By AnneMarie Knepper
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 12:00 am
Albany Aero Club founder Happy Miles has another rare de Havilland Heron airplane, and this one he hopes to share with the world.
Miles, 69, a retired pilot, parachutist and sailor, began restoration on a Heron in 2006.
Now he has secured a second plane, and this one came ready to fly. After some exterior and interior improvements, Miles is taking it into the sky.
Beginning this summer, the pilot plans to fly the restored plane on a 50th anniversary tour of the U.S., offering to sell rides to spectators. The purpose is to raise money to complete the restoration of both this plane and the other de Havilland Heron.
The aircraft, which Miles describes as Queen Elizabeth II's "Air Force One in 1958," has an interesting history.
"Princess Margaret rode on it, the whole royal family," Miles said. "The airplane was custom built just for the Queen."
According to Miles, Herons were used for the Queen's fleet in the 1950s, then transferred to the Royal Air Force and later the Navy.
Miles said this plane ended its career in service with the Naval Air Command.
The tour plane is the last still-flying model of 148 built, Miles said.
An interior remodel of this Heron includes red carpet where the Queen would have sat. The cockpit houses two and when the plane is complete it will include a total of 12 seats.
When finished, each plane will be worth about $1 million, Miles said.
The Albany Aero Club owns the aircraft. Miles is offering up "membership" to the club as well as sponsorship for the restoration.
Premium membership allows the rider to sit in the red-carpeted "Queen's seats" for $150. Standard membership for $100 gets the rider a regular seat, and junior membership is $50 for those ages 12 and under.
Though he's not officially part of the event, Miles hopes to take the plane and meet up with the organizers of the Wings of Freedom Tour, where World War II bomber aircraft, including the North American B-25 Mitchell, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, will be on display for tours and air rides Wednesday through Friday at McNary Field Airport at the Salem Air Center.