Warbird News

[DaveM]

Young Man, Old Plane – BIG Challenge

By Courtney Hale Caillouet

Spartan Aircraft is far more notable for its Model 7 Executive aircraft, but the company’s rather more humble beginnings were with a biplane. The C3 model was based on a design by Willis C. Brown in the late 1920s. It was a rear cockpit design, with two passengers placed side-by-side in the front compartment, and the fuselage being of welded tubular steel with solid spruces/I-beam spars and wood ribs. The powerplant was a challenging aspect for the first production model, changing several times but ultimately ending with the Wright Whirlwind J-6 series of radial engines. These became the standard for further production models, designating it as the C3-5. This was later changed to C3-165, designating that it utilized the five-cylinder version and produced 165 hp. Roughly 40 aircraft of this subtype were manufactured.​

The distinctive Art Deco-style logo of the Spartan Aircraft Company. [Image via Connor Flynn]

When college student, Connor Flynn, was offered a project by an older gentleman named Bruce Roberts he was intrigued. Inside of a wasp-infested shed, laid a tubular steel frame that was once graced the skies. It was a Spartan C3-165, built at their Tulsa factory in September of 1929. The registration number was NC61N and carried serial #113, still stamped into the steel in several different locations. With nothing more than a frame, a tail wheel fork, and some elevator trim components, this didn’t appear to be a suitable project. This was until Bruce revealed that he also had stacks and stacks of original drawings for the aircraft, all of which had been rescued from the factory’s dumpster. Now Connor’s intrigue turned into true excitement. With the frame and drawing, there was some serious potential to rebuild a very rare biplane.​

Just some of the drawings Connor has spent countless hours scanning and protecting from further degradation. [Photo by Connor Flynn]

A majority of Connor’s time is spent attending Pennsylvania College of Technology, working towards a Bachelor’s in aviation maintenance. As a side job, he has been working on some other restoration projects at New Garden Airport – a Fleet 7B and a Fairchild 24. This is where he met Bruce, who is a retired aircraft mechanic. Bruce, a collector of many things aircraft-related, acquired the Spartan in 1971. Not all the prints were stored together in Bruce’s attic, so he comes to the airport from time to time, bringing Connor another stack as he finds them. They are largely intact, but the decades have made them very fragile. He has tried to scan them digitally as soon as he receives a new set, working to preserve this valuable information. He also discovered that the smaller, 8.5 x 11 drawings actually fit nicely in restaurant menu holders, allowing them protection while also being usefully displayed. The larger prints have required custom-built folders. With about three or four hundred drawings at present, this is a huge task just in itself. His small dorm room has become an archiving center, constantly thumbing through the stacks, checking that the prints have been scanned and properly categorized, hoping that they can be stored before they completely flake apart in his hands. He also has a full drawing list, which has allowed him to begin matching up what he has, versus what he’s missing. Right now, most are for parts – a floorboard cup, passengers’ entry step, rear brake pedal casting, and a random wood rib for here or there…But the large drawings are still missing. For instance, he has all the drawings for the wing center section and all the mounting brackets for the wings themselves, but no prints for the actual wing structures. He describes this as having a picture of the puzzle, but without any of the pieces. And with only two complete -165s in existence, this makes the build even more challenging. Connor has been granted permission to examine, photograph, and measure Spartan NC285M at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, so he has plans to make the trip that way this coming summer, hoping to get a better look at some of these missing pieces.

When agreeing to take on this project in 2022, Connor didn’t even know what a Spartan C3 was, which sent him down a bit of a rabbit hole. He contacted the FAA, requesting all the records for NC61N. In less than two weeks, he had scans of all previous airworthiness certificates and registrations dating back to the airplane’s first owner – Skelly Oil. Interestingly, Spartan was originally named Mid-Continent Aircraft Co., which earned attention from William G. Skelly, who was looking to invest in the aviation boom. (In fact, Connor has some earlier drawings that still say Mid-Continent.)​

Corwin Hale, the second owner of NC61N, poses proudly with the aircraft in its Skelly Oil Company colors. [Photo via Connor Flynn]

With Skelly coming on board, the name changed to Spartan Aircraft Company, with Willis Brown as president. Skelly Oil purchased aircraft #113, which painted it with a company livery and put nearly 600 hours on the airframe. From there, it was bought and sold several times, going to Ohio, Indiana, Texas, and then eventually back to Oklahoma in 1942. There, it was owned by flight instructor, Tom Smyer of Ponca City, who listed his address as “Airport.” He stated in the airworthiness application that the Spartan’s purpose would be for “CAA war training service secondary stages A and B”. Perhaps this airplane was used to train some of America’s WWII pilots but unfortunately no other history is available at this time. In 1945, it was sold and extensively modified to become an agricultural sprayer, which is a very hard life for a wood and fabric aircraft. Francis Rourke operated Southwest Agricultural Flying Enterprises. There is even a handwritten letter to the CAA, requesting a replacement registration, as the original “was blown out of the ship”. It was last registered as airworthy in 1948, with the CAA making an inquiry into its status in 1955. At that time Rourke stated that Southwest still owned the airplane “and is in the process of rebuilding”. By 1958 it was sold to Roger White who wrote to the CAA that same year, declaring the aircraft was destroyed and requesting to use 61N for his homebuilt Cougar aircraft. He held onto the remnants of the Spartan until Bruce took possession of it in the early ’70s, eventually getting his hands on the drawings from the gentleman who rescued them.​

Being a full-time student, this project is a huge endeavor for a 20-year-old. Connor says he can complete it, one part at a time, without impacting his wallet too heavily. When time allows, he goes into the small corner of the T-hangar space that his boss gave him, he pulls out a component drawing and begins to build. Cutting wood, bending sheet metal, sanding, and welding – working on just one of the many puzzle pieces. He even created a Facebook page to share his progress, hoping to reach out to others who have an interest in his C3 project. He plans to build #113 as close to the original as possible, even someday acquiring a Wright J-3-5 to hang up front. He knows this project will be lengthy but feels time is on his side, being so young. With his education and the experience he is gaining in his job, he looks forward to his future with this rare airplane, believing it will be airborne once again.​

You can follow Connor’s progress with the Spartan on Facebook.​

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[DaveM]

Powered Replica Me 163 Komet to Fly in Germany

As reported by Klassiker der Luftfahrt, the leading German aviation magazine, an ambitious project has been conducted in Germany for the last few years. Heinz-Dieter Sippel has been working on building a flying, powered replica of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet and plans to unveil it at 2024 AERO Friedrichshafen, Europe’s most important trade show for general aviation which will take place in April on the shores of Lake Constance at the Friedrichshafen exhibition center right next to Friedrichshafen Airport, Germany.​

[Photo via Philipp Prinzing, Klassiker der Luftfahrt]

The Messerschmitt Me 163 was intended to counter the overwhelming flow of bombers against Germany’s cities. It was the first aircraft to break the magic barrier of 1,000 km/h – and in doing so became the fastest aircraft in WWII. The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, designed by Alexander Lippisch, was one of the most spectacular aircraft to appear in the German skies before 1945. The radical interceptor with a rocket engine was denied great success but it still became famous.​

Me 163B Werknummer 191907 is part of the collection of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. [Photo by James Kightly]
Most of the aircraft produced did not survive long after the end of the war; only a few were even preserved. It has been claimed that at least 29 Komets were shipped out of Germany after the war and of those at least 10 are been known to have survived the war to be put on display in museums around the world. Most of the survivors were part of JG 400 and were captured by the British at Husum, the squadron’s base at the time of Germany’s surrender in 1945. According to the Royal Air Force Museum, 48 aircraft were captured intact and 24 were shipped to the United Kingdom for evaluation although only one, VF241, was test flown albeit unpowered (Wikipedia has a very detailed section describing the survivors).

The Me 163 glider replica being towed for takeoff at the 2009 airshow at La Ferté-Alais, France. [Photo via Wikipedia]
An unpowered replica (registered D-1636) was built in the 1990s by former Luftwaffe pilot Joseph Kurtz and flown for several years, but it has been a museum piece at the Flugmuseum Messerschmitt for some time. But now the silhouette of the Me 163 is set to return to the sky – this time as a self-launching replica.

[Photo via Philipp Prinzing, Klassiker der Luftfahrt]

The new 1:1 scale replica is the work of Heinz-Dieter Sippel. After years of work, he built his Me 163B entirely from composite materials in a lightweight sandwich construction. Sippel received support from the German Society for the Preservation of Historic Aircraft and the company Silence Aircraft.

Like the original, the replica measures 5.99 meters from nose to tail and the wingspan is 9.3 meters. However, the weight of the real Komet, which was 4.3 tons, was far more than Sippel’s Me 163B. The replica should weigh only 240 kilograms. The speed also seems quite comfortable at around 140 km/h. A JetCat turbine type P1000-Pro with a kilonewton of thrust provides propulsion. It is powered by kerosene (Jet A-1), diesel, or petroleum. The start is either in F-tow or self-start.​

Position of the Walter HWK 109-509A-1 rocket motor in the original Me 163. [Image via Wikipedia]
Many thanks to Philipp Prinzing of KLASSIKER DER LUFTFAHRT for providing the details and photos.

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[Vector]

Amazing any example still exists.

 

[DaveM]

Restoration Outlook for 2024 at Newark Air Museum

PRESS RELEASE

During 2023 volunteers at Newark Air Museum (NAM) logged in excess of 18,300 hours of working on a host of projects around the museum’s 16-acre site in north eastern Nottinghamshire in the UK. In 2024 the museum trustees hope to harness similar levels of dedication and support to continue with similar restoration work and associated repainting projects.​

Ongoing work on the museum’s Avro Shackleton WR977 is a high priority for the team in 2024. [Photo by Howard Heeley, Down To Earth Promotions]

High on the priority list will be continued work on the NAM’s Avro Shackleton MR.3 WR977, carrying on from the work on the aircraft’s nose section that was completed in autumn 2023 (as reported on here by Vintage Aviation News). Some preparatory work had already taken place on the upper fuselage surfaces in the mid and rear sections of the aircraft.

On the sister Avro airframe, Vulcan B.2 XM594, some additional structural repairs and maintenance repairs will continue, with the aim of keeping the airframe in a good overall condition both externally and internally. As the better weather arrives work will recommence on repainting Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23ML Flogger 024003607, whilst structural repairs will continue on the nose section of Boeing HC.1 Chinook ZA717, and progress will continue with the rebuild of the Auster AOP.9 XS238 (which was previously covered by VAN).​

Hawker Hunter XL605 will soon be returned to its original identity and Blue Diamonds aerobatic scheme livery. [Photo by Howard Heeley, Down To Earth Promotions]

A number of new repainting projects are also scheduled to start, including a major change of paint scheme to Hawker Hunter T.7 XL605. Currently is marked as XX467, this Hunter served with 92 Squadron and was part of the Blue Diamonds display team and will again wear these markings. NAM’s SEPECAT Jaguar T.2 XX829 will be repainted in a gray/green camouflage scheme, which the airframe wore during its early service with 54 Sqn, replacing the current all-over gray markings. Both airframes have recently been cleaned in preparation for their repainting.​

One of the museum’s team washing Jaguar T.2 XX829 in preparation for its upcoming repaint. [Photo by Howard Heeley, Down To Earth Promotions]

For more information on the Newark Air Museum and these projects visit their website at Home​

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[DaveM]

Just Over Two Weeks to Go Until Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Brendon Deere and his team at the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at RNZAF Ohakea can’t wait for Warbirds Over Wanaka this Easter. They’ve been on a mission to have not one but two magnificent aircraft on the flightline and that mission is nearing the end.​

Squadron Leader Sean Perrett RNZAF has been practicing his debut Mustang display at RNZAF Base Ohakea in preparation for Warbirds Over Wanaka. [Photo via Warbirds Over Wanaka]

First up was the stunning restoration job on ex-RNZAF P-51D Mustang NZ2423. The aircraft was finally test flown late last year (as previously reported here by Vintage Aviation News) and is set to make its airshow debut at Wanaka at the end of this month. And while the spotlight has been on the Mustang, also sitting patiently in the corner at Biggin Hill, has been the Grumman TBM-3E Avenger waiting for some much needed love and attention. Affectionately known as Plonky, the Avenger has moved several steps closer to flight with the fitting of a new engine and refitting of cowls and the propeller. Final hydraulic tests and engine runs are now being done to prepare it for its first Wanaka airshow since 2016.

We can’t wait to have this impressive aircraft back on the flightline for the first time in eight years. The Avenger is one of three Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand aircraft which will be at Wanaka, the others being the aforementioned Mustang and Biggin Hill’s Spitfire Mk.IX PV270.​

Spitfire PV270’s new pilot is Squadron Leader Stu Anderson RNZAF, who has also been working hard to develop his routine for the airshow. [Photo via Warbirds Over Wanaka]

PRESSURE ON SATURDAY TICKETS

Warbirds Over Wanaka organizers are facing the very real possibility of not having any tickets left available at the gate on the Saturday of the international airshow, for the first time in the event’s 36-year history. There has been huge interest in the first Wanaka airshow in six years after 2020 and 2022 were cancelled due to Covid. General Manager Ed Taylor said while they expect to have tickets available on the gate on the Sunday, and the practice day, Friday, they can’t say the same for Easter Saturday. “Saturday is always our most popular day but for some reason it’s way more popular this time around. I just think airshow fans have decided they’re not prepared to wait another day and are snapping up Saturday tickets flat out.” Taylor said.

Makings its long-awaited Wanaka debut this Easter is Ronan Harvey and Mark O’Sullivan’s record-holding former Reno racer Yak-3U-R2000 “Steadfast”. [Photo via Warbirds Over Wanaka]
If the trend continues there is a possibility there will be no gate sales on the Saturday. “The only thing I can tell people is if you want to guarantee a General Admission ticket for the Saturday then you should get them soon,” Taylor said. Airshow organizers are repeating their warning about people buying tickets from any site other than Ticketek. We have heard of people paying hugely inflated prices for Warbirds tickets on re-seller sites such as Viagogo and there’s no way to know if the tickets are actually real or not. Please make sure you are on the official Ticketek website before you buy your tickets.​

Fans go crazy for Mosquito​

The chance to see a WWII Mosquito fighter-bomber fly has resonated with Warbird fans on both sides of the Tasman. Ticket sales jumped when news of the Mosquito became public a couple of weeks ago. Australian Ross Birnie is one Warbird enthusiast who still can’t quite believe he’s finally going to see the “Wooden Wonder” fly. “The line-up at Wanaka this year was pretty stunning already but the Mossie is just the icing on the cake. I know there are a lot of fans over here in Oz scrambling to get to Wanaka,” Birnie said.​

The restoration team Avspecs is working hard to ensure Mosquito NZ2308 is ready for her display at Wanaka in the hands of Steve Hinton. The aircraft will wear an RNZAF scheme similar to that of TV959, pictured here. [Photo via Warbirds Over Wanaka]

Andy takes out Advanced title Warbirds Over Wanaka Display Planner Andy Love is pretty chuffed with himself having taken out the Advanced title at last weekend’s National Aerobatic Championships at Masterton. Andy is one of the most enthusiastic people around and here at Wanaka we are super proud of him taking out this title. Airshow Event Manager Andrena Davis says Andy puts so much effort into making sure we have “the right aircraft in the right place at the right time”.

A reminder to those wanting to fly private aircraft into the airshow for one or multiple days you will need to book a parking space. We have limited aircraft parking this year. To guarantee your park book via our​

website​

.
Warbirds Over Wanaka will continue to accept cash and cards for all purchases at the airshow. However, we will no longer have cash out facilities at the event. This means no ATMs at the airshow next Easter. So if you want to use cash you will need to bring it yourself. If you don’t want to use cash then all purchases will be able to be made using cards. We urge our international visitors to look at getting an international debit card, for example a Wise card, which you can load up with NZ currency before getting to the airshow. We have a range of Warbirds Over Wanaka merchandise for sale in our online shop. Remember there is a minimum order of NZ$40.​

If you would like to help the Warbirds Over Wanaka recover from our significant losses after cancellation of the 2020 and 2022 airshows, we would be very grateful for your donation. Please donate $50 here and please donate $100 here. If you have already donated we thank you for your support. Tickets for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 can be purchased exclusively through Ticketek.​

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[DaveM]

Yorkshire Air Museum WWII Control Tower Appeal Update

PRESS RELEASE

The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington has renewed its appeal for help to finish the restoration of a historic World War II control tower, as it announces it’s passed a crucial milestone. Fourteen months ago, the Museum announced that it needed £100,000 to carry out restoration work on the Grade II listed building, which witnessed hundreds of RAF bombers take off on perilous missions over occupied Europe in the war. Some work has taken place to repair the roof and external rendering, along with restoring the metal window frames on the tower, which was only expected to last a decade when it was built in 1942. The original RAF Elvington WWII control tower lies at the center of the Museum and was one of the first buildings to be restored by the Museum’s volunteers.​

While work on the exterior of the control tower at Elvington nears completion, more work is needed inside the building. [Photo via Yorkshire Air Museum]

Now the Museum has announced that, although it’s successfully surpassed the £100k target, it needs to continue the campaign to raise more funds to complete the project due to unexpected structural problems.

“Once the contractors started restoring exterior sections of the building, it was discovered that the scale of work was even greater than had been first thought, with large areas of water ingress wreaking damage over the years. Although contractors, Birch, have worked on two of the four walls, work on the rest of the Tower is not able to start this year. Then we will need to carry out the needed repairs to the interior of the building,” said the Museum’s Chair of Trustees, Rachel Semlyen MBE.

“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed so generously as this work is vital in ensuring the future of the Tower. But we do need to press on with the appeal, to give us the means to complete the restoration.”​

One of the souvenir boxes available from the museum, profits from which go toward the Save Our Tower project. [Photo via Yorkshire Air Museum]

As part of the fundraising, the Museum is now offering some sections of the original window frames from the Tower. A few of the sections are boxed and come with an image of the 1942 building. These can be bought from the Museum shop for a suggested donation of £50. Other, unboxed pieces are £15 each. The fund has been helped by a recent legacy and donations from two charitable trusts: the Patricia and Donald Shepherd Charitable Trust and the Noel Goddard Terry Charitable Trust.​

Fragments of the original window frames are also available from the museum as souvenirs. [Photo via Yorkshire Air Museum]

The Chairman of the Noel Goddard Terry Charitable Trust, Anthony Terry, stressed his family’s strong connections with the RAF: “My father’s younger brother, Kenneth, was a Squadron Leader in the RAF, sadly killed in 1944, and my grandfather’s brother-in-law was Air Marshal Sir John (Jack) Baldwin, who became Deputy Chairman of Terry’s after the war. My grandfather himself was in the Royal Observer Corps during the war, which of course dealt with this country’s air defence. I am certain my grandfather would have been very much in favor of helping to restore this historic control tower. It appears to be a rare example of its type and, surprisingly, remains relatively untouched. I expect my uncle Kenneth would have been familiar with Elvington and may even have flown from there himself.”​

Donations to the Save Our Tower appeal can be made online here or in person at the Yorkshire Air Museum. The Museum’s website is HOME - Yorkshire Air Museum​

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[DaveM]

Tyabb Airshow 2024

By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor, and Nigel Hitchman

In Victoria, Australia, another successful Tyabb airshow has been notched up by the Peninsula Aero Club. As always the show managed to touch a remarkably wide diversity of aviation heritage and entertainment, despite challenges from weather and aircraft availability. The core element of the display was provided by Paul Bennet Airshows as contracted by the Aero Club, but the show could not have happened without the 160 strong volunteer team and numerous local individuals and aircraft owners and operators who went above and beyond.​

The airfield, near Westernport Bay, is 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Melbourne, the state capital. The airshows at this 1960s airfield have been put on in the southern hemisphere summer since last century, with Vintage Aviation News’ report on the highly successful 2020 event carried here.​

Representing American navy carrier power was the Paul Bennet Airshows Grumman Avenger VH-MML (above and below) and is also seen with Tyabb-based Vought F4U-5N Corsair VH-III. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]

With the powerful nose of the Corsair in the foreground, a range of Australian and American military trainers present their bright noses in the static park. [Photo by James Kightly]

The Australian Defence Force participation was relatively low compared to previous years, with a single, almost sneak pass by the 37 Squadron Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and a solo aerobatic demonstration by a Pilatus PC-21 from the Roulettes. The 100 Squadron RAAF participation was unavoidably curtailed from the original plan by serviceability, and consisted of the CAC Winjeel in the Heritage Trainers formation and the unit’s CAC Mustang.​

The familiar Heritage Trainers team were, on this occasion, a new combination of four CAC Winjeels and a single PAC CT-4 and a non-Australian interloper, the Vultee BT-13, with breakout aerobatic displays.​

First vintage act as a three-ship Southern Knights Harvard display, retaining their usual standard with Harvards in RNZAF and SAAF colors, and a third in a SNJ scheme. Two Harvards flew again to escort Doug Hamilton and Steve Bekker in Doug’s Beech 18 in a fictitious South East Asia RAAF scheme. A two-ship NAA T-28 Trojan display was flown by Paul Bennet in Judy Pay’s VH-NAW with Steve Death in Mike Murphy’s VH-CIA.​

Doug Hamilton’s Beech 18 VH-FID wears a convincing, if fictitious, Australian Pacific War scheme. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]

The helicopter display consisted of the local celebrity rotorcraft, ‘Larry’ the Bell 47 VH-RTO; ex-Australian Army CAC Kiowa flown by Nick Pay, and show stalwart Jim Wickham in the Robinson R22. Separately the ‘VicPol’ (Victoria Police Air Wing) demonstrated their work in their Leonardo AW139 helicopter.

The exciting modern aerobatics were mostly from the Paul Bennet Airshows stable, with the Wolf Pitts Pro, Extra A300, Edge 540, and included a car versus aircraft race and pyros. Seeming like throwing a saloon car around the sky, in contrast, was Gerard Lappin’s full aerobatic display in the venerable club Cessna 152 Aerobat, VH-UNP, including the classic ‘taking the aircraft behind the trees’ beyond the field and then reappearing.​

Ben Lappin in Citabria VH-BIK. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]

The weather at the show (and preceding day) hit over 37 degrees centigrade, with significant strong winds, luckily pretty much down the main runway, the only direction available during the show. Thankfully the Tyabb airfield was amply provided with hangars, many open and some with cooling, as well as trees and other shade in the main areas, as well as ample free water provision.​

Mick Poole at the controls of the Ryan STM-2 VH-AWG [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]

Paul and Liz Gliddon’s 1939 Percival Proctor Mk.I VH-UXS makes its first show appearance in Paul’s hands. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]

Sadly the Curtiss Robin did not fly, but the Ryan STM in Dutch Netherlands East Indies colors and the Percival Proctor VH-UXS demonstrated the classic light aircraft scene, the Proctor making its first public airshow display since restoration by Latrobe Valley Airframes & Welding Pty Ltd.

Probably the most impressive display given the heat and gusty, windy conditions was the five de Havilland Tiger Moth formation, pilots Nick Caudwell, Ben Lappin, Heath Wittmer, Kim Yoannidis and Gordon Rich-Phillips managed to present the trainers remarkably well in the conditions, and remain in front of the audience through most of their display slot.​

Providing the classic trans-Atlantic contrast was a Stearman duo of bright, American trainers, and able to fly at the show, unlike at the previous, 2020 show (covered here).​

While there was not a significant jet presence, Jeff Trappett’s CAC Sabre A94-352 was a welcome attendee flying over from Latrobe Valley airport in Gippsland, and a complete contrast was provided by the Avanti S scale jet model from Mark Tatti of the Victorian Jet Aerosport Association.​

Jeff Trappett’s CAC, Avon-powered Sabre comes overhead, fast and clean (above) and slow (below) with airbrakes out. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]

The American heavy metal, core of the show and lead of the finale Balbo were the Grumman Avenger from Paul Bennet’s organization, and Graham Hosking’s heavyweight Vought Corsair resplendent in its Honduran scheme. The finale ‘Balbo’ was led by the Grumman Avenger, and had the two T-28s, the Corsair and the 100 Squadron Mustang joining at the end.​

The Paul Bennet Airshows Grumman Avenger is painted in the 1944 VT.8 markings from the carrier USS Bunker Hill; part of Carrier Air Group 8; while the Corsair in VH-III’s final service operator’s scheme, the Fuerza Aérea Hondureña or Honduran Air Force. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman] Flying across the bay from RAAF Point Cook was Wing Commander Jason Easthope in the 100 Squadron RAAF CAC Mustang A68-170 (painted as ‘750’). [Photos by James Kightly]

The organizers are to be commended for restarting the show four years after the last – very successful event – four years ago, and spooling up after the enforced hiatus, and hitting temperatures not seen in this date and place since 1944.​

Jim Wickham takes off in his scale Spitfire replica. Jim flew his R-22 helicopter, Yak, this Spitfire and presented his and Jenny Wickham’s scale Mustangs (above) in the static park. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]

Challenged by a significant number of major acts being unable to attend due, primarily to serviceability, and further challenged by the buffeting gusty winds and hot conditions, the over 9,000 attendees should still have come away afterwards impressed with a non-stop flying display showing a wide diversity of action and styles, and entertainment for even the most high expectations. The team are to be commended for a notable achievement despite numerous obstacles. Our thanks, also, to the organizing team for their exceptional help.​

[Above, Left] A remarkable diversity in the static line up. [Above Right] No show is really complete without a radial engine run, here provided by The Old Aeroplane Co. [Below] Also provided by The Old Aeroplane Co was the static restoration ex-Rhodesian single-seat Vampire. [Photos by James Kightly]

This Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann, VH-BEZ is a license built example, a Heliopolis Air Works Gomhouria Mk.6. [Photo by Nigel Hitchman]
Planning starts now for the 2026 show, see you there! And finally, we share a quick insight to two projects underway at the Old Aeroplane Company on the other side of the airfield:

Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Boomerang project A46-249 under restoration to fly. Wing center section (foreground) with ‘dog kennel’ fuel tank behind and to the right, fuselage behind. [Photo by James Kightly]

The Fieseler Fi-156A-1 Storch VH-HUN also continues on its underway on rebuild to airworthy. [Photo by James Kightly]

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[DaveM]

Planes of Fame Air Museum Receives a New Stearman

By Adam Estes

As the sun set over Chino on February 24th, 2024, two aircraft in formation approached the airport to land on runway 26 Right, and taxied to the Planes of Fame Air Museum. For one of the two aircraft, a Vultee BT-13B Valiant, it was just another flight while the other aircraft in the formation, a Boeing-Stearman PT-17, was arriving at its new home.​

Planes of Fame’s new Stearman inside the Edward T. Maloney Hangar. [Photo by Adam Estes]

The Planes of Fame’s new Stearman was constructed as PT-17 manufacturing number 75-2305 and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (as serial number 41-8746) on October 13th, 1941. The aircraft was one of thousands of the type that helped pilots cadets earn their wings to fly in World War II, flying primarily from Dorr Field near Arcadia, Florida. Dorr Field was managed by Embry-Riddle on behalf of the USAAF, and also trained flying cadets of the Royal Air Force. After the war, 41-8746 was one of many that were now available on the surplus market and, by the time it received its current registration of N555BF, it had been painted as a Navy N2S-4 with an overall yellow scheme. By 1996 the aircraft was part of the Santa Monica Museum of Flying’s collection and was seen at numerous local airshows in the Los Angeles area, where locals called it Triple Nickel. Eventually the aircraft was acquired by a well-respected plastic surgeon and pilot, Randy “Doc” Sherman, MD.​

In addition to being director of the Cedars-Sinai Division of Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Sherman was renowned in the medical field for his philanthropic efforts with organizations such as Operation Smile, which continues to provide surgical care for children around the world affected by cleft lips and palates (in fact, Dr. Sherman would conduct or supervise many of these surgeries himself), and was an FAA-designated senior aviation medical examiner. Dr. Sherman was also on the board of directors for the Santa Monica Museum of Flying, the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California, and the American Air Museum at Duxford, England. He was also director of development for the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force based in Camarillo, where Sherman and his Stearman were a common sight around the museum. Sadly Dr. Randy Sherman was killed in the crash of a Cessna 310 shortly after takeoff from Santa Fe, New Mexico on July 18th, 2023.​

In honor of his love and passion for aviation, Dr. Sherman’s family donated his prized Stearman to the Planes of Fame Air Museum. At the controls of the Stearman on the flight to its new home was veteran pilot and mechanic Robbie Patterson, with Mark Moodie flying off his wing in the Vultee. The aircraft is now safely in the museum’s hangars, and will likely be a part of future events at the museum for years to come.

To learn more about the Stearman and the Planes of Fame Air Museum, visit the museum’s website here.​

[Photo by Craig Bryant via Planes of Fame Air Museum]

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[DaveM]

Concorde Returned to New York’s Intrepid Museum

On March 14th, 2024 an example of the famed supersonic passenger jet, Concorde, returned to its home at the Intrepid Museum in New York after a months-long restoration. On Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, the former British Airways Concorde G-BOAD was removed from the Intrepid Museum’s dock and moved to the Brooklyn Navy Yard.​

Concorde G-BOAD is transferred from its ferry barge onto the wharf. [Photo via Intrepid Museum]

The Concorde began its journey back to the museum at about 6.30 am from Weeks Marine and arrived by barge after a trip lasting approximately two hours. After its arrival the Concorde was lifted by a 300-foot crane (click HERE for video) and returned to Pier 86 for display​

On August 25th, 1976, Concorde G-BOAD made its first flight. This airframe spent more time in the air than any other Concorde, logging 23,397 hours. [Photo via Intrepid Museum]

The British Airways jet has been at the museum since 2003, and this was the first time it had left the museum for restoration work. This aircraft, serial number 210 (G-BOAD), first flew on August 25, 1976. Concordes crossed the Atlantic Ocean in under three hours, or less than half the time of any other jetliner flying that route even today. Protests from environmentalists prevented its supersonic use in the United States for several years and limited its airport operations. The crash of an Air France Concorde on takeoff in July 2000 grounded the entire fleet until 2001, after which Concorde flew VIP passengers until 2003 when both airlines retired their fleets from service. This airplane is on loan to the Intrepid Museum from British Airways.​

Tours of Concorde will resume on April 4, 2024. For more information visit www.intrepidmuseum.org​

Concorde G-BOAD sits alongside the aircraft carrier-turned-museum USS Intrepid on Pier 86 in New York. [Photo via Intrepid Museum]

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[DaveM]

Vintage Wings of Canada’s Victory Flight Announces 2024 Schedule

Vintage Wings of Canada is the creation of Michael Potter, who founded the Vintage Wings of Canada Foundation and has been collecting and flying vintage aircraft since the mid-1990s. The aircraft of his collection are maintained in flying condition and flown annually throughout the summer to support air show events, commemorative military flypast,s and other special events. Several aircraft of the collection are owned directly by the charitable foundation as well as by other individual operators.​

The Canadian Car and Foundry-built Hawker Hurricane Mk XII. Photo by Peter Handley

Potter has put together a collection of the finest examples of Canada’s, and indeed the world’s, most historically significant aircraft. The collection is housed in a 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art hangar at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport near Ottawa, Canada.

Victory Flight fighter-formation of its kind performing in Canada now. The Flight will perform at many events this season, including RCAF 100th Anniversary airshows. The schedule (as of March 8) is:

• June 22-23: CFB Bagotville, Quebec
• June 29-30: CFB Trenton, Ontario
• July 1 (Canada Day): Ottawa
• July 13-14: Geneseo, New York
• July 22-28 (AirVenture): Oshkosh, Wisconsin
• 6-8 (AERO Gatineau) Gatineau, Québec
• Sept 15, Battle of Britain Day Flypast, Ottawa

As recently announced, Vintage Wings of Canada’s aircraft will represent Canadian wartime aviation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, as Vintage Wings of Canada brings those historic aircraft as part of the “Victory Flight” at Oshkosh in July.

Current plans call for the aircraft to arrive at the start of AirVenture week and to initially spend several days in the warbirds area. The aircraft will also fly on selected days in the afternoon air show prior to spending the final weekend on Boeing Plaza.​

Mike Potter stepping from the cockpit of the Roseland Spitfire following what was clearly a hugely satisfying first flight. Bravo to all who contributed to bringing this magnificent aircraft back to life, and to the memory she represents of a brave Canadian, Flt Lt Walter Arnold “Rosie” Roseland, who gave his life for our freedom. (photo by Pat Tenger)

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[DaveM]

National Museum of The USAF Prepares for Kettering Model Collection Return

PRESS RELEASE

Visitors to The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

are often stunned and amazed by the size of the 350 aerospace vehicles throughout the four buildings on the museum grounds. From the WWI-era Caproni Ca.36 bomber (74-foot wingspan) to the largest bomber ever built – the Convair B-36J Peacemaker (230-foot wingspan), to the North American XB-70 Valkyrie mach-3 nuclear bomber (186 feet long), these huge flying machines fill the galleries.​

The XB-70 still looks like she’s stepped out of a futuristic science fiction movie, such are the grace and menace of her lines. (NMUSAF photo by Don Popp)

However, what often goes unnoticed in the museum is a collection of aircraft nearly twice the number of the larger aircraft: The Eugene W. Kettering Model Aircraft Collection. This diverse collection of 624 models ranges in size from 4 inches to nearly 3 feet in length and includes both military and civilian aircraft from 10 countries. In 1930, Kettering joined General Motors as a research engineer and became a leading figure in the evolution of the modern diesel locomotive. After nearly 30 years with General Motors, Kettering retired and he and his wife, Virginia, devoted their energies to a wide range of philanthropic activities.​

Curator Jacqueline Heiss from the Collections Division at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force operates an X-ray fluorescence scanner to test for lead paint in model aircraft from the Kettering Model Collection for shipping to the conservation firm ICA in Cleveland, Ohio. After the conservation process has been completed, the 624 model aircraft will be displayed in a new case in the museum’s Kettering Hall in the Spring/Summer of 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

When the Air Force Museum Foundation was created in 1960 to fund the design and construction of a new Air Force Museum, Kettering continued his family’s interest in aviation and became the Foundation’s first chairman. He actively assisted in raising funds to construct the current location of the Air Force Museum, now the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which opened in 1971. Kettering supported the museum in many other ways, including the long-term loan of the model airplanes from his personal collection in 1962. The models on display give visitors a sense of the technological growth of aviation at a glance.​

Conservator Sarah Gilcrease from the Collections Division at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force inspects, catalogs and packs model aircraft from the Kettering Model Collection for shipping to the conservation firm ICA in Cleveland, Ohio. After the conservation process has been completed, the 624 model aircraft will be displayed in a new case in the museum’s Kettering Hall in the Spring/Summer of 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

The primary model exhibit has been on public display for several decades located in six large cases in the hallway connecting the second and third buildings across from the Berlin Airlift exhibit. Some of the models in this unique collection were built as early as the 1930s. Through the years the models started to show signs of light damage and deterioration, and in 2022 a thorough assessment of their condition was completed. Following the assessment, the museum’s Collection Management Division recommended that the models be removed for conservation.

According to Museum Objects Conservator Jennifer Myers, “The models on exhibit were showing signs of light damage with fading and discoloration of the painted surfaces, especially where there was red paint. The assessment found that many of the models showed signs of paint cracking or chipping. This is due to the models being constructed primarily of wood.”

Historically, models were crafted out of wood which has inherent issues because it reacts to the environment. Modern model makers primarily use plastic or metal which are not as sensitive to environmental changes.​

Conservator Sarah Gilcrease from the Collections Division at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force inspects, catalogs and packs model aircraft from the Kettering Model Collection for shipping to the conservation firm ICA in Cleveland, Ohio. After the conservation process has been completed, the 624 model aircraft will be displayed in a new case in the museum’s Kettering Hall in the Spring of 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

“A number of these models are extremely delicate,” Myers added. It’s not unusual to see the adhesives used on these models breaking down over time, resulting in propellers starting to fall off and struts or wheels breaking off. Little pieces of string used to create wheel spokes are now deteriorating. Thin strips of metal used for struts are beginning to corrode. Models with propeller discs are now turning yellow and warping from their original shape. Due to the sheer size of this collection, Collection Management Division personnel realized very quickly that they could not undertake treatment of the models in-house. After researching many companies to complete the huge task of conserving this unique collection, the ICA conservation firm in Cleveland, Ohio was selected.

“However, before we could send this collection out for contract conservation, we had to identify all known hazards. Due to the age of these models many of them are coated with lead paint,” Myers explained. To confirm the lead tainted paint, Myers utilized an X-ray fluorescence scanner to read the lead levels. Additionally, Radiation Safety Officer, Jeremy Gallogly, scanned all 624 models and determined that they contained no radioactive materials. This information was recorded and subsequently provided to the conservation contractor.​

Curator Jacqueline Heiss, left, and Conservator Jennifer Myers from the Collections Division at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force inspect, catalog and pack model aircraft from the Kettering Model Collection for shipping to the conservation firm ICA in Cleveland, Ohio. After the conservation process has been completed, the 624 model aircraft will be displayed in a new case in the museum’s Kettering Hall in the Spring/Summer of 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

“The good thing about going with a company like this is that they can handle the volume of artifacts in this collection. Their conservation staff spans the entire range of specialties required to treat all 624 models,” said Myers. Due to the skills and experience of ICA, museum staff are confident they will do an admirable job of conserving this unique historical collection.

The Kettering Collection is a prime example of a model exhibit that does exist as a complete collection. It is truly the total sum of its parts, displaying a sweeping history of aviation in miniature but grand in diversity type, shape, size, and technology.

When the decision was made to conserve the models, museum leadership directed that a new display case be built in Kettering Hall to house the collection. The new case is no less grand as it stretches almost completely across the east wall of its namesake’s Hall and includes humidity control capabilities and lighting for better preservation of the models.

The Kettering model collection is expected to be fully installed in the new case in the spring/summer of 2025. Continued care of these historic artifacts was made possible through generous support by the Air Force Museum Foundation*. (*Federal endorsement not implied.}​

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is building a new case for the Kettering Model Collection. Museum personnel cataloged and packed model aircraft from the Kettering Model Collection for shipping to the conservation firm ICA in Cleveland, Ohio. After the conservation process has been completed, the 624 model aircraft will be displayed in the new case in the museum’s Kettering Hall in the Spring/Summer of 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year thousands of visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.​

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[DaveM]

Fourth Avspecs Mosquito Rebuild Flies

By Nigel Hitchman and Staff Writers

On Monday March 18th, 2024 at Ardmore Aerodrome, New Zealand, the fourth de Havilland Mosquito rebuilt by Avspecs Ltd., NZ2308/ZK-PWL, took to the air at 15:24 hours (local) for a brief 13 minute flight. It was flown by well-known warbird personality Steve Hinton, with Warren Denholm of Avspecs in the second seat. More test flights will follow on the 19th, and the aircraft is scheduled to be a major attraction at this Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow — tickets are still available on Friday and Sunday.​

On the morning of March 18th, the crew undertook a taxi test and engine runup, followed by a thorough check-over. The first flight, after lunch, comprised several circuits above the airfield followed by a textbook, smooth landing on runway 21 with a blustery 15-knot wind (mostly down the runway) under the broken cloud. The aircraft was then returned to the hangar for some tweaking followed by more flying intended for the next day.

This Mosquito is an Australian-built example that was sold to New Zealand and had logged over 475 hours when retired from service. It is currently painted in a version of its postwar 75 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) silver scheme and codes, with the addition of wartime ‘D-Day’ stripes.​

It is this aircraft that inspired this modern-day New Zealand Mosquito ‘production line’. In the late 1980s, when Glyn Powell was developing the new Mosquito mold process to reconstruct the wooden airframes of the type, Glyn selected it to be ‘his own’ Mosquito, but sadly Glyn passed away in 2019, though not before getting a Mosquito flight in another restored example. (Glyn’s plan to have this Australian-built aircraft to pay a flying visit to Bankstown, NSW, where it was built is no longer part of the publicly available plans.) The latter restoration of NZ2308 was completed by Avspecs and the Mosquito Aircraft Restoration team, for U.S. clients Rod Lewis and Charles Somers.​

NZ2308’s History

This Mosquito was built by de Havilland Australia at Bankstown, Sydney, Australia, for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Originally planned to become an FB.40 fighter-bomber version (essentially the Australian-built equivalent of the very successful FB.VI) it was given the RAAF serial number A52-20. However, the decision was made to convert a batch of partly constructed FB.40s to dual control trainer status, and this aircraft was converted to a Mosquito T.43 while still on the production line. At that point, it was renumbered with a new serial, A52-1054.​

A formation of three 75 Squadron RNZAF Mosquitos during an air show at RNZAF Station Taieri, Dunedin, NZ, including NZ2308. [Air Force Museum of New Zealand, image from the Leonard Adolphus Rayner DFC personal album.]

The aircraft was allocated to No. 3 Aircraft Depot, RAAF Amberley, in Queensland on August 19th, 1946. Two months later it moved to RAAF Archerfield with the same unit on October 18th and was placed in storage, due to the war’s end and the sudden lack of need for these machines.

The RNZAF decided to purchase a small batch of dual-control Mosquitos to help convert crews onto the FB.VI fighter bombers that were to be ferried from Britain. As Australia had dual control Mosquitoes surplus to their requirements, the New Zealand government made a deal to purchase four T.43 models from Australia, and 15 Mosquito T.IIIs (from the UK) as well.

A52-1054 was one of those sold to New Zealand, at an individual cost of £3000, and was eventually ferried across the Tasman to RNZAF Base Ohakea, where it was brought on charge with the RNZAF on June 25th, 1947. The new RNZAF serial number NZ2308 was given to this Mossie.​

An air-to-air photo of NZ2308 flying with 75 Squadron RNZAF in the early 1950s. [Photo via the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.]

It was allocated to 75 Squadron RNZAF and was marked with the code letters YC-Z. This turned out to be the only squadron of the postwar RNZAF to operate Mosquitoes when a policy change meant that the other two planned squadrons were never formed. The aircraft served with the squadron until the early 1950s when the unit converted to de Havilland Vampires.​

No. 75 Squadron Mosquito NZ2308, YC-Z, after being retired from RNZAF service. [Photo via the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, from the Des White personal collection.]

After being sold to what proved to be an abortive project to use surplus Mosquito engines to blow air to protect fruit crops, the remains of NZ2308 ended up on a farm at Riwaka, north of Motueka, visible from the road. In the 1960s the airframe was recovered by volunteers from the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) who were also restoring another recovered Mosquito, NZ2305. [More details of the aircraft’s history can be found in Dave Homewood’s report on the restoration here.]​

An overview of the Mosquito in the Avspecs hangar. Warren Denholm, far left. [photo by Dave Homewood]

Eventually, the remains of NZ2308 passed from MOTAT to Owyn Fenner, who worked at Gulf Aeronautics, Ardmore, and he came up with the idea of forming a syndicate to rebuild the airplane to fly again. He approached the NZ Warbirds Association, and a group was formed.​

The FB style nose, and starboard Merlin engine. [Photo by Dave Homewood]

One of those syndicate members was Glyn Powell, who would eventually collect all the necessary drawings from around the world to build the fuselage molds from scratch and to rebuild the Mosquito, and continue with the idea after the syndicate dissolved. He also collected parts and other wrecks, and with a couple of colleagues, commenced the project which, with Avspecs (and others’) collaboration has resulted in this remarkable ‘production line’ of four fliers and one static rebuild – so far.

Avspecs Mosquito Production

The first Mosquito completed by Avspecs was FB.26 (the Canadian version of the FB.VI) KA114 for US collector Jerry Yagen’s Virginia Beach based Military Aviation Museum, and flew after rebuild on September 27th, 2012 in the hands of Keith Skilling and David Phillips. This was the first flight of a Mosquito anywhere in the world after the loss of British Aerospace’s example, T.III RR299/G-ASKH, in a fatal crash at Barton, Manchester in 1996.​

Jerry Yagen with his Mosquito, KA114, at the Mosquito airshow at Ardmore in 2012. [Photo by James Kightly]

The second Avspecs example was the ex-Imperial War Museum trainer version, a T.III serialled TV959. It was displayed for many years at the Lambeth IWM, with the starboard wing cut off inboard of the engine to fit in the display gallery. Sold to The Fighter Collection in the UK, it later went to the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM) in Washington State, who sent it to Avspecs for restoration. Wearing temporary post-war RNZAF markings representing NZ2337, it flew again in 2016 and upon arrival at the FHCAM was repainted as the structurally identical FB.VI version with the serial NS838 and wearing the name Wag’s War Wagon.​

A composite image by Gavin Conroy of the first three de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito aircraft restored by the hugely talented team of restorers at Avspecs. [Photo via Warbirds Over Wanaka.]

The remains of Mosquito FB.VI PZ474 were acquired from California by Rod Lewis and sent to New Zealand for Avspecs restoration. It flew again on January 13, 2019, also in the hands of Steve Hinton. In 2020, it was sold (in the U.S.) to Charles Somers. It is another ex-RNZAF aircraft, having been assigned serial number NZ2384 before private ownership in NZ and then the U.S.​

Worldwide Mosquito Production

After their first post-restoration flights, all of these Mosquitos departed to the U.S. and their owners by sea. Following NZ2308, the next Avspecs Mosquito project is for Peter Monk, based at Biggin Hill in the UK.

In the 1940s Mosquitos were built by several factories in the UK, with license production in Canada and Australia. Over 7,500 were built, with 30 identities surviving currently of which eight are under restoration, the majority to static condition. Avspecs have now returned two British built examples, one Canadian and one Australian to flight. (Though these are classified as different versions, they are all equivalent to the FB.VI, solid nose fighter bomber model.) With four completed by them in New Zealand in the twenty-first century, and another to come from the Avspecs experts, maybe now we can add New Zealand to the list of nations that have mass-produced Mosquitoes.​

With thanks to Dave Homewood, James Kightly, Zac Yates and others for additional material.

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[DaveM]

Yorkshire Air Museum’s Buccaneer Day

PRESS RELEASE

Saturday, April 6th 2024 is Buccaneer Day at the Yorkshire Air Museum, marking 30 years since this groundbreaking, Yorkshire-built jet retired from RAF service. Originally designed for use by the Royal Navy in attacking Soviet submarines, this incredible low-level jet served as a potential nuclear bomber during the Cold War and saw action in the first Gulf War.​

The Yorkshire Air Museum has not one but three Blackburn Buccaneers, in the colors of the Royal Navy, RAF Germany, and Operation Desert Storm. On April 6th they will be on display side by side outside the main hangar, allowing the public the opportunity to get closer to these examples of the Buccaneer than is typically possible.

The day’s highlight will be a live running of the ‘Navy Bucc’ (XN974), which will fire up its engines for a static run that will surely thrill those in attendance (subject to serviceability). There will be a Night Shoot in the evening, complete with reenactors posing as pilots, providing the opportunity to photograph these three magnificent jets under specially lit conditions.​

There is no extra charge for the daytime events, but the Buccaneer Night Shoot will cost £35. Tea and coffee are included in the ticket price and the museum café will be open to serve hot food. More details at www.yorkshireairmuseum.org/events​

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[DaveM]

Bomber Camp 2024: RE-LIVE THE PAST

Twelve O’Clock High and Masters of the Air will come to life at Bomber Camp 2024. Hosted by the Stockton Field Aviation Museum, in Stockton, California, from May 2nd until the 4th, Bomber Camp offers an immersive World War II living history experience enabling participating ‘cadets’ to step back in time to train for a bombing mission and then fly it – for real. Cadets will experience the sights, sounds, and smells that few others have known, and gain a greater appreciation for the men and women of the Greatest Generation.​

This year’s Bomber Camp offers Training On Demand, a new immersive experience geared toward relatives and enthusiasts of air and ground crew members, who would like to learn more about what they experienced during training and combat. These courses are custom-tailored to your areas of interest. You could choose a full day to go in-depth on one subject, or multiple topics as you like. Scheduling is also up to you, even with short notice, should you find yourself to be in the area. More details can be found HERE.

Bomber Camp begins with ‘cadet’ induction and orientation, followed by classes in aerial gunnery, bombardier training, navigation, and World War II radio operations. Gunnery class introduces cadets to various weapons systems that U.S. Army Air Forces aircrew would have used, especially the famous Browning 0.50-cal. machine gun. The class also includes instruction on how to operate a variety of U.S. bomber turrets (including the famous Sperry ball turret and Martin 250CE top turrets used in B-17s and B-24s, amongst other types) and flexible machine guns, and how to aim them by leading the target and compensating for range. Cadets will then employ what they have learned during a mission on board the Erickson Aircraft Collection’s Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Ye Ole Pub, where they will drop dummy bombs using the Norden Bomb Sight. Bomber Camp is the only place where you can experience this kind of World War II living history in such an immersive environment.​

After a day of instruction, Bomber Camp cadets will employ what they learn while flying a World War II bombing mission in the Erickson Aircraft Collection’s B-17 Ye Ole Pub. (image courtesy of Erickson Aircraft Collection)

Opportunities for additional flight training and rides in the AT-6 Texan and P-51 Mustang will also be available. For more information about Bomber CampTM 2024 and how you can register for this extraordinary experience, visit: www.bombercamp.org

Bomber Camp

was envisioned many years ago by Taigh Ramey, founder of the Stockton Field Aviation Museum and avid WWII collector and history buff. As originally conceived it allowed students a glimpse of what it was like to be one of our greatest generation as they trained for and prepared to be a flight or ground crew. The apex of this living history experience culminated in a flight on a vintage bomber.​

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[DaveM]

Italian Air Force Presents Macchi C.205 Veltro Restoration Project

On March 5th, 2024 the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force – AMI) hosted a presentation about the recovery and restoration of a Macchi C.205 Veltro, which had been lost in the Second World War and was recovered off the coast of Pantelleria. The event occurred in the presence of the pilot’s family and held at the Auditorium of Palazzo Aeronautica as part of the recovery and valorization activities of the historical heritage of the AMI.​

[Photo via Aeronautica Militare Italiana]

The Veltro (Italian for greyhound), serial number MM9310, was operating with the 1st Fighter Wing of the the Regia Aeronautica when it was lost during the defense of Pantelleria, only to be identified in 2007 and recovered in 2023. Study of the wreckage led to the identification of the pilot as WWII ace Second Lieutenant Alvise Andrich, highly decorated for military valour, who was shot down on June 8th, 1943 and successfully bailed out from this Macchi.

The event organized by the AMI and moderated by the journalist Vincenzo Grienti featured, among others, speeches from Gen. Isp. Chief Basilio Di Martino, aeronautical historian and former President of the Committee for the Centenary of the Air Force Col. Franco Linzalone, Commander of the Pantelleria Airport Detachment, and Andrich’s son, Renato Andrich.​

Several speakers gave presentation about the Veltro project. [Photo via Aeronautica Militare Italiana]

The organizations that, in various capacities, took part in the recovery of the aircraft also participated in the event: the OTS Green Divers diver Antonello D’Aietti, who in 2007 identified the wreck off the coast of Pantelleria; Lieutenant Commander Sebastiano Sgroi, of the 3rd Underwater Operators Unit of the Messina Coast Guard; and Dr. Roberto La Rocca, of the Superintendence of the Sea of the Sicilian Region. The contribution of the Museum of Engines and Mechanisms of the University of Palermo is also significant for the identification of the finds recovered from the sea, in particular the remains of the Macchi’s Fiat RA.1050 R.C.58 Tifone engine.​

The remains of Veltro MM9310’s Fiat Tifone engine as discovered by divers in 2013. [Photograph via Aeronautica Militare Italiana]

In welcoming those present, Gen. BA Urbano Floreani, Head of the 5th SMA Department – Communication, said: “…the greatest monuments to the heroes fallen in battle are not made of marble but are at the bottom of the sea, buried among the dunes of arid deserts and among the clouds of distant skies. This story is dedicated to a hero, an ace, who continued to fly after the accident in which he was the protagonist. However, the recovery is dedicated to all those who have not returned home. This is why the 5th Department, of the Italian Air Force, encountered this feat. Promote historical valorization and tell this beautiful story…”

Colonel Linzalone, Commander of the Air Force’s Pantelleria Detachment, wanted to retrace the stages of this fascinating story from the recovery of the wreck to the search through historical sources to what type of aircraft the pieces found corresponded to. “… when I saw the wreck for the first time, the pieces gave me a strong emotion. They give us a testimony of an aircraft that represented an important part of our FA. The moment the plane was shot down it was no longer a piece of metal but a true emotion. also an important testimony because it represents an effective synergy between multiple institutions…”

Subsequently, Alvise Andrich’s son Renato took the floor and, with strong emotion, wanted to remember the figure of his father. “… I knew about the demolition through the stories of my mother who reminded him of how he was saved from a stormy sea by a German patrol boat. He taught us the courage of one’s actions, the sense of responsibility, the love of country and the sense of duty that has accompanied me and my sister and all our children throughout their lives… I can’t wait to go to Pantelleria to visit the museum site where Dad’s plane will be preserved…”​

Among the audience for the presentation on March 5th were members of Andrich’s family. [Photo via Aeronautica Militare Italiana]

The restoration project involves the construction of a wood and steel structure that reproduces the shape of the Veltro where the original pieces will be placed, while the rear part of the aircraft will be covered in aluminum by the artist Marco Mazzei. At the end of the project, the display will be exhibited at the Nervi hangar of Pantelleria Airport, from where the aircraft operated during the war.​

The AMI has always been strongly committed to activities aimed at valorizing the operational, industrial, and technological history of aviation in Italy, also through the development of a widespread museum center, which includes the MUSAM – Historical Museum of the Air Force in Vigna di Valle, the focal point for Italy’s aeronautical heritage.

The Macchi C.205 Veltro, widely regarded as the best Italian fighter aircraft of WWII, was the evolution of the Macchi C.202 Folgore (“Thunderbolt”) and entered service in Pantelleria in April 1943. It was the first Italian fighter capable of competing on equal terms with the opponents of the time, despite being in conditions of overwhelming numerical inferiority.​

Some of the Veltro’s remains, barely recognizable as being those of the charistmatic fighter, on the sea floor. [Photo via Aeronautica Militare Italiana]

The wreck of Veltro MM9310 (engine, wing spars with landing gear, and machine guns) was discovered off the coast of Pantelleria in 2007, lying on the seabed at about 30 meters deep, 700 meters from the coast, and recovered between April and October 2023 thanks to the collaboration between AMI, Harbor Master’s Office – Coast Guard, Superintendence of the Sea and OTS Green Divers.

The search for documentary and archival sources, including the archives of the Historical Office of the Air Force, of Aermacchi, and the Central State Archives, led to the analysis of Captain Alvise Andrich’s logbook which identified him as the pilot of the aircraft and at the time a Second Lieutenant.​

Having enlisted in the Regia Aeronautica in 1936, for which he fought in various operational theaters as a pilot, in June 1943 Alvise Andrich took part in the defense of Pantelleria and was shot down. Having survived by parachuting from the Veltro, in 1944 he joined the Co-Belligerent Air Force and returned to flying on the Bell P-39 Airacobra (seen here), becoming part of the 4th Fighter Wing. [Photo via Aeronautica Militare Italiana]

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[DaveM]

A Flight of Four Mustangs Celebrates WWII Fighter Pilot’s 100th Birthday

Mission accomplished! On Tuesday, March 19, World War II pilot Paul Crawford fulfilled his dream of flying in a P-51 Mustang like the one he commanded 79 years ago in China, where he flew 29 missions until he was shot down in 1945. Now 100, Buckhead resident Crawford was delighted when the Liberty Foundation and Inspire Aviation Foundation took him up in a TF-51D on a perfect blue-sky day for flying.​

TF-51 “E Pluribus Unum” piloted by owner Bob Bull with Paul Crawford in the back leads the formation over Lake Lanier. The camera ship was a Bonanza piloted by long time Liberty Foundation’s pilot Cullen Underwood.

For the occasion, four P-51 Mustangs landed at the Dekalb-Peachtree Airport and parked at Atlantic Aviation, the FBO that supported this unique event. Mr. Crawford lovingly touched the nose and wing of one of the Mustangs when he first walked up to it, reuniting after a 79-year separation. LtCol Ray Fowler, Liberty Foundation Chief Pilot, and pilot Bob Bull helped Crawford into the back seat of the TF-51 and gave him an exhilarating 30-minute ride.

The organizers envisioned the participation of only one P-51, but a quick round of calls sparked the interest of other owners who enthusiastically decided to participate in the event. Bob Bull, Steve Maher, and Rodney Allison flew their Mustangs to Atlanta bringing the total number to four:

P-51D “Old Crow” (N451MG) – Pilot Ray Fowler – Liberty Foundation P-51D “Rebel” (N3BB) – Pilot Rodney Allison P-51 “E Pluribus Unum” (N351B) – Pilot Bob Bull – P-51 “Ain’t Missbehavin” (N51K) – Pilot Steve Maher​

The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and Paul graduated six months later, during which time Congress passed the law to draft 18-year-olds. “I knew that I was going to be drafted so I went to Atlanta to talk with the Army Air Corps [sic] and the Navy about flying,” shared Mr. Crawford. ”The Navy said they would accept me for flight training but wanted me to go right then to their Great Lakes training center. The Air Corps told me they would accept me, but to go on back to college and they would notify me when to report.” said Crawford. Paul went back to Americus, entered Georgia Southwestern College, and shortly thereafter he received his draft notice to report to Fort McPherson in Atlanta on January 2, 1942.​

Paul Crawford in his P-51 ‘Little Rebel’ ( photo by Paul Crawford Collection)

Paul had an older brother, Tim, who had gone into the Air Corps before Pearl Harbor and was flying B-26s, a medium bomber. He ended up flying combat in the B-17 Flying Fortress out of North Africa. The older brother influenced Paul’s choice, convincing him that the Air Corps had better aircraft, “I thought the water was, as they say, too deep and too wide to swim!” said Mr. Crawford.

With about 100 hours on the P-51 and 250-275 hours total, Mr. Crawford was sent off to Chengtu, China assigned to the 311th Fighter Group, 529th Fighter Squadron protecting the B-29 bases. As these B-29s transferred to the Pacific Theater, his squadron was transferred to Hsian headed for combat. At the time, Mr. Crawford was estimated to have only accumulated another 60 hours of flying time.​

On his 29th mission, Mr. Crawford was shot down by ground fire while strafing a small railroad facility. After getting hit, he bailed out and was picked up by Chinese Communist guerillas. A few days earlier one of his housemates had been shot down and captured by the Japanese who cut his head off and put it up on a gate post. After a 200-mile-long walk, chased by the Japanese a couple of times, yet still evading capture, Mr. Crawford ended up at a compound owned by a wealthy family. A few miles from the compound was an airstrip where the OSS (U.S. Office of Strategic Services) brought downed airmen out. After the flight, Mr. Crawford talked about his experience: “When I recall my time in World War II, I always start by saying, I was not a hero! I was just there! That is not false modesty because it is the way I have always felt. I flew the P-51 Mustang.”​

Mr. Crawford who has time in P-40, P-47, A-24, and P-51C, believes that the P-51 was the best fighter plane of its day. “There’s nothing in the world like that airplane,” Crawford said. “I loved doing the maneuvers again.” Paul Crawford was surrounded by several friends, his son-in-law, Tommy, and dozens of Liberty Foundation and Inspire Aviation Foundation members eager to have their pictures taken with him, shake his hand, and thank him for his service.

After serving in WWII, Paul Crawford finished college at Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Management. That’s also where he met his wife, Jean. They had a daughter and were married for sixty-one years when Jean passed away. Paul worked in the paper industry and for the U.S. Envelope Company until he retired in 1988. Paul currently lives in Atlanta and participates in aviation and historical WWII events.​

This special event was made possible thanks to the support of Bob Bull, Ray Fowler Chief Pilot of The Liberty Foundation, Steve Maher, Atlantic Aviation FBO, Cullen Underwood with Vintage Flights, and Inspire Aviation Foundation.

Paul Crawford after the successful flight with (L to R), Cullen Underwood (Camera ship pilot), Bob Bull, Ray Fowler, and Rodney Allison.

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[DaveM]

First Flight Society to Celebrate Wilbur Wright Day 2024

PRESS RELEASE

The First Flight Society (FFS) will celebrate the third annual Wilbur Wright Day with a luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks-Kitty Hawk Hotel in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on April 13th 2024. The event runs from 11 am to 2 pm and features Christopher Moore, Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM).​

Wilbur Wright Day is a yearly event held by the FFS to commemorate Wright’s birth on April 16th, 1867, and to celebrate his life and achievements.

Moore’s talk is titled​

The Wright Brothers in NASM’s New Early Flight Gallery​

. The luncheon is open to the public and there will be a fee for the lunch (all FFS members will get lunch at a discount). Sponsors and partners will be recognized as part of the event. An additional highlight will be a silent auction to raise money for FFS programs which includes signed items from FFS Honorary Members and sponsor donations.​

Moore curates the NASM’s Early Flight and World War I aircraft collections, including some of the most significant artifacts of the first 20 years of powered flight. He also curates the museum’s aircraft armament and model aircraft collections. Prior to coming to the Smithsonian, he served as an officer in the United States Coast Guard specializing in aviation, navigation, and marine safety. He received his BA in European History from the University of California, San Diego, and his MA in American History, with a specialization in public history, from George Mason University.​

Wilbur and Orville Wright and the replica Wright Flyer display. Photo courtesy of Jenna Grindberg DTAM Museum Director

As a member of the Aeronautics Department at the museum Moore has researched, written, and spoken about technical as well as social and cultural aspects of many eras of aviation history. He is the co-author of In the Cockpit II: Inside History-Making Aircraft of World War II and wrote articles for the publications The National Air and Space Museum: An Autobiography and Milestones of Flight: The Epic of Aviation with the National Air and Space Museum.

The emcee of the luncheon is Paul Carr as “The Spirit of Wilbur Wright” and FFS President Mike Fonseca will make a short presentation about the future of the Society. Moore will also be signing books after his presentation.​

Additional information about Wilbur Wright Day can be found at Home - Wilbur Wright Day. For more on the First Flight Society visit their website at Home - First Flight Society - Aviation Society on the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills, NC.​

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[DaveM]

Military Aviation Museum Celebrates National Rosie the Riveter Day

PRESS RELEASE

Over six million “Rosies” joined the workforce and at least ten million more volunteered to help win the Homefront war effort in World War II. The Military Aviation Museum is honored to celebrate Rosie the Riveter and her incredible accomplishments.

As men were inducted into the services and shipped overseas to Europe and the Pacific during World War II, it left a huge gap in the workforce and women stepped in to keep the factories running. Daughters, mothers, sisters, wives, and grandmothers quickly learned to hammer, weld, rivet, and build machinery on an assembly line. In fact, in 1943, 65% of the aircraft industry workers were “Rosies.” From shipyards, aircraft factories, munitions plants, service station attendants, police officers, and farmhands to construction workers; women took over jobs that had traditionally been male-dominated and became a determining factor in the arsenal of democracy.​

The Military Aviation Museum invites families to join in the festivities on Saturday, March 23rd, as they honor National Rosie the Riveter Day. Step into the iconic role by learning to tie on Rosie’s signature red bandana and roll up your sleeves for hands-on riveting demonstrations led by skilled aircraft mechanics. Get firsthand insights into the dedication it takes to “Keep ‘em Flying” as you engage with their aircraft maintainers. Embark on a guided tour to uncover the captivating stories behind the aircraft crafted by the Rosies and immerse yourself in the heart of the exhibits, where the often-overlooked narratives of women’s extraordinary contributions during the war come to vivid life.

Explore the Victory Gardens planted to supplement wartime rationing and participants will have the opportunity to learn and plant their own Victory Gardens. Plus, don’t miss the engaging story time hosted by Hampton Roads Libraries, featuring books spotlighting Rosie and her impact. And delve into the essential role women played in pilot training with the WWII Link Trainer, the original flight simulator.

The Museum’s Education Coordinator Alex Wray explains, “It will be a day packed with excitement as we honor the remarkable contributions of these trailblazing women during World War II. A day filled with fun activities, riveting demonstrations, and insightful guided tours led by our knowledgeable staff. From crafting Rosie-themed memorabilia to exploring artifacts showcasing Rosie’s tools of the trade, there’s something delightful for everyone to enjoy! Be sure to keep an eye out for special guests throughout the day as we join together to celebrate Rosie and her sisters, commemorating their enduring legacy of courage and determination!”​

National Rosie the Riveter Day is Thursday, March 21, 2024. In order for more families to have the opportunity to learn about the important role women played in the war effort, the museum has chosen to celebrate the event on Saturday, March 25th, 2023. The event is included in your regular museum admission. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

If you have any questions, please call (757) 721-7767 or visit https://militaryaviationmuseum.org/. The Military Aviation Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457.

About the Military Aviation Museum

A 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of airworthy military aircraft from the first 50 years of flight. Truly a living museum, its aircraft are in restoration at facilities around the world. Besides the main Museum, the Virginia Beach complex features additional exhibition spaces, including a mid-1930s Luftwaffe hangar originally from Cottbus, Germany, which now serves to house the Museum’s collection of WWII-vintage German aircraft. Additional structures include the WWI Hangar, and the original control tower from RAF Goxhill built in England in 1942. Visit www.militaryaviationmuseum.org for more information or call 757-721-7767.​

Jerry and Elaine Yagen standing in front of the Military Aviation Museum’s FM-2 Wildcat. Yagen’s new book, “Bravo Zulu: My Search Classic Warbirds” documents the story behind some of the more important aircraft in the museum’s collection. This book was presented at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. (image via MAM)

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[DaveM]

Yuri’s Day Celebrates Spaceflight with Family Programs, Personalities, DJs and Dance

PRESS RELEASE

The Museum’s April 13 Yuri’s Day is a celebration of human space exploration with family activities, an astronaut, an author, some droids and cosplayers, and of course music and dance. Highlighting the event is the Northwest’s first use of the cutting-edge Vibrotextile

haptic wearables to provide a more engaging dance experience for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. c89.5 will broadcast live DJ sets from DJ D-Double-J and special headlining artist, Anabel Englund. This radical experience is the result of the Museum’s partnership with c89.5, Seattle Children’s, and the Not Impossible Labs Music: Not Impossible project. Yuri’s Day also offers a presentation by Inspiration4 astronaut Chris “Hanks” Sembroski, a book signing with Space Oddities author, Joe Cuhaj, VR experiences, a 360° photobooth, droids with the Pacific Northwest R2 Builders Club, cosplayers from the 501st Legion, plus representatives from The Mars Society and the Seattle Area LEGO Users Group. Space-themed costumes are encouraged.​

Launch of Vostok 1

Yuri’s Night, the 21+ space party, is a separately ticketed event that begins at 6 p.m.

SCHEDULE

Discovering My Path to Space – Presentation by Inspiration4 Astronaut Chris Sembroski

11 a.m. to Noon

Chris “Hanks” Sembroski represented the pillar of Generosity as part of the crew of Inspiration4 by serving as Mission Specialist on the first all-civilian mission to orbit. Sembroski will share how he found his path to space, and let it inspire you to find a path of your own. DanceABLE Access-Centered Dance Experience (All ages)

12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

In partnership with c89.5, Seattle Children’s and Not Impossible Labs, the Museum is turbocharging an all-ages dance event with accessibility at its heart. c89.5’s DanceABLE experience is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, tailored to create a better live music experience for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. “At Not Impossible Labs, we’re all about tackling absurdities – things in the world that make you stop and think, “Hold on. Seriously? No – that’s just not right.” Music: Not Impossible is our answer to the absurdity of music inaccessibility,” said Daniel Belquer of Not Impossible Labs.

DJ Line-up – c89.5 will broadcast live DJ sets from c89.5 program alum DJ D-Double-J and special headlining artist, Anabel Englund! “Dance music has helped me get through my life and it deserves to be experienced by all people in whatever way they can,” England, “I’m beyond happy and thankful for the people who have made it possible.”

Register for Free Museum Admission to DanceABLE, To accommodate as many users as possible, participants must RSVP for specific time slots which include a quick ‘how-to’ and suit trial on the dance floor. DanceABLE Deaf and Hard of Hearing registrants, the ticket includes admission for the registrant, plus one guest. If they are minor, guest must be 18+. Note: By registering for DanceABLE, you verify that you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or claiming a ticket for someone who is. This ticket also grants the participant entry into The Museum of Flight and all Yuri’s Day activities.

“c89.5 is all about inclusion. We wanted to build an event that allows us to include a group that is often left out of musical events and bring them aboard in a meaningful way. DanceABLE is just that kind of event, translating the audio sensation of dance music into tactile vibrations that can be felt on the body.” – Ron Chatman c89.5 Program Director

Space Oddities Lecture and Book Signing with Joe Cuhaj

3 p.m.

Space Oddities brings the unknown, offbeat and obscure stories of space to life. Author Joe Cuhaj will shed light on the human aspects of space travel that have remained industry secrets – until now: how the tradition of using a musical playlist to wake astronauts up began, fascinating tales about inventions like the Fischer Space Pen, Omega watches and Tang.​

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[Bloodknot]

Just 10 miles up the road from me at Sywell Aerodrome, UK, I have seen the following. Some of which are based there.