Romeo Papa joined us in 2007. She was built in 1945 as a de Havilland Dominie, the military version of the Dragon Rapide. Whereas our other two Rapides originated from Brush Coachworks in Loughborough, Romeo Papa was built by de Havilland at Hatfield. She started work with the RAF under the serial RL958.
The Dominie has more powerful engines than the Rapide. Romeo Papa also has the added sophistication of variable-pitch propellers - or "wobbly props" as pilots often call them. This effectively gives the aircraft a gearbox: by changing the pitch of the propellers, the pilot adjusts how big a bite of air the prop blades take. So a given thrust can be achieved by fine pitch at high revs or coarse pitch at low revs. This means that the engines can perform within their ideal power band. The result shows in aspects like an improved climb rate and lower fuel consumption.
In practice the difference isn't that profound. With all those struts and wires, the Rapide creates plenty of drag, so it wouldn't travel a great deal faster with a pair of ramjets under the wings!
There's some unexpected luxury in the cabin. The seats are upholstered in soft grey leather. And the view forward is breathtaking as there's no bulkhead separating the pilot's cockpit from the passenger cabin.
Romeo Papa worked in France as F-DAFS before a major restoration by Ford Air lasting eight years. Sadly, following this work of heart, she flew infrequently and spent too much time exposed to the elements. She suffered badly, and was in a poor state when she was acquired by Barry Pearson. Barry poured money and dedication into the old girl and is to be congratulated for bringing her back to flying condition.
Since joining us at the end of summer '07 she's spent the winter receiving Classic Flight's brand of care and attention ready for a return to passenger service in 2008.
