Congo President's 727 departs Southend...

[AeroPics]

A special day today, as the Democratic Republic of the Congo 727 9Q-CDC finally departed Southend, it's first flight since arriving in December 2010.

A departure had been rumored for a very long time, with the aircraft needing a special noise permit as it does not quite fulfill the noise regulations!!

The aircraft departed on a test flight, and I understand then onto Lasham Airfield. As always with these things, the sun wasn't exactly playing ball, but for the shots on the Runway the light would have been on the nose anyway!

Taxiing out for departure after a technical fault was resolved!


9Q-CDC 'The Democratic Republic of the Congo' B721 at Southend EGMC by AeroPics, on Flickr

And finally, she flies:


9Q-CDC 'The Democratic Republic of the Congo' B721 at Southend EGMC by AeroPics, on Flickr

A very nice sight and unbelievable sound!

I'm sure these are of interest!

[Mike]

Great stuff, really nice to see her in the air again.

[DaveSheffield]

A day before I'm spending the weekend in Southend, of course this would happen! haha

Lovely photos, shame the sun didn't quite stay out for you on the take off but great and somewhat momentous photos nonetheless!

[lambo1784]

Landed at Lasham at 1715,credit FAB group and Phil at Lasham.

John in Seaford

[apgphoto]

Will be gaining a new coat of paint after some work at Lasham

[bunglebilly]

Lovely aircraft, sadly didn't really appreciate them till they were nearly all gone! Thanks for posting
Don't suppose anyone knows the departure date from Lasham? Would be worth a trip down.
Cheers
Paul

[AeroPics]

Thanks All for your comments.

DaveSheffield: Bad luck - it had been suggested that it 'might go' for many days, so I wasn't holding my breath. Very nearly didn't happen with its technical problem(s)! If you are in Southend - there is a rather nice Estonian Air E170. It should stay all day tomorrow before departing with Hull A.F.C. at about 18:30. If the steps are removed decent photos could be had.

bunbglebilly - Even if a date for its departure is set, be careful in risking a trip. These sort of flights are notoriously unreliable... I understand it will be staying in the UK, for a little yet longer so good luck at getting a shot!

[martinco]

should be in for at least 3 weeks apparently
Easily visable today from the club house with all the resident B727s