biomed
Veteran
B-52G

Soviet planes are safe - they may not feel like it, but they are strong and reliable.
Of the 854 built Tu-134's there were 69 written off due to accident or war. Of the 976 DC-9's built, 112 were written off due to accidents. So, there is no reason to avoid Russian planes as the Tu-134 is safer then the DC-9.
True. It is a simplification, also, there are a lot of reasons why a plane gets written off. None the less, Tupolevs are safer then a lot of westerners think.I don't disagree with you on Soviet planes being safe, I just don't think that the number of planes written off for the number of airframes built is is a very good measure. Total flights, miles flown, aircraft usage and other factors must be taken into consideration.
A plane that sits in a hangar due to lack of fuel, crew, passengers or needed parts will likely last a long time. One that is heavily used is at a higher risk.
Hi,
How about something flying like this vintage tailless glider?
Or perhaps something a little faster but not so manoeuvrable...
Regards, David
Both are very cool. Great shots too.
Thanks.
I should have mentioned that the tail-less glider is a Fauvel AV 36 and the display I saw was real heart in mouth stuff, you don't expect stunts from a glider...
The red plane is, of course, the DH 88 Comet of 1934, finally restored and flying last year.
Regards, David