Owned by Golden Apple Operations, F-86A FU-178 was thoroughly overhauled by the Old Flying Machine Company Company between December 2000 and June 2002. The aircraft, along with her trademark plume of black smoke and unmistakeable swept wing profile, has been a familiar sight at airshows around the country, particularly over the skies of the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, her operating base. Here she is meticulously maintained by the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC) and, fondly registered as G-SABR, her dynamic displays in the capable hands of any one of the four experienced pilots working with Golden Apple, is a more than welcome addition to any public display in the UK and indeed further afield into Europe.
The warbird scene, both piston and jet powered, is a constantly changing environment with aircraft trading hands, operators and indeed countries at regular intervals. The financial challenge of operating such an aircraft can often only be imagined by the general public, particularly given the current economic climate and the price of fuel. These aircraft cannot be taken for granted and, in the case of the Sabre, Europe has an American icon - a mark of the type that not even the Americans can presently enjoy.
There have been rumours that Golden Apple's Sabre may be about to depart these shores and Willie Felger, Golden Apple's Director of Operations, confirmed the current situation at the American Air Day held at Duxford on 21st August, at which the Sabre formed a key part of the flying programme.
"People have been to have a look at it, but that's as far as it goes and there have been no cash offers. If someone comes along with the right money though, it will go."
The financial burden of operating an ex-military jet in civilian hands soon begins to become clear as Willie explains.
"It costs over £100,000 a year to run the aircraft even if nothing goes wrong with it, that's routine licences, servicing, fuel and insurances. It's real serious money. That's the reason why we didn't replace the T-33", referring to the Sabre's ex stable mate which crashed on take-off from Duxford in September 2006.
The company was keen to replace the aircraft and had indeed identified a suitable airframe but the operating costs currently preclude any forthcoming replacement. As with many other historic airframes it is the burden of ever increasing insurance costs which is having a major impact on operations.
The aircraft, construction number 43547, was the 50th production F-86A completed in February 1948 by North American Aviation in Los Angeles. The Korean War markings are typical of the period but are not representative of the service life of the aircraft as it did not operate outside of the USA. Indeed, the team at Golden Apple would ultimately love to repaint the aircraft in the original 'Hat in the Ring' markings of the 94th Fighter Squadron.
Given that over 10,000 Sabres were built it is surprising that it is the only 'A' model flying in the world.
Willie enthuses, "It's the only flying example in the world, and our claim is that it is the oldest jet flying in the world - we haven't been challenged on that one yet!"
The smoke from the General Electric J-47 engine was a welcome sight for American pilots in Korea who would say 'If it smokes - it's friendly' when compared with their main adversary the MiG-15 and the military nature of the Sabre's previous life is another reason behind the jet's hefty operating budget. Flying an aircraft whose former mission was the defence of the Los Alamos nuclear research facility with the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group at March AFB comes with strings attached, namely that procurement of certain required parts has to be from a very particular source.
"To give you an example of what we're up against, the Sabre has various pyrotechnics in it. Because it's a military aeroplane we can only get supplies from the US Department of Defense. It's got ejector seat initiating cartridges and a rocket pack and also explosive releases for the canopy and the drop tanks".
These parts have a limited life and, whilst they may not look much in terms of size, their price tag is a considerable drain on the resources of the team at Golden Apple.
On acquiring parts from the USA for the aircraft Willie explains the relationship with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK.
"We get on well with them. We've got to know their people and they've got to know us. They trust us to be honest and open with them and we both have complete confidence in ARC who maintain the aircraft. One of the potential buyers who came to look at it, I obviously can't name them, did a full survey of the aeroplane and they were really impressed with it - as they should be because we never stop working on it."
Such dedication to the aircraft is abundantly clear on closer inspection, with the 'Moondust' silver paint scheme looking resplendent as the Sabre sunbathes on the apron at Duxford.
With the financial burden of operating the Sabre clear, how does the company continue to operate the aircraft and make it financially viable? It seems unlikely that fees from appearances at events throughout the year can cover Golden Apple's operating costs.
"You're right, we can't cover our costs. If we cover our insurance premium then we're doing well. If something crops up then we simply have to put more money in the bucket. But these things are never cheaper than you expect and it gets ever more expensive. But the pilots love it. We don't make money from all the events we do, but it's good to get the aeroplane out there and people like to see it."
A walk around the Duxford showground at any of the various events held there throughout the year will not however reveal a stall raising much needed revenue from merchandising sales. When the aircraft needs a little extra it comes from the operator's pocket and it is clear that every year requires deeper pockets to cover the costs.
Willie himself is an ex-RAF navigator on the Canberra PR.7 and Phantom, and it was his former career which led to his current position at Golden Apple. Cliff Spink CB, CBE, one of four ex-military pilots who fly the Sabre, flew with Willie in the Royal Air Force and, many years later, they have come to work together again. Whilst Willie was working in the Air Traffic control tower at Duxford, the opportunity to get a little more involved with the operations at Golden Apple arose.
"There wasn't an Ops Officer and it was all done on a bit of an ad-hoc basis. I was here working in the tower and then looking after the airfield for a little while when Cliff asked me to get more involved, to deal with aircraft bookings and make sure everyone was 'legal', and I've been doing that ever since. It was pretty much by accident."
Willie describes his job rather basically as, "to take all the admin trivia off the pilots," an explanation that undoubtedly hides a plethora of tasks in order to get the aircraft in the right place at the right time. There is also the relationship with the CAA to maintain and an annual audit to pass. This is something which the team at Golden Apple welcome; as a professional organisation operating an ex-military warplane and displaying to a paying public, there is no room for error or complacency in the jet's operation.
A typical Sabre display will use around 900 litres of fuel costing around £800. With a busy 2009 airshow season completed at high profile events such as the Biggin Hill Air Fair and popular seaside shows like Eastbourne and Bournemouth, the Sabre continues to be a popular sight around the UK airshow circuit. But it is not one that should be taken for granted as there is no guarantee that it's long term future will see her remain in the UK.
There may come a time where it may not be in the best business interests of Golden Apple to keep her on UK shores, therefore go out and see her whilst you can, and make sure the team at Golden Apple are aware of how much you've enjoyed seeing her display.
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