G-BRVH Smyth Sidewinder

Peter G. Mair · Post by **Peter G. Mair** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:59 pm

I noted that Romeo Victor has been sold, does anyone know if the A/C is flying? I have a number of hours on it, and it was great performer.

macconnacher · Post by **macconnacher** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:21 pm

I have seen a report of it in France.

J.C. · Post by **J.C.** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 9:29 am

last time I saw it was at Abbeville in the hangar covered in dust,about 3 years ago.

Nigel Hitchman · Post by **Nigel Hitchman** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 9:46 am

It was impounded by French customs at Abbeville for drug running, as JC says it was in the hangar there covered in dust for a long time. Its been de-registered by the CAA (It says owner "gone away", I guess he is away in some French jail!)

Perhaps the French customs have sold it now?

bertdeleporte · Post by **bertdeleporte** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 6:32 pm

Hi Peter,

All the best for 2009.

part of the story here

http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co. ... .php?t=456

Sorry for late reply, I do not come regularily on the forum

I purchased the aircraft in July, started discussions with DGAC to get a F register. The discussion turned very short, as expected: NO WAY!!!!!! I got then in touch with Malcom Mc Bride, who sent me to Mark Bonsall, the LAA Inspector who followed the building and made the annual surveys up to 2001, year of the last survey.
Meanwhile, I discussed again with DGAC and found an agreement with everybody: the survey will be held by Mark in Abbeville, the flight test also, and the DGAC accept the procedure.

Many, many, many, thanks to all the folks in LAA & DGAC I buzzed with my phone calls!!!!!!!!

It took quite a time and a few mails and phone calls, but eventually, I managed to get everybody to follow me in my madness to get airborne again the thing.
For the moment, I'm waiting for warmer days to open up the engine (I ran it 1 hour for now, it develops full power, but I'm not happy with one black and oily plug, and Mark requested to drop the cylinders), and plan to get everything ready for early spring.
I got also in touch with Ian Bellamy, the builder, who made a fantastic job. The aircraft is really of top quality workmanship, and I thank the French customs to have hangared the aircraft. Everything but the clock is working, I found the aircraft by chance but am very glad of my purchase. Only cloud, since I'm the owner, I got the headset, extinguisher and GPS stolen... Even in France, it happens.

For the moment, I'm trying to get trace of Charles Ian Whyte, the last owner. I've been told by one of the member of Abbeville Club he only spent 6 month fed by French Government, did you get some better news on your side since your last messages? I would be very pleased to recover the logs and building documentation, indeed.

Do not hesitate to contact me

Bertrand

macconnacher · Post by **macconnacher** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 1:17 pm

Please when you get it flying again and paint it in French marks can you please place a photo on the LAA-Archive site. If yoy have to fly it in F-W xxx first a photo in those as well would be most welcome.

bertdeleporte · Post by **bertdeleporte** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:16 pm

Hello Macconacher,

I plan to keep the original marks, G-BRVH, and the original paint scheme: I find the stars too cool, and the fuselage stipes color perfectly match them...

I'll post some pictures soon.

Bertrand