Aeroplane Monthly 1983-09
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P.Jarrett - Grapevine
Spitfires G-FIRE (Mk. XIVe), AR213 (Ia), P7350 (IIa), PM631 (PR19), AB910 (Vb) and RM689 (XIV), plus BoBMF Hurricanes PZ865 and LF363 are lined up.
Spitfires G-FIRE (Mk. XIVe), AR213 (Ia), P7350 (IIa), PM631 (PR19), AB910 (Vb) and RM689 (XIV) pay tribute to the late Sir Douglas Bader in a “missing man” formation at the Greenham Common Air Tattoo on July 23-24, 1983.
Bristol Scout N5419, built by Leo Opdycke of Poughkeepsie, New York, made its first flight on July 12, 1983 from Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Leo flew it for 25 min, and found it “stable and straight and an absolute joy to fly”. Unfortunately magneto failure led to a forced landing in the woods, causing “substantial damage". The pilot was unhurt. Lets hope it's back in the air before too long.
The Museum’s Sea Fury, WJ228, undergoes a complete overhaul in the Luscombe Aircraft Company's unit at Lympne.
Yeovilton’s MB.339A is seen on Stanley before its recovery and transport to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Now back in the air following an eight-year rebuild is Taylorcraft Plus D G-AHEN, now finished in military markings as LB375.