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Project Updates

Much is new in "Vimy world"
March 2005

The Vimy Flies Again!
October 2004

The Engines Have Been Mounted
May 2004

Vimy Atlantic Crossing Update
April 2004

Clifden, Ireland Visitors
September 2003

New Propellers
July 2003

Vimy Atlantic Crossing delayed
March 2003

July through November Project Update
30-Nov-01

Vimy to be Heard in Star Wars
15-Nov-01

Vimy Grounded by BMW
18-July-01

Vimy Stops in Mesa, AZ for Maintenance
17-July-01

A Visit to the Vimy
10-Jun-01

 

Vimy Update — April 2004

‘VIMY ATLANTIC’ CROSSING

The planned re-creation of the June 14, 1919 Alcock & Brown Vimy flight, the true ‘first’ transatlantic crossing, from St. Johns, Newfoundland to Cliffden, Galway, Ireland, has now been officially postponed and planned for June 2005.

After a years of Hurculean efforts by chief enigineer, John LaNoue and others the new Orenda engines refit is currently in the final stages and testing is to begin shortly!

In addition, improving economy has made it more possible to secure adequate corporate and economic sponsorship for the next and final phase of the Vimy Triple Crown - the re-creation of the 1919 Alcock and Brown record breaking Transatlantic flight.

The Transatlantic attempt is planned in two stages.

Cross Canada Tour: Summer 2004

Phase One: Fly the Vimy from California to St. John’s Newfoundland in the Summer of 2004 and prepare for Phase Two.

Newfoundland: June 2005

Phase Two: Undertake transatlantic flight in June 2005, tour Ireland and England and then the Farnborough Airshow.

With the help of Roger Pike and his colleagues, our partners and friends in Newfoundland, the Vimy group is beginning preparations and fundraising for a mid summer 2003 Cross Canada tour from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The ‘Vimy’ was named after a major battle in the First World War at Vimy Ridge, in which Canada played a significant, painful and heroic role. The ‘Vimy’, we believe, will be a superb goodwill ambassador and should generate significant interest and involvement from the Canadians for this historically significant project.

With a successful arrival in St. John’s, hopefully by early fall 2004, and with Roger Pike's assistance we hope to 'over winter' in Newfoundland and prepare for the June 2005 Transatlantic crossing.

Possible US Stops

The Vimy hopes to make possible US stops in Seattle, Oshkosh and Chicago for Airshows, which will be aimed at generating additional Canadian and U.S. support for the Vimy Transatlantic 2005 flight attempt.

Preparation for the Trans-Atlantic flight

This will require modification to the Vimy to provide sufficient fuel and range to accomplish this 1700 mile over water journey. Roger’s ‘Air Labrador’ team and his associates in the Newfoundland Aircraft community will obviously be extremely helpful in this regard.
Having the Vimy overwinter in Newfoundland will greatly simplify the staging issues for the transatlantic flight and enhance our chances of a successful flight. Unlike the Australian and Africa Vimy trips, the transatlantic flight is very clear – once airborne, the Vimy either gets there or it doesn’t. There is nowhere to stop along the way!

Ireland and beyond

Once in Ireland, the plans are to make a celebratory tour of Ireland and England, with, should the timing work out, a triumphant appearance at the 2005 Paris Airshow. Plans are also under way to develop a Canadian/British 'Vimy Ridge' memorial visit with our Vickers Vimy playing a central role in teh celebration and remembrance of this historic World WAr I battle and the Vimy's reason for being - truly a fitting "swords to plowshares" denoucement for our Vimy Triple Crown effort.


Subsequent to the summer celebrations in Ireland, England and Europe, the plan is to find the Vimy a permanent home – a home which will and can house the Vimy so others, for years to come, can come and gaze upon this magical plane which has such an epochal history and which has continued to thrill all who come across her, young and old alike.

Onward and upwards!


©1999-2001 Vimy Restorations, Inc.

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