featured in come friends through their own in- be happening during the afternoon. an episode by the name of “Time- dividual following of Concorde. One To complete the celebrations at Flight”. Peter Davison, the Doctor comment was from a visitor who 2.30pm there would be the inaugu- Who at the time, managed to win had travelled up from Gloucester- ral public lowering of the nose in two tickets for himself and his wife shire. He commented that 60 years time with other Concordes in the to take stand-by seats. All was look- on there was still a sense of pride UK. He thanked all those especially ing good until the last two stand-by who had worked on AC to bring her seats were sold and Peter and his back to life over the past ten years, wife were taken off the aircraft. Just with interior and flight deck light- before take-off, the Captain asked ing and the recent work to install Heritage Concorde auxiliary hydraulic power to the nose Graham Cahill (left), head of Heritage section. He gave special thanks to Concorde, with John Timmis, father of the staff at Heritage Concorde who Helen Tonks of Hydraulics Online, the carried out so much of the work, firm supplying the pump for the nose. and the hydraulics company who Photo: Richard Chatham

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A spectrum of stories from those involved in the design Fred Finn enthrals the audience with and manufacture, and he was often his tales of life on board Concorde. stopped by people who said that Photo: Richard Chatham they had designed or engineered some part of her and still felt a pride near V1 speed – it was an interesting and ownership in Concorde. experience. Having flown Concorde Peter Hampson rounded off the for 27 years, he was still passionate personal memories with his own about her, as anyone who has met fascinating recall of a telephone him will understand, and his presen- conversation from a colleague in tation showed that commitment to TAS. British Airways had an- this wonderful aircraft. nounced that they were grounding Following the speeches, everyone the fleet and Concorde would stop took up position around the nose of flying, and were looking for suitable Alpha Charlie to wait for the first sites for the seven remaining aircraft. trips across the Atlantic in one day official nose lowering since she -ar He and his colleague immediately to negotiate and sign up an impor- rived at Manchester in 2003. There agreed to approach BA requesting tant trade deal in one case. was a palpable air of excitement an aircraft for Manchester, as they As one would expect, Fred’s tales – but sadly, due to an unforeseen were looking for extra exhibits for covered a wide spectrum of travel action on the lowering switch, the the viewing area. Peter wrote to BA tips and memories. His first Atlantic fail-safe system kicked in and, no giving a hundred and one reasons crossing took just over 19 hours, matter how hard the lads worked, why they should have Concorde. A landing at two intermediate airports AC said no. However, the audience few weeks passed, and then he was to refuel. His fastest crossing was 2 did not show their disappointment summoned to appear before a BA hours 59 minutes. He now travels and everyone toasted Alpha Charlie interview panel to expand on his the world giving talks on his experi- and the memory of 50 years. case for Manchester. He described ences, including tips on successfully TAS put on a magnificent day, the interview as worse than a job ap- packing ten wine bottles in a suit- with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. plication: Where would she stand? case, using socks and toilet rolls! There was plenty of time to inspect What facilities will you provide? On his first Concorde flight, G-BOAC, which had been immacu- Will she be under cover? What ac- he was given seat 9a – which for lately prepared for the day. It was a cess for visitors? He returned home the next 718 flights became his gathering of friends to celebrate a quite exhausted. seat. Boarding one day, he was told special day in the history of flight in He had almost forgotten about his seat had been sold and he had general and Concorde in particular. the request until the phone rang one been allocated a seat on the flight morning and his secretary said, “Mr. deck. He asked the cabin crew to For more photographs of this BA on the phone.” Peter recalled check that he would still be allowed historic day, see the TAS website: that he took the call and nearly fell his glass of Dom Perignon on the https://www.tasmanchester.com/ off his chair when the question was, flight deck; that Captain agreed. On concorde50thanniversary “Which aircraft would you like?” another occasion he was out with The answer – “Alpha Charlie”. “So David Leney one evening when, at For further information on Con- when will this happen?” asked Peter. 11.00pm, David said they had to go corde events at the Runway Visitor The reply: “She will be flying in the airport to do a brake test. Sitting Park, see the RVP website: https:// tomorrow morning.” in the right-hand seat, he had the www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk/visit- opportunity to take Concorde up to us/explore-our-aircraft/ Stories from Fred Finn Practice run Peter then introduced Fred Finn, The first trial of who gave a spirited insight into his the nose droop. life with Concorde and how his The later public career in international law and mar- demonstration was not success- keting, the transfer of technology to ful, but this first third world countries, and arranging move was seen commercial contracts between busi- by some of the nesses and countries had demanded guests. high-speed travel across the globe. Photo: Richard Thanks to Concorde, he made three Chatham

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Concorde G-BBDG British development aircraft Location: Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, UK Reporter: Mhairi-Anne Banham Date: 2 March 2019

Concorde simulator On the 50th anniversary of the first The simulator stands ready for action. French Concorde flight, Brook- Several guests were lucky enough to lands Museum held a VIP day. I was “fly” the simulator with guidance from attending the day as a volunteer and one of the Concorde pilots. Photo: Mhairi-Anne Banham general spectator.

The VIPs all arrived, dressed up for Walking around the museum the occasion, and were shown to there were a lot of visitors. Follow- their tables. Each table was named ing a news article on the local BBC after a location that Concorde vis- news the night before, quite a lot ited during her time in servic. of local people had come along to see Concorde. Delta Golf had been The nose droop The Captains’ speeches washed and as the sun made an At 3pm people started congregat- I was lucky enough to hear Cap- appearance in the late morning, she ing around Delta Golf with the BA tain Mike Bannister’s introductory really was the star of the day. Band playing in the background. talk. This included some of his own Brooklands is also home to the Her nose was due to be dropped at personal videos and it was interest- British Airways Concorde simulator. 3:40pm, so the early gathering of ing to look around the room while This is a working simulator with the crowds of people trying to find the this was playing. As a volunteer at 150° screen; when you are looking best vantage point for a photo added the Museum, I am always amazed out of the window, you still get a to the excitement. by the range of emotions Concorde good sense of movement. Dur- After a countdown the lucky can command from those who flew ing the day some of the guests had winner of the raffle was allowed to in her, those who missed the op- booked to sit next to one of the ex- drop the nose. This is always a spe- portunity to fly, those who wanted Concorde pilots and “fly” Concorde. cial thing to see, so the team seemed that flight of a lifetime and even This attracted a lot of attention from to be going along with the crowd those who simply spent years stood the visitors, who were able to walk and Delta Golf ’s nose was dropped on the ground watching as she flew around the back of the simulator a few times, to the sheer delight of overhead. This was also obvious and see some of these flights in the crowd. during Captain Bannister’s speech. progress. The highlight had to be After the nose drop, a photo He talks with such passion it’s very watching a group of Concorde pilots opportunity was taken to get all difficult to not be swept along with having a discussion and sorting out the Brooklands volunteers together his celebratory memories. paperwork for the flights. It’s some- under Delta Golf. It is the first time A number of ex-Concorde thing I’m not likely to see again, and I had seen the size of the team who pilots were at Brooklands, including for a brief moment I got a glimpse rebuilt her and the simulator, who Captain John Hutchinson, who also of the past. maintain her and have shared their held a talk. To have the opportunity Flight of hearing both these great Captains planning was a highlight of the day for most Former Con- people. The pang of regret you feel corde pilot Ian when you hear their stories and Smith doing just how much Concorde meant to the paperwork both of them hits you hard, but the for a Concorde “flight”. A former humour and sheer joy you see as flight engineer on they talk is also uplifting. Looking Concorde, also around the room you could see the named Ian Smith, guests hanging on every word they stands to his left. said and the sheer delight at just Photo: Mhairi- Anne Banham how special an opportunity this was.

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passion with nearly 500,000 visitors who have sat on board her. The whole day was busy with a constant stream of VIP and Museum visitors doing the Concorde Tours and hearing the history of Concorde, Delta Golf and Brooklands as an aircraft factory, responsible for making 30% of each of the 20 Concordes. There were Concorde Captains, pilots and air hostesses, all with their own incredible stories, along with those of the visitors. As someone pointed out to me, you see a plane and you say “oh that’s an Airbus A380”, but it was always “There’s Concorde”. It was never “a Concorde”; it was just “Concorde”. The love for this aircraft continues and the ability to hear and meet those who were lucky enough to be involved with her personally made for a really special 50th anniversary day. Keeping the spirit alive At the end of the day I was lucky enough to get the op- portunity to drive Captain Hutchinson and his wife to the local train station. As they left the car, Mrs Hutch- inson said to me, “Keep the Concorde Spirit alive”. For me this just summed up the day and the strong emo- tions Concorde still generates in everyone, even though Celebrating Concorde she hasn’t flown for nearly 16 years. ABOVE: Mhairi-Anne with Captain John Hutchinson, one of Well done, Brooklands team. You are keeping the the fascinating speakers for the event. spirit alive. BELOW: G-BBDG with her nose drooped. The aircraft performed a simultaneous nose droop with G-AXDN at For information about Concorde events, see the Brook- Duxford (see following article). lands Museum Concorde pages: https://www.brook- landsmuseum.com/concorde Photos: Mhairi-Anne Banham

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Concorde G-AXDN British pre-production aircraft Location: Imperial War Museum, Duxford, UK Reporter: Katie John Date: 2 March 2019

oncorde G-AXDN was the Cfirst of the British Concordes to have her nose restored to opera- tion. She regularly performs nose movements for the public on the last Sunday of every month. In this additional event, though, she was to synchronise her nose moves with those of Concordes G-BOAC at the Runway Visitor Park in Manches- ter and G-BBDG at Brooklands Museum, for a unique simultaneous salute on the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s maiden flight. The nose moves The British Airliner Collection (BAC), which forms part of the Duxford Aviation Society (DAS), Live feeds from Manchester and Brooklands had planned two nose moves for the Video screens were set up beside G-AXDN so that we could watch the events day: one at 2.30pm, synchronised taking place at these other Concorde museums. At 3.40pm we were able to see with G-BOAC, and the full three- G-BBDG’s nose move, in perfect co-ordination with our Concorde. nose movement at 3.40pm, the time Photo: Charles Butler when the very first Concorde, 001 (F-WTSS), took off from Toulouse was a fault at Manchester so they Archer, Vice-Chairman of DAS. on 2 March 1969. were not able to operate G-BOAC’s Peter explained the role of Heritage The event was managed by nose; but at 3.40pm, G-AXDN and Concorde in planning and organis- Chrissie Eaves-Walton, Public G-BBDG performed a double move ing the restoration work on all three Relations officer for DAS. The team that was synchronised to the second. Concordes, and he thanked Hydrau- held a raffle for the chance to sit in The nose moves were carried lics Online for supplying the pumps the co-pilot’s seat and the engineer’s out by Steve Jeal, DAS Regis- that enabled the nose mechanisms seat and observe each nose lower- trar, with commentary from Peter to be brought back to life. ing. They offered 100 tickets in all: As was normal for G-AXDN, free tickets to everyone who booked the aircraft had her visor lowered, a tech tour (a total of 40 people), and then the nose lowered to 5°, and the remaining tickets offered to 17.5°, and 12°, with Peter explaining the spectators just before the nose each move. The BAC had created a move. In my capacity as Editor of mini-story around the moves, link- Mach 2, I was invited to draw each ing each one to a particular phase of pair of winning tickets and show the a Concorde flight (taxying, take-off, winners up to the flight deck; I was flight, landing). He also explained honoured to be asked. the significance of G-AXDN’s abil- ity to lower her nose to 17.5°, unlike Triple video link Precise control the production aircraft. After the The Duxford team had set up video Adrian Taplin of Wave FX co-ordinates nose moves, Peter offered the spec- screens beside G-AXDN to show the live streams between Duxford and tators the chance to visit the flight live feeds from Manchester and the other two museums. deck, which is not normally open to Brooklands. Unfortunately there Photo: Charles Butler the public.

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Visitors from around the world

This was a fairly low-key event, but the spectators were excited and en- thusiastic to see the nose move and to learn more about Concorde. There were people from many walks of life, some of whom had their own stories to tell about the aircraft. One lady I spoke to had been on the Concorde flight to Greenland in 1996 (see Mach 2, October 2017). One of the raffle winners was a woman whose family had come from Zimbabwe; she gave her ticket to her father, as today was his birthday. (At the other end of the scale, another raffle win- ner was a cousin of DAS volunteer Clive’s wife!) I was particularly touched to see a big group of cub A captivated audience scouts, who sat cross-legged under G-AXDN performs her nose move in front of a fascinated audience of adults and G-AXDN’s nose and watched her children. DAS held a raffle with the prize being a chance to sit on the flight deck with rapt attention as she performed as the nose was moved. Photo: Katie John her party piece. Thanks and acknowledge- ments Concorde app: Virtual Tour

The BAC/DAS would like to thank The British Airliner Collection at Duxford are continuing to de- Nick Cheek and Roberto from the velop and refine their Concorde tours. They offer a three-phase Imperial War Museum’s IT team, tech tour, covering the top, underside, and inside of the aircraft. who provided the large TV screens They also developed their own app to give a 360° “virtual tour” of and fast internet connection for the G-AXDN, showing and explaining Concorde’s features. The son live streams. They also thank Jamie of Charles Butler, photographer for the Duxford Aviation Society Huckle, cameraman Adrian Tap- Archive team, adapted a desktop computer program to create lin, and the team from WaveFX in it. Charles’s daughter developed the promotional material for the Cambridge, who set up and ran the app; this was a real family effort! live stream. As well as being seen at The app is based on a program that allows photos to be con- Manchester and Brooklands, the live nected to create 360° views. It gives all-round views of the cock- stream was sent to the other Con- pit and the cabin, with videos and corde sites and the rest of the world. pull-out features to explain particular The day was a great success, points; there is also a small location with G-AXDN playing her part in map to show the direction of view. DAS runs the program on screens educating and inspiring new genera- beside the aircraft, so that visitors tions of people – a fitting tribute to who are unable to go on board can that extraordinary first Concorde still benefit from this information. flight, 50 years ago. Since it was launched last Septem- ber, the app has been downloaded G-AXDN has her nose moved on by people across the world. It has the last Sunday of each month. For proved enormously effective in bring- information on nose moves and oth- ing Concorde to a wide range of er Concorde events, see the Duxford people beyond the museum itself. Aviation Society website: http://das. org.uk/category/concorde/

Mach 2 Concorde magazine © Katie John 2019

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