That Chim looks a bit understated, eh?
Improved road access to the British Grand Prix in recent years means that the 1999 record of 4,200 helicopter 'movements' in one day will probably never be broken, but the GP remains one of the few occasions when it's philosophically acceptable for PHers to leave the car at home.
Apparently it's possible to book a 'taxi ride' in one to Silverstone for the GP for something like £300 (Where from? Ed?), but of course we have an idea which is far more expensive, time-consuming, and complicated...
If, like me, you were in your early teens in the mid-Eighties then you might recognise a Bell 222. If you don't then try to imagine this one in DuPont 'Phantom Grey Metallic' with a 'Pearl Grey' (thanks Wikipedia) underside, some extra air intakes and various other guns and nozzles. Oh yes, were talking about arriving at the British Grand Prix in your very own replica Airwolf.
Controls fall easily to hand, but what do they do?
Of course, unlike the one we watched Jan Michael Vincent's character fly on TV it won't be able to go supersonic (apparently they struggle to do 150mph) or reach the edge of space (umm...because that's impossible), and carrying replica weapons might upset the authorities. Oh and of course it won't make all those cool wailing and screeching noises as you swoop over the crowds either. There are some other problems too, like the fact that this one will probably cost the thick-end of £600,000, but tell me you can't imagine a boozy race-day commute in that passenger compartment?
So, all that's stopping you from wowing the crowd with your arrival at the Grand Prix next year in your own Airwolf is a huge amount of cash, a paint job, some grey flight overalls, and a helicopter pilots licence. Actually, no. If you do go to all that trouble then you still won't be able to fly in to Silverstone on race day unless you're a commercial pilot. (Dammit. Health and safety gorn mad again... Ed.)
 More tea, vicar? |
 No, I DEFINITELY said Junction 15A... |
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