Withdrawn from service by the RAF in the 80's, six English Electric Lightning's were purchased by a wealthy tax exile, from Binbrook squadrons Nos 5 and 11, all F-6s & T5's.They were flown into Cranfield by their pilots and regularly ground maintained by RAF personnel for some time. The poor! man's dream to fly them was thwarted by either the refusal of the CAA to issue the necessary licence, or the high maintenance costs, and the aircraft were eventually sold on.