Unique Viking glider comes home

摘要

The only surviving Scott Viking I glider, BGA 416, arrived at the Gliding Heritage Centre (GHC) at Lasham, Hampshire on 3 August following acquisition from Willem den Baars of the Dutch Gliding Association. The acquisition was made possible by Bob van Aalst, who organised the appeal to purchase the historic sailplane among members of the Vintage Gliding Club. They then presented the machine to the GHC. It was handed over at Terlet airfield near Arnhem on 1 August during the International Vintage Glider Club rally. The Viking last flew in 2011. Following detailed inspection, a decision will be made as to whether it will have to be completely re-covered before it can fly again. Four Viking Is were built by Scott Light Aircraft Ltd at Dunstable during 1938-39. BGA 416 was the last to be constructed, and after being acquired by W. E. Filmer of the Southdown Gliding Club it was flown in the 1939 UK National Championships at Camphill in the Peak District of Derbyshire.