A SUMMARY OF DH88 COMET G-ACSP “BLACK MAGIC” PROGRESS December 2020.
Covid 19 has been a huge impediment for progress. Obviously the weekly working sessions at Derby have not happened since February 2020. However it is worth recapping what the current state of the restoration actually is and the progress towards restoring this iconic aircraft to flight. As summarised by Martin Jones.
Fuselage
Structurally complete. Fuel tank covers complete using original wooden practice.
The following installed : Engine control linkages, Some cockpit controls – rudder bars, stick sockets, flap torque tube. Control Sticks fabricated. Safety harness attachments. Canopy hinges and catches. Canopy frame fabricated and fitted. Front light to hand, Front transparent nose cone promised.
Empennage
Tail plane, fin, rudder, elevators structurally complete covered and in silver dope stage. Fittings attached. Fin balance arm fabricated. Tail plane and fin attachments : Rudder hinges fitted,
Wing
Spars set up in jig with inter spar ribs installed. Tip bows laminated and fitted. Lower surface of tips ply covered. Bottom planking ready for final flatting down. Pick ups for undercarriage fitted. Engine mount attachments fitted. Fuselage attachment fittings fabricated.
Undercarriage
Mounting frames fabricated and trial fitted to wing. Legs completed. Retraction structure completed. Gearboxes fabricated. Lead screws purchased. Suitable wheels and brakes available awaiting inspection. Retraction motor to hand. Hand wheel to hand.
Engines
Three viable Gipsy Queen 30 engines with carbs to hand(fully inhibited) with provenance documentation. Two partial engines for spares. CSUs. Starter/de-feathering clutches. Generators. Special mounting feet manufactured. Engine bearers fabricated together with rubber mounts. Misc. spares. Engine overhaul facility in-house. Engine mounting frames fabricated. Two new GQ exhaust systems
Propellers
Three new Hydromatic fully feathering propellers to hand. Two Hydromatic domes. Two installation kits. One spinner shell. Misc. propeller spares. Propeller overhaul facility in house.
Cowlings
Two Heron engine cowlings available (nose fairings probably usable)
Drawings
Adequate set of original drawings. In house capability of redefining and development. In house aerodynamic and stressing capability.
Facilities
Airfield! Workshops – wood and metal. Hangar (extra hangarage being constructed). Rigging jigs available. Optical rigging measuring equipment. Licensed engineer support in house within LAA, CAA and EASA approvals. Test pilot in house. Trade suppliers for hardware, hoses, cables, bearings etc.
Administration
Official registration. Specific bank account. Records of construction. Satisfactory contacts with the UK regulator. Insurance cover.
Communications
A dedicated website! Facebook presence with 1750+ members. A modest network of donors both individuals and corporate who are wonderfully generous and interested.
AND MOST OF ALL …….
Dedicated, knowledgeable, skilled, willing and hard working VOLUNTEERS!
We look forward with great optimism to 2021 with many thanks for your interest.