from msn today
'Virtual' Concorde set for take-off
An airline experience once the preserve of well-heeled passengers is to open to the general public following the unveiling of a Concorde museum exhibit.
The supersonic planes' former pilots joined guests at the Brooklands aviation and motor museum in Weybridge, Surrey, to inspect a fully-restored test plane from the Concorde stable.
Once the exhibit opens to the public next month, visitors will be able to sit on board the plane and experience a virtual flight.
The Concorde, codenamed G-BBDG, was first flown at Filton in February 1974 by test pilots Brian Trubshaw and Peter Baker.
Mr Baker, 81, who flew the aircraft around the world as engineers made improvements and alterations to the design, said that apart from a few technical details, the plane is the same as when he flew it.
He joined other former Concorde captains, including Mike Bannister - who flew the last fare-paying Concorde flight in October 2003 - on a tour round the restored craft.
Mr Baker, who clocked up 800 flying hours on the G-BBDG, said: 'It is unique as a supersonic aeroplane that was made practical. But it could have been forgotten because it didn't last very long.
'What I like about it being here is that young people can see what we did and that we did have a spirit of adventure once and maybe be inspired to be adventurous themselves.'
He said the aircraft was, 'an old friend' and pointed out small details that had been altered in its restoration.
'Internally, in the aeronautics, it is different of course but I'm the only person who will notice that.'
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