Anyon know why Qinetic/ETPS are going 'Civil'?

[Davef68]

The new PC21s and H135s are going on the civil register, with rumours that the 'QQ' aircraft (Avro RJ, DA42) set to follow.

[knutt]

Think you mean H125's ( AS.350) and not H135's (EC.135).

Kevin

[Davef68]

Think you mean H125's ( AS.350) and not H135's (EC.135).

Kevin

Yeah, fat fingers! Squirrels!

[POL]

They're a civil company and as they're no longer operating military aircraft, there's no need for them to be military registered.

[Davef68]

They're a civil company and as they're no longer operating military aircraft, there's no need for them to be military registered.

ETPS is still a civil/military partnership, with a military CO. Flight operations have (until now) been carried out under the MAA. Presumably now they will be operated under CAA rules. Both PC21 and H125 have dual certification, so there must be some advantage to having them civil registered rather than military.

[bizfreeq]

Is the Squirrel due to be added to their fleet in the future then, I can see none in the current fleet?

[Yammer]

it may help with there subsequent resale value to have them operated and maintained to civil standards.

[POL]

Is the Squirrel due to be added to their fleet in the future then, I can see none in the current fleet?

First one is out and about, dad photographed one over SPTA last week: https://flic.kr/p/EVMUzz

[bizfreeq]

Many thanks Chris, somehow got past me!

[TonyO]

They have aligned ETPS test pilot training with a new EASA flight test rating, which means it can be performed more cheaply with new civilian assets.

[raameagle]

Mark,

They are getting four Squirrels (H125s) and G-ETPG should have arrived at Boscombe Down last Friday. It is painted and does look quite smart.

Regards

[Ghost from above]

Ok so this is to do with the £1 billion contract variation to the LTPA (Long Term Parenting Agreement) to the Test and evaluation services

In it At MOD Boscombe Down, QinetiQ will work with partners in the RAF’s Air Warfare Centre to introduce a new test pilot syllabus from 2019 that will meet future military test pilot training needs while also offering a new commercial test pilot qualification, opening up new opportunities for a wider range of students to attend. QinetiQ will invest approximately £85m to replace the oldest aircraft in the current flying fleet with new, systems-rich aircraft that will deliver the new syllabus while costing less to maintain, reducing the overall running costs of the school.

In he original contract the MOD transferred the use but not the ownership of the aircraft to Qinetiq. This transfers the problem to Qinetiq after the current airframes run out of hours. Qinetiq are free to chose aircraft (within reason) so long a it doesnt affect MOD training.

Hope this helps

[Davef68]

Thank you!

[Davef68]

There are 4 Squirrels and 2 Grob 120s on the UK register now as G-ETPC/D/E/F/G/H. The PC21s will be G-ETPA/B

[knutt]

The current issue of Flight International has an article on Qinetiq that states PC-21 G-ETPA was delivered to Boscombe Down in late June. The article states that Flight International visited on 29th June. Does anyone know the date that the delivery occurred?.

Thanks

Kevin

[rh226]

It was delivered to Boscombe Down on 19th June 2018 as HB-HYX and re-registered as G-ETPA on 25th June.

https://flight-data.adsbexchange.com/ma ... 2018-06-19

[teeonefixer]

Imho the MRCOA (military registered civil operated aircraft or something like that after a cooling glass or 2 of plonk...) regulations are becoming more difficult for an operator of "old" and unique aeroplanes to manage. As stated so well above, the new fleet will match operating requirements. QQ did own the 3 Hawks I understand (is XX154 the only one flying, even that has limited time left?)

[tm74sqn]

I hope that Hawk XX154 will be preserved in a museum collection as it was the first Hawk.

[knutt]

Thanks for your help rh226

Kevin

[Kurnass]

Last Thursday XX162 was flying from Boscombe Down.