The Duxford Aviation Society

British Aircraft Corporation One-Eleven Series 510ED G-AVMU The BAC 1-11 was the first short haul jet airliner and it entered service in April 1965. MU was one of just eighteen type 510ED's ordered by BEA, who were the launch customer for this stretched Series 510 version. MU was delivered on 19th March 1969. This version was fitted with 97 seats and was used on BEA routes within the UK, as well as services to Germany and Eire. When, in April 1972, BEA became part of the newly formed British Airways its 1-11 fleet consisted of 39 aircraft. In 1992 BA began to withdraw its Series 500's from use and MU was stored at Hurn along with the other 1-11's awaiting disposal prior to being allocated to the Aviation Society for preservation. It flew into Duxford on 4th March 1993 having flown for a total of 40,279 hours and made 45,540 landings. Many other 1-11's are still in use, mostly flying for a Bouremouth based company and used on charter or executive flights. The external restoration of this aircraft has so far been restricted to weather proofing it with a new coat of paint after treating the worst of the surface corrosion. Considerable work has also been carried out on the interior of the aircraft including the refurbishment of the flight deck and the passenger cabin, the fitting of mains powered lighting and a dehumidifier. The internal panelling has all been removed, the flooring lifted and all metal corrosion treated before replacing the panels. A thorough cleaning programme of carpets, flooring and seating was also undertaken to reduce the risk of mould and fungal growth and to remove the musty smell that can detract from any public visit to the aircraft. MU is open to the public on flying days and to interested persons on Sundays when crew numbers are sufficient for the provision of a guide. It is one of the aircraft belonging to the society that has been hired out for film work, two of the more recent hirings being for an advert for Flora margarine and a Pop Video.