In 1963 de Havilland Comet 4C XS 235 Canopus was delivered straight from the production line at Chester to Boscombe Down as a trials aeroplane. For the next thirty-three years it led a sedate life, amassing only 8,200 hours. Put up for auction in May 1997, there were fears that this most historic aeroplane would be bought by an American collector. The National Air Pageant, supported by Lord Brabazon of Tara, petitioned the Defence Secretary to withdraw this important piece of Britain's national heritage and keep it in the country.

Michael Portillo MP, in his last act in government, cancelled the Comet sale, a move confirmed by his successor George Roberston MP. The Comet was sold to the de Havilland Aircraft Museum Trust but plans to fly it to Hatfield, birthplace of the Comet, fell through. Eventually, Canopus was rescued by British Aerospace and moved to Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire where she remains in the care of the British Aviation Heritage Collection.

On a cold day in February 1998 former BAe vice-chairman Sydney Gillibrand formally handed over the Comet to David Walton at the BAHC. Among the witnesses was John Cunningham himself (above) who was re-united with the cockpit in which he had spent so much of his distinguished career (below).

Thanks to the enthusiasm of ATC Lasham Limited, many of whose staff worked on Dan Air's Comet fleet, there is a very real prospect of Canopus staying in the air. British Airways has offered to re-spray the aeroplane in B.O.A.C livery, just as it looks on this page. The Civil Aviation Authority has agreed to process an application for a private category Certificate of Airworthiness. Aerospace companies are coming forwards with offers of help. The amount of goodwill which exists around the country is remarkable.

Now we need your help to provide funds for engineering work and the direct operating costs. Individual supporters can sign up according to their means; all contributions will be very welcome. At this stage The National Air Pageant is looking for pledges rather than money. If you would be prepared to help, please check out the "Join Us"page.

The 'Plane That Changed the World....

The Comet 1 was dogged by bad luck. Metal fatigue, about which little was known, caused the crash of two B.O.A.C. Comets and the type's certificate of airworthiness was withdrawn. When the cause of the crashes was established, de Havilland set about re-designing the Comet and, eventually, produced the larger Comet 4. On the 4th October 1958 two B.O.A.C. Comet 4s inaugurated the first regular transatlantic jet passenger service - another first for British innovation. But four vital years had been lost and the Americans had stolen a march with the Boeing 707.

Nevertheless, the Comet served with the world's major airlines and a type 4B was released for British European Airways. The last operator was Dan-Air who put the Comet to good use on the inclusive tour market. The last flight of a Dan-Air Comet was in 1980 after which the only Comets to remain in service were with the RAF and the Development and Research Agency. By 1996 the very last flying example, XS235 Canopus, was becoming expensive to maintain and the decision was taken to put her up for sale.

Bringing History Alive...

The National Air Pageant wants to bring history alive for a new generation. The last Comet will fly as part of an "aerial circus", complete with period vehicles and crew and support staff in 1950's uniforms. This travelling time-warp will tell the remarkable story of the aeroplane that changed the world. We take our cues from photographs like this - a B.O.A.C Comet 4 and all the people needed to operate it - taken at London Airport forty years ago.

To help us re-create the interior of the Comet we have turned to publicity photographs of the time. It was an age when passengers dressed up, not down, to fly. Some of the early Comets were all First Class but the later versions sported First Class and Tourist. These were the days when stewards wore white jackets, tea was served in china cups and Pullman-style tables were thoughtfully provided for those who fancied a round of Bridge.

The boy with his matchsticks featured in a B.O.A.C advert that claimed the Comet 4 was "...supreme in the skies for super-fast, super-smooth, vibration-free travel. With the introduction of the Comet 4, distance shrinks and time takes on a new meaning! Step aboard...marvel at the Comet's vibration-free flying...You're hardly aware of the four mighty Rolls-Royce jet engines. Delight in the Comet's smoothness...You behold the world like a huge relief map below as you soar majestically through the blue calm of the stratosphere. Revel in the Comet's restful comfort...in the magnificent food and wines, and B.O.A.C's word-famed personal service. You arrive gloriously fresh...barely realising you've travelled at all!"

Bibliography

The First Jet Airliner: The Story of the De Havilland Comet
by Timothy Walker and Scott Henderson ISBN 1 902236 05 X
Scoval Publishing Limited 01661 820 838