WIX Archives
Re: Spitfire XVI SL721
Posted by dumaresqc on Tue Aug 13, 2002 09:25:34 AM
In reply top Re: Spitfire XVI SL721 posted by Brad on Mon Aug 12, 2002 05:05:39 PM
Brad,
I completely agree with what you say. When I can afford to buy a Spitfire (ha! ha! ha!) I'll be able to call the shots too. I certainly don't call the shots with SL721 and could never dream to.
My point is that buying a vintage military aircraft is a little different than some other rich guy's toys, like a yacht, or even a Pitts Special or some other modern aircraft. It's different because vintage military aircraft have an intrinsic heritage value. When that aircraft flies, it is living history in flight, a piece of my heritage up there. It might be someone else's property, but it is a piece of my heritage. The same cannot be said for a yacht.
I think most owners of vintage aircraft are very sensitive to this, and that is partly what draws them to own such aircraft. I suspect the owner of SL721 is too. My point is that when someone owns a piece of history like that, I hope that they will be sensitive to that, and not just see their property as a machine, and a toy. Rather, I hope they respect the fact that while they own it, we all have a share in the history and heritage it represents. In a sense, I hope they feel that they are in some way the privilaged caretakers of that piece of history, and share that history with those of us not able to afford to share in the ownership of the property.
Anyways, enough of the soap box. Don't want to get too preachy here.
As Mike said too, if you hear anything about when the taxi and or first flight trials might begin, please pass word along.
Thanks