Crafting a Legendary Figure
In an exciting turn of events, a unique piece of aviation history is set to be auctioned off - one of the orange suits worn by Claude Lelaie, a test pilot involved in the early Airbus A380 testing. The auction, scheduled for October 2022 in Toulouse and online, promises to offer a real material piece of aviation history.
Claude Lelaie's suit will be auctioned alongside approximately 500 A380 parts, most from MSN013's cabin. Lelaie wore this suit during the extraordinary human adventure of the aircraft's flight test campaign. This suit is not just a piece of clothing; it is an integral part of the A380 legend.
The suit's auction is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a tribute to the Airbus Flight Test team, to whom Lelaie wanted to pay homage. Secondly, the proceeds from the auction will support the Airbus Foundation.
The suit is a notable piece of aviation history. However, detailed auction records specifically for this suit are not publicly available or widely documented in accessible auction listings or public archives. If you are looking for more information, it is recommended to contact aviation museums, auction houses specialising in aviation memorabilia, or Airbus's historical archives directly.
The A380's first flight was not without its challenges. A switch to plan B was necessary due to a landing gear issue, with the landing gear failing to lock during the flight. Despite this, Lelaie stated that from the very first flight, it was clear that the plane was well conceived and had tremendous potential.
The auction will be led by auctioneer Maitre Marc Labarbe, chosen by Airbus. The items being auctioned include lamps, a bar, vanes, a mini stick, a staircase, a ramp, trolleys, seats, and the cockpit's emergency rope.
The temperature dropped to zero degrees in the A380 cabin during a test flight, causing discomfort to the crew. Yet, the suit Lelaie wore remained a symbol of the courage and determination of the test pilots who pushed the boundaries of aviation.
As the auction approaches, aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike are eager to get their hands on this unique item, a testament to the A380's groundbreaking history and the spirit of adventure that drove its development. This auction offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of aviation history and a unique material that embodies the spirit of innovation and exploration.
The unique orange suit worn by Claude Lelaie, a test pilot involved in the A380's flight test campaign, will be auctioned alongside various A380 parts, including finance, such as lamps, a bar, and seats, technology-related items like vanes and a mini stick, and an aerospace artifact, a staircase or ramp. The proceeds from this auction, significant for the Airbus Foundation, serve as a tribute to the Airbus Flight Test team and symbolize the spirit of innovation and exploration that marked the development of the A380.
