About the Club

Historic aircraft are an endangered species. Not only are the planes themselves in danger of wearing out, but the skills needed to maintain, certify and fly them are also disappearing. The rock stars of aviation - the Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters, the B17s and Mustangs - attract much of the attention they need to survive, but there are countless other milestones that need protection. The Gloster Meteor was the only allied jet aircraft to see service in WWII, but hardly any survive in flyable condition. The English Electric Canberra, mainstay of more than 20 airforces, has all but vanished. The incomparable Twin Pioneer here at Coventry is the world's only surviving flyable example.

Classic Flight Club International is a not-for-profit organisation that has been set up specifically to provide support for an essential part of our technological history. We want to create a unique opportunity for members of the public to actively participate in the preservation of key aircraft; to help us ensure that these aircraft stay where they truly belong - in the air.

Members are joining Classic Flight Club International Limited (CFCI) the organisation that will fund all aircraft preservation and maintenance activity. CFCI in turn is represented in the UK by Classic Flight Club Limited

The Club's reason for being isn't just to ensure the long term future of the aircraft in the Classic Flight collection, but also to look at all airframes under threat and offer lifelines of support and encouragement to guarantee they'll still be flying around for our grandchildren to appreciate.

And it’s not just about aircraft - it’s about the techniques and skills required to maintain, operate and fly them. These too are fast disappearing. The long-term aim of the Club is to sponsor training programmes for both engineers and pilots for our historic collection. It’s all part and parcel of investing resources in the present to preserve elements of our past for future generations to enjoy.

Members will be encouraged to sponsor their favourite aircraft with additional funds. Then we see them becoming a bit like a mobile supporters' group, attending airshows all over the world to spread the word about their aircraft.

We hope that you feel, as we do, that this is worthy of your support. It seems that almost every month we read of one or other aircraft flying for the last time. Let’s do something together to halt this decline.