Prince

Air Classics, Jun 2000 by Keating, Sean

PRINCE

I'am responding to the April issue's photograph on page 13 of "Warbird Report." I am the owner of Percival Pembroke which you illustrated in the August 1997 issue on page 16 (N510RP) and was somewhat disappointed to hear that the "Prince of Van Nuys" was in a difficult situation. I have met the plane's owner, Jim Digieuseppe, and was under the impression that he had intentions to restore it back to flying condition. When I met with him in late 1998, he had contracted a company.

at Chino to review a restoration program. I met with the Chino company to discuss the Pembroke work I had done to date and the. basic workscope they needed to review on the Prince. I think the price must have put Jim on hold.

This Percival Prince is the only one left in the world that has a chance to fly again. The other two are in the United Kingdom but just basic shells. A collector in Denver has wheels, tires and windshields (they are unique to the Prince and not the Pembroke) and collectively there are enough spares around to complete a flyable aircraft. There is a network of owners in the US who probably have more parts than in Britain thanks to the Belgian Air Force imports of 1978 and we network well, though with the limited flying the public fails to see these aircraft displayed. t hope to cure that problem with a restored and flyable Pembroke: on the west coast in the coming years (N510RP will be on public display during Anoka, Minnesota, open days 20-21 May),

I have to believe the present owner still has an interest in the Prince though he has not replied to my recent faxes. If I can assume that a few of your Leaders may express some concern, I would be happy assisting anyone who wishes to give this fine and rare example of postwar feeder finer (a by-product of Lord Brabazon's Committee) a suitable restoration or even a good resting place. As this aircraft was formerly operated by Shell Oil (flown by legendary WWII ace Douglas Bader), it may glean some corporate support.

Sean Keating

POB 38543

Metro Postal Outlet

North Vancouver, BC

Canada

V7M 3N1