Aerobility buys ex-RAF motor glider fleet
Pilot|April 2020
In a move that surprised many industry observers, the RAF’s fleet of 63 decommissioned Vigilant T1 motor gliders has been sold by the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation to the UK charity Aerobility.
Aerobility buys ex-RAF motor glider fleet

The former Air Cadet Vigilants will be re-engined and fitted with new avionics for Aerobility operation

Despite the fleet being grounded in 2014 as part of the infamous Air Cadet flying ‘pause’ and subsequently deemed irrecoverable, it now seems that the aircraft can be recovered. The first batch of ten aircraft is being modified and refurbished by German company Grob Aircraft SE− the original manufacturer and Design Authority−to meet civil certification standards. The remaining aircraft will be engineered and recertified in the UK by Southern Sailplanes.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Pilot.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Pilot.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PILOTView All
Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight
Pilot

Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight

Electric aviation company Ampaire flew its second technology demonstrator on 10 September. The aircraft is a refined version of its Cessna 337 ‘Electric EEL’ hybrid-electric power conversion.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Rare Rearwin
Pilot

Rare Rearwin

Made in tiny numbers by Piper and Aeronca standards, the beautifully-engineered Rearwin Skyranger proves to be a delight waiting to be discovered

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020
Dr Hill's new helicopter
Pilot

Dr Hill's new helicopter

You’ve seen pictures of concept helicopters before, and most of them never rose from the paper… but this one has a better chance than most of flying in the real world. It’s the Hill HX50, and the designer describes it as a ‘disruptive’ entry into the small helicopter market, offering a step-change for the better in safety, performance, comfort and elegance.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Make mine a turbine!
Pilot

Make mine a turbine!

To say aviation and turbines is a happy marriage is true−albeit mainly in the airline, business aircraft and helicopter world. Light aviation, especially the ultralight segment, remains essentially a turbine free field−apart from noble exceptions, in the form of single-engine jets and ‘experimentals’.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020
Industry experts say...
Pilot

Industry experts say...

Representatives from a selection of Approved Training Organisations look forward to the future of Commercial Air Travel and prospects for professional pilots after the pandemic

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2020
Flight training
Pilot

Flight training

News from the clubs, schools & ATOs

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
First airline job
Pilot

First airline job

... won and lost after just eighteen months in the right-hand seat. Reflections on the rewards of the hardest work in a lifetime

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2020
Safety Matters
Pilot

Safety Matters

Safety Matters and Safety Briefs are based on the AAIB Bulletin and UK Airprox Board reports, with additional material from the US National Transportation Safety Board.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020
Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!
Pilot

Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!

Donegal in Ireland has been named as the ‘world’s most beautiful airport 2020’ – for the third successive year – in a major vote by more than six thousand ‘flying fans’. The award is given as part of the annual Scenic Airports poll conducted by private jet booking service PrivateFly.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2020
Come to Sweden!
Pilot

Come to Sweden!

A French pilot retires to Sweden, where he enjoys great weather, blissful flights and barbecues – and invites British flyers visit this GA-friendly country

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020