Posts Tagged ‘Concorde’
Bringing Aviation History Home – The Concorde Signed Frames
Imagine soaring through the skies aboard Concorde, where speed meets history. On October 1st, 1969, Concorde exceeded Mach 1 for the first time, marking a monumental moment in aviation history. This marvel of engineering didn’t just redefine air travel, it created legends. Now, you can bring a piece of that legendary flight into your own home with this exclusive Concorde Signed Frame.
Each frame has been graced with the authentic signatures of ten distinguished Concorde pilots, including Captain Colin Morris, whose remarkable 28-year tenure in the cockpit exemplifies dedication and expertise.
Meet the Legends Behind the Signatures
Captain Jock Lowe
Origin: Scotland
Concorde Career: Over 25 years
Interesting Fact: Captain Jock Lowe was a prominent figure in British Airways’ Concorde operations, significantly boosting the airline’s profitability during his tenure as Director of Flight Operations. He also famously flew the Concorde in formation with a Spitfire over The White Cliffs of Dover to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Captain David Rowland
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Over 15 years
Interesting Fact: Renowned for his engaging in-flight briefings, Captain David Rowland provided passengers with fascinating insights into the workings and history of Concorde, making each flight a memorable experience.
Captain David Studd
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: More than a decade
Interesting Fact: Captain David Studd was one of the select pilots trusted to fly the British royal family, showcasing his exceptional skill and reliability as a Concorde pilot.
Captain Dave Leney
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Approximately 12 years
Interesting Fact: Playing a pivotal role in the final flight preparations for Concorde, Captain Dave Leney ensured the aircraft’s last journeys were executed with precision and care.
Captain Jeremy Randall
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Over 10 years
Interesting Fact: Participating in several aviation documentaries, Captain Jeremy Randall shared his extensive knowledge and passion for Concorde with a broader audience.
Captain Roger Mills
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: More than a decade
Interesting Fact: Instrumental in developing new flight procedures and training programs for Concorde pilots, Captain Roger Mills enhanced the safety and efficiency of Concorde operations.
Captain Tim Orchard
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Nearly 15 years
Interesting Fact: Captain Tim Orchard was Senior First Officer on the record-breaking Concorde flight between New York and London, achieving a flight time of 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds.
Captain Les Brodie
Origin: Scotland
Concorde Career: Over a decade
Interesting Fact: On August 30, 2003, Captain Les Brodie piloted G-BOAC on the last scheduled supersonic service from Barbados, marking a historic moment as the Concorde bid farewell to the Caribbean.
Captain Colin Morris
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Around 28 years
Interesting Fact: Actively involved in air shows and aviation events, Captain Colin Morris often flew Concorde for special demonstrations. He flew the Concorde to Athens to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Greek association.
Captain Norman Britton
Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Over a decade
Interesting Fact: Captain Norman Britton was a mentor to many aspiring Concorde pilots. On April 14, 1990, he set a New York to London record with a flight time of 2 hours, 54 minutes, and 30 seconds.
The Concorde Signed Frame isn’t just a collectables, it’s a tribute to the pilots who made aviation history. Each signature tells a story of dedication, precision, and passion for flight. Bring the legacy of Concorde into your home, and relive an era when the skies echoed with the roar of supersonic travel.
A Journey into Supersonic History with Chief Concorde Engineer John Britton
Commemorating Concorde’s Final Flight
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into the world of supersonic aviation history? Well, I recently had the chance to turn that dream into reality as I embarked on a thrilling adventure to the Bristol Aerospace Museum. This journey wasn’t just about wandering through exhibits, it was about commemorating the 20th anniversary of the final flight of the world-famous supersonic aircraft, Concorde.
I jumped at the opportunity to take our brand new Concorde commemoratives on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot 216 G-BOAF.
On Board Concorde G-BOAF
As I set foot on the Concorde, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of a lifelong dream coming true. The sleek lines, the aviation marvel that once ruled the skies—it was all there beneath my feet. But this adventure wasn’t just about being on board; it was about delving into the heart of Concorde’s legacy.
The highlight of my day? An exclusive interview with none other than Concorde’s Chief Engineer, John Britton. Imagine having the opportunity to pick the brain of the mastermind behind this supersonic aircraft.
Behind the Scenes: Exclusive Interview with Chief Engineer John Britton
The stories, the facts, and the rich history he shared with me were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Britton’s insights transported me back in time, painting a vivid picture of Concorde’s glory days. From the engineering marvels that defined its success to the intricate details of its final flight.
As I listened to Britton, I couldn’t help but marvel at John’s passion and engineering brilliance that helped bring Concorde to life.
Leaving the museum that day, I carried with me not just the commemoratives that had traveled on Concorde’s final journey but a newfound appreciation for the legacy of supersonic travel. The Bristol Aerospace Museum had transformed a casual visit into a journey through time.
I urge you to step into the world of Bristol Aerospace Museum and witness this iconic aircraft for yourself.
Celebrating 20 Years of Supersonic History: Remembering the Last Flight of Concorde
Today is a very significant day in aviation history! The iconic Concorde jet, renowned for its supersonic speed and luxury, bid its final farewell on October 24, 2003. This last commercial passenger flight G-BOAG took off from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, soaring through the skies at twice the speed of sound, and touching down at London’s Heathrow Airport.
On board were 100 passengers, including famous personalities and an adventurous Ohio couple who had secured two tickets on eBay for a staggering $60,300.
This final journey marked the end of an era, as the typical roundtrip trans-Atlantic fare, which cost around $9,000, was now history. Simultaneously, other Concorde flights embarked on their last voyages from Edinburgh and the Bay of Biscay, drawing large crowds of spectators.
Concorde’s Legacy
Concorde, a marvel of British and French joint innovation, took to the skies in January 1976 for its first commercial flight. It represented a significant leap in aviation technology and design, and its sleek, delta-winged design enabled it to complete the transatlantic journey between New York and London in a mere three and a half hours, cruising at an astonishing speed of 1,350 miles per hour. Concorde was more than just a means of travel, it was an emblem of speed and luxury, captivating the world’s imagination.
Challenges faced by Concorde
Despite its iconic status, Concorde was not without its challenges. Some individuals living under its flight path criticised the substantial noise it generated, disrupting their everyday lives. Tragically, a dark chapter in Concorde’s history unfolded on July 25, 2000, when an Air France jet crashed shortly after take-off from Paris. This catastrophic incident claimed the lives of all 109 people on board, as well as four others on the ground. Following the crash, all Concorde flights were suspended for over a year, with investigations, safety checks, and improvements taking place.
The final commercial flight of Concorde on October 24, 2003, marked the end of an era in aviation. This iconic jet, born from international collaboration, redefined the possibilities of air travel with its incredible speed and luxury. While Concorde had its share of challenges, including noise complaints and a tragic accident, it remains an iconic symbol of human ingenuity and ambition. Concorde’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the thrill of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the skies.
To mark this significant day in aviation history and to celebrate the legacy of this legendary supersonic jet, we have curated a special range over the years for our collectors. Featuring Gold plated coins, Signed framed prints and Limited edition ingots, our Concorde Collectables range has something for everyone – See our Concorde Collectables range by clicking here.