Chennai: A dream in progress, to see one of the oldest aircraft in the city take flight again, is nearing completion. The engine of an 81-year-old de Havilland Puss Moth, will be ready next week, in the first and pivotal step towards the restoration of the aircraft.
Eight months ago, the remains of the dilapidated aeroplane was spotted by Steve Borgia, a collector of contemporary museum artefacts. Mr. Borgia, after a great deal of persuasion, bought it from the owner, Ramanathan Avudiappa Chettiar. “I had no intention of selling it. But for the sake of national interest I sold it, as it would be remarkable to see it fly again,” said Mr. Chettiar. According to Anuradha Reddy, an aviation historian, historical records suggest that the aircraft was first registered in 1931, and had been in the possession of several individuals before it lost its flying license in 1942. The aircraft has now been placed at a conservation laboratory in a hotel in Swamimalai, Thanjavur district, where restoration work on it has been going on for the past six months.
25/09/12 Arita Sarkar/The Hindu
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Eight months ago, the remains of the dilapidated aeroplane was spotted by Steve Borgia, a collector of contemporary museum artefacts. Mr. Borgia, after a great deal of persuasion, bought it from the owner, Ramanathan Avudiappa Chettiar. “I had no intention of selling it. But for the sake of national interest I sold it, as it would be remarkable to see it fly again,” said Mr. Chettiar. According to Anuradha Reddy, an aviation historian, historical records suggest that the aircraft was first registered in 1931, and had been in the possession of several individuals before it lost its flying license in 1942. The aircraft has now been placed at a conservation laboratory in a hotel in Swamimalai, Thanjavur district, where restoration work on it has been going on for the past six months.
25/09/12 Arita Sarkar/The Hindu
