Dragon RAPIDE 6 G-AGSH

	Wing span : 14.63 m / 48 ft Length : 10.5 m / 34 ft Max weight : 2,495 kg / 5,500 lbs Service ceiling : 5,950 m / 19,500 ft Max speed : 253 kph / 157 mph Engines : Two x 200 hp de Havilland Gipsy Queen
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The Dragon Rapide is a development of the de Havilland Aircraft Company's DH 84 Dragon which was first flown from de Havilland's works on 24 November 1932. Designs for a faster and more comfortable Dragon commenced in late l933. Designated the DH 89 "Rapide", the 9 seat aircraft was powered by two de Havilland Gipsy "Six" engines of 200 hp, giving a maximum speed of approximately 160 mph, a cruising speed of about 130 mph and a range of nearly 600 miles.

G-AGSH is one of the few remaining Dragon Rapides still flying today. The aircraft was built in early 1945 having been ordered by the RAF, but in May of that year as the war ended it was "demobbed" and commenced its civilian career, during which it was flown over 15,000 hours. Many of these hours were flown when owned by British European Airways, operating their Highlands and Islands, Isles of Scilly and Channel Island services. BEA had one of the largest fleets of Rapides. They were all named after famous explorers, poets and authors. G-AGSH was named:- James Kier Hardy and operated alongside such famous names as Rudyard Kipling and General Gordon. When sold by BEA in 1964, "SH" was their last Rapide and therefore the last biplane ever operated by what is now British Airways. It was then used as a parachute aircraft by the RAF Sport Parachuting Association, being rebuilt in 1976 for preservation initially in the colours of Alderney Airlines. A further major overhaul was undertaken during 1995 following which it was restored to its BEA colours.

Privately owned and still flying, it is virtually impossible to take a bad photograph of this beautifully restored aeroplane.