Post by flyjoe180 on Sept 25, 2007 8:28:31 GMT 12
One of the nation's greatest treasures is undergoing a little spring cleaning.
Aviatrix Jean Batten's Percival Gull G-ADPR airplane, which is suspended from the roof of the Auckland airport's international terminal, is undergoing maintenance work to make sure it is appropriately preserved.
Jean Batten was a pioneer aviator in the 1920s and 1930s.
Her finest hour was on October 16, 1936, when she arrived in Auckland at the end of what was the first solo flight from England to New Zealand.
She completed the 14,224-mile journey in the Percival Gull in 11 days and 45 minutes, a time which remained a record for 44 years.
Auckland airport bought the plane in the 1990s and is helping keep it in its original condition by calling on plane maintenance specialist Aircraft Conservation.
The company specialises in looking after aircraft in museums and other public places.
Owner-operator Darren Hammond is an experienced aviation museum professional.
Mr Hammond, who worked for 20 years at the Royal Air Force Museum in the United Kingdom, says the Percival Gull is still in good nick.
"It's in excellent shape. For all intents and purposes it's still airworthy."
The last time it flew was over Auckland in 1996 to mark the 60th anniversary of Jean Batten's record-breaking flight between England and Auckland.
Mr Hammond and his team gave the plane a full engineering inspection, examined its suspension cables and fittings, cleaned its external surfaces and carried out engine maintenance.
"It's no more than any professional aviation museum would do," Mr Hammond says.
A few grease and oil deposits were found but that was normal, he says.
After the plane was dusted it was washed in pH neutral detergent.
The tiny wood and fabric monoplane has a wingspan of 11.02 metres and is 7.6 metres long. Mr Hammond says several factors can affect its appearance and long-term condition.
Moisture build-up in the cockpit is a concern so moisture-absorbing material is placed inside.
Mr Hammond has given the airport a management plan for the plane's care and maintenance and he will check it each year.
The airport is the Christchurch man's only non-museum client.
"The airport should be commended for appreciating a national treasure and wanting to take care of it," he says.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4213013a6497.html
Aviatrix Jean Batten's Percival Gull G-ADPR airplane, which is suspended from the roof of the Auckland airport's international terminal, is undergoing maintenance work to make sure it is appropriately preserved.
Jean Batten was a pioneer aviator in the 1920s and 1930s.
Her finest hour was on October 16, 1936, when she arrived in Auckland at the end of what was the first solo flight from England to New Zealand.
She completed the 14,224-mile journey in the Percival Gull in 11 days and 45 minutes, a time which remained a record for 44 years.
Auckland airport bought the plane in the 1990s and is helping keep it in its original condition by calling on plane maintenance specialist Aircraft Conservation.
The company specialises in looking after aircraft in museums and other public places.
Owner-operator Darren Hammond is an experienced aviation museum professional.
Mr Hammond, who worked for 20 years at the Royal Air Force Museum in the United Kingdom, says the Percival Gull is still in good nick.
"It's in excellent shape. For all intents and purposes it's still airworthy."
The last time it flew was over Auckland in 1996 to mark the 60th anniversary of Jean Batten's record-breaking flight between England and Auckland.
Mr Hammond and his team gave the plane a full engineering inspection, examined its suspension cables and fittings, cleaned its external surfaces and carried out engine maintenance.
"It's no more than any professional aviation museum would do," Mr Hammond says.
A few grease and oil deposits were found but that was normal, he says.
After the plane was dusted it was washed in pH neutral detergent.
The tiny wood and fabric monoplane has a wingspan of 11.02 metres and is 7.6 metres long. Mr Hammond says several factors can affect its appearance and long-term condition.
Moisture build-up in the cockpit is a concern so moisture-absorbing material is placed inside.
Mr Hammond has given the airport a management plan for the plane's care and maintenance and he will check it each year.
The airport is the Christchurch man's only non-museum client.
"The airport should be commended for appreciating a national treasure and wanting to take care of it," he says.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4213013a6497.html
