The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota ZA947 returned to its home base at RAF Coningsby on the evening of Friday, August 29, following a three-year ‘Major’ maintenance programme at Duxford. The extensive restoration had exceeded its original schedule due to a significant amount of emergent work required to ensure the 82-year-old aircraft remained airworthy for the years ahead.
ZA947 took to the skies that afternoon for its first flight in more than three years during a post-maintenance air test from Duxford. The flight was piloted by Flight Lieutenant Seb Davey, with Squadron Leader Paul ‘Ernie’ Wise in the co-pilot seat, Flight Lieutenant Neil Whitehead as navigator, and Master Aircrewman Andy Welham-Jones serving as air loadmaster. Following a successful air test, the Dakota returned to Duxford for mandatory post-flight inspections before embarking on its journey back to Coningsby.
During the return flight, the crew practiced several circuits and touch-and-go landings on Coningsby’s runway before taxiing to the BBMF hangar, marking the aircraft’s full return to its operational home. The Dakota will now be available for flying operations during the 2025–26 winter period, supporting aircrew training. In addition, ZA947 will be on display in the BBMF hangar for visitors, now bearing the historic markings of 31 Squadron South, preserving the legacy of this iconic aircraft for both enthusiasts and the general public. For more information about the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club, visit www.memorialflightclub.com.
