Should rare historic aircraft be flown?

摘要

There are two justifiable reasons for flying historic or heritage aircraft: education and finance. Taking the former first, non-flying aircraft are often presented in a dull, dusty museum environment and placed close to and overlapping other aircraft. They don't need to be maintained in good condition, so, sadly, often they are not! They present a drab picture; one which is lifeless, dead and decaying. On the other hand, the fully operating exhibit presents the sight, sound and smell of the working machine and when in flight, all aspects of its whole - the underside, topside, front, back and both sides. It can be seen in its living environment and, even when returned to the hangar at the end of the day, it still radiates life. The engine ticks as it cools, liquids drip from the various drains, there is an odour of life that only a working machine can exude. What better way is there to educate people in how these machines work? There are other benefits too. The engineering skills needed to keep the machines serviceable are kept alive, as are the unique piloting and engine-operating skills.