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Vol 15 No 1 2008 [Issue 64]
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Following the discovery in 1999 of the remains of several ex RAF Hinds in a scrap yard near Kabul, a successful recovery operation co-ordinated by Patrick Chriswick has been undertaken and the aircraft are now in store in a location in the south of England. Six identifiable airframes plus further damaged airframes for spares were recovered, the plan being to dispose of some of these to other collectors, but to retain the only dual control example found. Photographic coverage features the Hinds safely stored, but more fascinating for the adventurous, when still were strewn about the massive Kabul dump. The future looks bright for this lovely prewar biplane!
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On the other side of the world an equally significant recovery has moved ahead with several wrecks from the Shortland Islands group being shipped to Australia for eventual preservation. We have been given an exclusive look at what has unfolded with regard to the recoveries, the interference from beyond the Island’s borders and the plans for the rescue of the remaining salvageable relics for a proposed museum which will see several of these endangered aircraft free of the threats they face if left ‘in situ’. Unfortunately an event that occurred in mid 2007 has meant that it is too late for some, and if the others are to survive the initiative now in progress needs to be expedited forthwith!
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Not a single Mosquito remains flyable anywhere in the world today, this largely due to the wooden construction of the airframe. Whilst this was a major factor in the success of the ‘Wooden Wonder’, it also contributed to its downfall, these machines not surviving well when left to the elements upon retirement from active service. The efforts of one man however have allowed the type to enjoy a new lease of life with completely rebuilt wooden airframe structures, and due to the efforts of Glyn Powell two are due to fly again. We take a look at the man and what he is achieving.
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After eight years and 18,000 hours of toil, Boeing 40C, N5839 was rolled out in early February 2008 as a finished aircraft. A Standard Airworthiness Certificate was acquired from the FAA and the aircraft had its first engine start and taxi at Felts Field, Spokane, Washington on the 9th February, with the Pratt & Whitney Wasp performing flawlessly. A first flight followed shortly thereafter and in this article Addison Pemberton describes what it was like to fly this impressive and elegant biplane.
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Mark Watt caught Dennis Sanders flying Hawker Fury ISS FB.11, 37729, N97SF over Eagles Nest airport at Ione, CA in mid January shortly before the aircraft was delivered to new owner Dick Janitell of Colorado. Some lovely air to airs of a stunning aircraft!
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Continuing with our wrecks from underwater theme, we take a look at an amazing recovery of a Hellcat from the depths of the Pacific. In this major article, Roy Stafford of Black Shadow Aviation (BSA) describes the rebuild that culminates in the aircraft being displayed at the Pensacola Naval Air Museum. He also relates the differences in restoring an aircraft recovered from salt and those from fresh water, using BSA’s experience in restoring the Wildcats and Dauntless from Lake Michigan - which makes some very interesting reading!
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Out of Czechoslovakia’s World War II nightmare came one of the sweetest handling light utility twins to grace the skies. The Aero series acquired an impressive reputation amongst pilots and became a major export success. ‘Safe, Fast, Comfortable and Inexpensive’ read the advertising blurb marketed by the sales distributors, and this described the aircraft perfectly. Our ‘Mystery Aircraft’ this time around, we take a look at the type’s history and some of the survivors, particularly those that made the journey ‘Downunder’
A new museum was established in June 2006 at Hood River , Oregon which features some lovely classics from the ‘Golden Age’ of aviation, most of which are flyable making this a ‘living museum’. |