[SKUNKY]

F-14s apparently not properly demilitarized before being transferred to private owners..
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/11187298/detail.html

[mustangdriver]

I think it is rubbish. WHat were they going to do fly them with no engines? Two were going to the Yanks Air Museum in Chino. I think they are making a little too much out of it, even if there were some things that should have been taken off. Just do it with out making a huge production out of it.

[djjeffhall]

Mustangdriver,
Hey there.

You think it might be something like they never took the ammo out of the bird? I had a friend who imported a pair of Mig 23's over to the states. After tons of assurances that EVERYTHING had been properly cleared before they were crated up in Europe, they ship out. New York customs flags them as the cannon and ammo were still on board and loaded.

Fortunately he was farly well aquanted with the customs guys (And a REALLY smooth talker.) so they didn't go balistic. They just had the ATF guys come in, take the ammo out of the birds and released them. You never know what gets "forgotten"

[Hornchurch]

Dumbfounded

Our Civil Aviation Authority over here (C.A.A.) won't allow private owners to own anything more potent than a 'sub-sonic' design (& even then, they're REALLY stringent).

That's why Mike (Wotsisname)Beachyhead ? set up his E.E./BAC Lightning force in South-africa, where the 'rules' are far more 'realistic'.

Only takes ONE looney-Yank, to go 'smokin' around in something as potent as an F.14 to cause potential mayhem.

Remember, one of your previous Land-Speed Record holders managed to obtain an F.104 motor (I.I.R.C.) from private sources, & THAT caused enough controversy.

Sadly, since 9/11, with numerous 'wierdo's about, ya can't be too careful

[mustangdriver]

I would agree, but these things don't have engines in them. No smokin' around to be done in a F-14 glider! maybe it is something like ammo, but who knows.

[no4mkit]

The report I heard this evening claimed radar and other systems could be the concern. I suspect there's the potential for some blackmarket operation transferring such items into Iranian Tomcats, but with the 1/2 Billion dollars that Tehran just spent in Moscow (via the Syrians) for new military hardware (and the billions more they could spend) I don't see why Iran would bother tinkering with old F-14's.

Who know's, maybe the real story is the Defense Dept just doesn't want Tom Cruise getting his hands on one....

[Aircrafty]

Maybe Australia should have bought some F-14's to replace our aging F-111's

[admin]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

Mustangdriver,
Hey there.

You think it might be something like they never took the ammo out of the bird? I had a friend who imported a pair of Mig 23's over to the states. After tons of assurances that EVERYTHING had been properly cleared before they were crated up in Europe, they ship out. New York customs flags them as the cannon and ammo were still on board and loaded.

Fortunately he was farly well aquanted with the customs guys (And a REALLY smooth talker.) so they didn't go balistic. They just had the ATF guys come in, take the ammo out of the birds and released them. You never know what gets "forgotten"

I was just thinking of the Mig-23 that's in the USAF museum in Dayton. It was seized from a private party that attempted to import it without first clearing the proper red tape.

I just hope that they don't find out about the Foxbat in my garage! I traded a lot of levi's jeans for that thing.

[jim]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

Dumbfounded

Our Civil Aviation Authority over here (C.A.A.) won't allow private owners to own anything more potent than a 'sub-sonic' design (& even then, they're REALLY stringent).

That's why Mike (Wotsisname)Beachyhead ? set up his E.E./BAC Lightning force in South-africa, where the 'rules' are far more 'realistic'.

Only takes ONE looney-Yank, to go 'smokin' around in something as potent as an F.14 to cause potential mayhem.

Remember, one of your previous Land-Speed Record holders managed to obtain an F.104 motor (I.I.R.C.) from private sources, & THAT caused enough controversy.

Sadly, since 9/11, with numerous 'wierdo's about, ya can't be too careful:
(

This topic always gets me annoyed. Freedom of the individual but also public safety issues are difficult to police. Mike only asked if he could fly his Lightening out over the sea and was refused without reasonable discussion IMHO.
One of the reasons I like the American way is that the Yanks can at least live their dreams. They fight for their rights.
I know since 9/11 things in the States have tightenend up a lot but IMHO God bless Loony Yanks. Having the freedom to own and fly old warbirds, have fun making really crazy cars, It a persons right to express his individuality.
I love that trait of eccentricity (still much found in Britain despite government attempts to make us all into compliant Dorks) , It is after all that eccentricity in itself that gave the human race is biggest advancements in science.

Why the fuss over that aircraft? Just sort it and get on with the job!

BTW I remember well a chap being caught speeding up the M1 motorway many years ago.
When the police stopped the car ,a Rolls Royce, they found a Merlin ex Spitfire engine fitted under the hood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WONDERFULL STUFF.

[Cavtanker]

Aircrafty, Austrailia is getting some Super Hornets for the time being:

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=2600702&C=airwar