****Announcement **** Golden Apple Operations F-86A

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Member for

9 years 9 months

Posts: 3

Duxford based Golden Apple Operations Ltd has today suspended flying of their North American F-86A Sabre (48-178). Subject to completion of contract the aircraft will be returning to the United States in the very near future.

We are extremely grateful to all who have supported us and for the enthusiastic following by many over the last 22 years. It has been an enormous challenge yet an immense privilege to operate the world’s oldest jet powered aircraft, the only airworthy F-86A and the only Sabre flying in Europe. We have been fortunate to have had the backing of many committed individuals over the years and we are all saddened that our involvement in this particular chapter of 48-178’s history is now drawing to an end.

We will be fully supporting the transition to operations in the USA and we wish the new owner the very best of luck.

Original post

Member for

14 years

Posts: 1,788

It has been an enormous challenge and an immense privilege to operate the world’s oldest jet powered aircraft, the only airworthy F-86A and the only Sabre flying in Europe.

Sad to see it go, and I hope it will find a happy home. That'll be two airworthy F-86As in the USA in the next few years...

Duncan

Member for

20 years

Posts: 1,628

Yes indeed it is a shame to see it go but well done to Golden Apple for issuing such a clear statement to reduce the "Chinese Whispers" which always surround disposals like this.

Member for

11 years 5 months

Posts: 84

I'm gutted to hear that, although it's not totally unexpected.

Happy to say that I enjoyed a huge number of her displays in the UK in the 14 or so years I've been airshow-ing.

Member for

14 years 1 month

Posts: 5,088

Sad to see the Sabre going. Thankyou for all the great displays over the years!

Member for

11 years 5 months

Posts: 11,141

Yes, echoing the previous comments and just so pleased to have seen a good few of its marvellous displays. Good luck Stateside!!

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 16,832

Indeed, thanks for the displays - they have always been a pleasure to watch.

Moggy

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 3,000

As others have said, many thanks to Golden Apple and all the other individuals and organisations who've been involved with G-SABR over the years.

I have to say I'm amazed that we've had the pleasure of having the F86 over here so long, she's always seemed ripe for taking back across the pond.

Best wishes to the new owner.

Member for

16 years 5 months

Posts: 5,999

I for one shall certainly miss its unmistakable smoky trail across the skies, and the gentle but dynamic way it was displayed. I just hope it receives as much care and respect back in the USA, and many more safe and smoky hours in the sky!

Rob

Member for

20 years

Posts: 1,496

As sharp noisy pointy things go , she is a beaut! and will be sad to see it go.

But dare I say, an aircraft that is as important to American aviation belongs in America.

Which is why I would like to see a flying Mosquito here, oh to win the euromillions !

Member for

20 years 6 months

Posts: 7,025

Superb aircraft with a fantastic display- i shall miss her here so i hope they look after her well over there.Thank you.

Member for

16 years 4 months

Posts: 2,094

As a kid I never thought I'd ever see an F-86 fly. So thank u to all concerned for the opportunity! Here's to many more years of her being up where she belongs

Member for

15 years 11 months

Posts: 5,339

She will be sorely missed :-) But onwards :-)

Member for

17 years 10 months

Posts: 3,778

Thank you Mark for your dedication and good luck with any future investments.
TA out

Member for

14 years

Posts: 1,788

I'm gutted to hear that, although it's not totally unexpected.

Happy to say that I enjoyed a huge number of her displays in the UK in the 14 or so years I've been airshow-ing.

And it's hard to believe she's been in the UK for 22 years now.

Member for

20 years

Posts: 268

[ATTACH=CONFIG]229103[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]229104[/ATTACH]It was great when Mark Linney brought the Sabre to Baldonnel for the flight Fest last year it was the first time a Sabre landed at Baldonnel. Mark a real gentleman was so accommodating to the Air Corps Apprentices, great to meet him.
Tony K

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Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 2,435

It's rare that we have the chance to write direct to an operator on the forum, so thank you for all the years you have maintained and displayed this aircraft. I always enjoyed watching her.

Member for

20 years 6 months

Posts: 2,230

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/8866497532_31a76a8611_b.jpgNorth American F-86A Sabre by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr

It's Very sad to see her go but over the years I have come to realise that aircraft come and go all the time and it's best to enjoy them while we can. I remember one of her first ever displays(possibly debut) with Mark Hanna at the controls at Biggin Hill she is something special . I never tired of seeing her flying and feel sure that she will turn heads in the USA.
Pity she never got to team up with the Meteor and Me262 as that would of been a sight, all the best to the new owner you have a great aircraft there.

Thanks Mark Linney and all at Golden Apple for all those wonderful years she flew here.

Member for

11 years 5 months

Posts: 11,141


It's Very sad to see her go but over the years I have come to realise that aircraft come and go all the time and it's best to enjoy them while we can.

That is so true and is the way of the historic aircraft world. We just have to make the best of what we can see and when. At least more people get the opportunity to share the pleasure we have had.