Shackleton 1722 “P” engine run - 19 January 2008

 Due to extraordinary circumstances, Shackleton 1722 “P” alias “Potties Private Bomber”, is currently not flying.

Being one of eight Shackletons bough by the SAAF in 1956, 1722 was one of the last to be delivered to the SAAF during February 1958.  The Shackletons were used in the Maritime Patrol role, but was also used in rescue work and even put on standby at the Ascension Islands during the delivery ferry flights of the Canberras and Buccaneers.  A wise move as a Shackleton crew rescued the crew of a Buccaneer when they were forced to eject while en-route from the UK.  The Shackleton has a proud history in the SAAF and was finally withdrawn from service in 1984.  Today, 28 years after the type’s retirement, no 1722 is the only remaining air worthy Shackleton in the world from the 180 of all variants build. Up to December 16th 2007, an MkII [N790WL] was flying in the United States, but retired as a non-flying museum example on this particular date).  And at the grand age of 50, no 1722 looks as good as the day she was delivered.

Start Up

Keeping her in such pristine condition is up to a few volunteers and ex-Shack crew members under the watchful eyes of Pat Boyd, Bobby Whitfield-Jones and Pottie Potgieter.  Sadly, the days of the only flying example are numbered. The entire flying crew is all well past their retirement age (uncle Pottie turned 70 last year) yet despite their age they all passed their medical.  At the time of writing, the SAAF had yet to renew their voluntary status.  Until then the Shackleton is un-officially “grounded”.  Not that there is anything wrong with the aircraft itself.

 The airframe has around 75 hours left and the engines are still in good nick. Recent lab results on oil samples taken from all four engines indicated there are no signs of metal in the oil.  Once the voluntary status is renewed, it is planned to fly the Shackleton no 1722 once a month up to September 2008 with the retirement ceremony as part of AAD 2008. Thereafter the aircraft will be a static example.