Preserve and fly on an operational passenger Boeing 707
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Welcome from Henry Tenby
Henry Tenby on board LAP 707 ZP-CCF 1992
My name is Henry Tenby, and I would like to welcome you to the Boeing 707 Preservation Project. I am organizing a collective effort to acquire an operational, passenger-configured Boeing 707, as a flying museum and exclusive holiday transport for aviation enthusiasts that share my dream of preserving an operational 707. However, the clock is ticking and time is short, as the world's fleet of operational Boeing 707s is dwindling rapidly. To-date, only a multi-millionaire like John Travolta can afford to have his own Boeing 707, and there are no passenger-carrying 707s left on the planet where a passenger can buy a ticket, except for Saha Air, which operates a few 707s within Iran. Otherwise, it is impossible to enjoy a flight on a Boeing 707 in this day and age. My plan is based on a "strength-in-numbers" strategy. If John Travolta can tackle this project with his own singular financial resources, it is my hope that 400 aviation fans can combine resources and do the same. My plan is to put together a group of 400 "members" to acquire a Boeing 707 for that group's exclusive use. What are my qualifications to speerhead this project? I have been an aviation enthusiast for most of my life, I am well known and I believe well respected in the airline hobby, I have written aviation articles for nearly a quarter century, and many enthusiasts have read my works in all the popular airline fan magazines. I have also worked as a Manager of Corporate Finance for a scheduled airline, I have an MBA with a minor in accounting from the University of California-Irvine, and since 1999, I have been a successful entrepreneur and operate several internet-based businesses. I am honest, reliable, and sincere, and hope you will wish to join me in this worthwhile effort, the details of which are provided below.
Passenger Boeing 707s - current day situation
Interior view on board LAP 707 ZP-CCF 1992
In the 1960s and early 70s, the Boeing 707 was the single most popular long-range jet transport in worldwide use. Today, the world's dwindling fleet of operational, commercially-operated Boeing 707s is primarily used for cargo transport within Africa and the Middle East. In addition, a small number of JT3-powered 707s are used in military roles with the following Air Forces: Italy, Spain, Brazil, Venezuela, Iran, Pakistan, Israel and Australia. The once common 707 is now a rarity, and their days are rapidly coming to an end, with increasing fuel prices likely to accelerate the demise of this once great airliner. I would like to find a passenger configured Boeing 707, to be preserved in fully operational and flying status for the travel enjoyment of this venture's membership, as well as future generations of aviation fans, logistics willing. To bring this venture to fruition, $400,000 US needs to be raised, which means four hundred fellow Boeing 707 fans must be found, and each must be willing to invest $1000 US for lifetime membership in the venture. This membership fee would entitle the member and his/her immediate family members to fly on the aircraft at cost, as long as the aircraft can be kept flying. The only financial requirement right now is a $100 deposit, as explained below.
Search for a suitable passenger configured Boeing 707 or 720
Sao Paulo take-off on board LAP 707 ZP-CCF 1992
The search has started for a well-maintained, passenger-configured Boeing 707 or 720, preferably with stage II hush-kits, with good engine times remaining, and good time remaining to "C" check and "D" check. In the best case scenario, the aircraft is "N" registered and can be operated as a Part 125 airplane based in the United States, with reduced power settings enabling the aircraft to comply with stage III noise rules (as is the case with John Travolta's 707). An alternate scenario is to find a foreign-based aircraft and a foreign operator, that could keep the aircraft on their OC, and provide crew and maintenance on an hourly basis. I would very much like to hear from any 707 owner/operator that would like to explore this opportunity. Any airline (that perhaps operated Boeing 707s in the 60s or 70s) that would like to sponsor this unique opportunity is encouraged to contact me. An ideal scenario would be to find an aircraft owner that is willing to donate an aircraft to the group, in exchange for a tax write-off. Or an airline that can donate an aircraft to the group, in exchange for the group purchasing contract crew and maintenance services from the airline. I am interested in discussing any and all possible scenarios. At present, I have brought onboard an aircraft maintenance engineering with 40+ years of Boeing heavy jet experience, with over a decade of experience on PWA's Boeing 707s.
Membership Details
Engines inflight on board LAP 707 ZP-CCF 1992
$400,000 US needs to be raised, which equates to 400 members paying $1000 each. Here are the details:
1) To secure a membership slot, each member need only pay a $100 membership deposit right now. This can be sent by PayPal to membership@Boeing707.com or cash/money order/check payable to "Henry Tenby" can be mailed to the address below. The membership deposits will be kept in a segregated funds account, and will not be used except for aircraft inspection costs, and reasonable administration costs (such as phone and courier fees). When a suitable aircraft is eventually located, and the membership base is sufficient in size that acquisition is possible, all active members will be advised that we are moving forward with an acquisition. At that time, members will be given 30 days to pay the $900 balance of their membership payment.
2) I envision operating the aircraft on two or three "special spotter adventure holidays" per year, with each holiday lasting one week, with the aircraft flying to several interesting destinations during the one week period. Members will be able to put forward proposed itineraries for group consideration. For example, a good 707 itinerary might be: Istanbul-Larnaca-Dubai-Kiev-Istanbul or Budapest-Sharjah-Beirut-Istanbul-Budapest. A stage II aircraft can not operate into Western Europe, therefore travel destinations would be restricted to Africa, Middle East and Asia. However, a stage III aircraft would be able to operate into Western Europe, but finding a stage III aircraft is not likely.
Sao Paulo landing on board LAP 707 ZP-CCF 1992
3) Each member and his/her immediate family (parents, spouse, children, siblings) will be entitled to fly on the aircraft AT COST as long as the aircraft remains operational. Non-members will be able to fly on the aircraft paying prices that would include a profit.
4) This project probably needs three years (from mid-2005 until mid-2008) to see if there is enough membership interest to financially support going ahead with an aircraft acquisition. If not enough people show interest, then membership monies will be returned, less any administrative expenses incurred, which should be nominal, or travel expenses incurred in inspecting prospective aircraft.
5) This venture is being organized by Henry Tenby as a for-profit business venture. The intention is to preserve aviation history, but at the same time, to make a profit. As stated above, the 400 seed customers will be entitled to fly on the aircraft at cost as long as the aircraft is operational. Non-members will be able to fly on the aircraft with a profit margin built into their travel costs. It is unlikely that this venture would generate substantial profits. The goal is to cover operating expenses and keep the venture going as long as possible. If the event that profits are generated once the venture is established, such profits will be shared on a 50/50 basis, with Henry Tenby retaining 50% of the annual profits in recognition of creating and managing the venture, and the 400 seed members earning the other 50%.
6) If any future event or events are likely to project financial loss which cannot be absorbed by the financial operations of the venture, and the members do not wish to provide additional funding, the venture will be wound-down, assets sold, and the unencumbered proceeds (if any) will be equally distributed to the 400 seed members.
7) All communication with members will be through this website and email announcements.
PayPal payments for the Boeing 707 preservation project are not being accepted at this time.
Henry Tenby Internet Ventures / Boeing 707 Preservation Project
Please visit www.HenryTenby.com
Please visit www.AirlineHobby.com
Henry Tenby / AirlineHobby.com Boeing 707 DVDs
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We accept payment in one of three ways:
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d) Card holder billing address
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Henry Tenby Internet Ventures
Please visit www.HenryTenby.com
Please visit www.AirlineHobby.com
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