Australian T-28D Trojan Back in the Air!

Australian T-28D Trojan Back in the Air!

words: Chris Godfrey and Phil Buckley
photography: Carl Herbert

Back in July, 2015 WarbirdsNews reported on Chris Godfrey and his efforts to bring his combat-veteran T-28D Trojan 51-3588 back into flying condition in Perth, Western Australia. (Read our previous story about ‘588’s fascinating history). We are happy to report that Godfrey successfully test flew his Trojan this March, marking her first flight since 2012.

After smoothing out some minor radio/intercom issues, the aircraft flew twice in May. Chris Godfrey took off from Perth’s Jandakot Airport and tracked for an airstrip outside controlled airspace to perform some upper air work, which he followed with circuits around the field. Godfrey commented that, “It was really a dream to fly, and has been a lifelong dream of mine to own and fly my very own Vietnam War era warbird and this is a really great example. In fact I have been in regular contact with the very pilot who flew her in the USAF in South East Asia. He has shared with me his old documents and checklists as well as his flying logs in combat, circa 1970”.

The shakedown flights have revealed a few propeller seal issues, but no other significant problems have showed themselves. Australian regulations require Godfrey to fly off five hours in the T-28, followed by another oil analysis to confirm a healthy engine, before he can ferry the aeroplane to her new home in Victoria. If all goes successfully, Godfrey hopes to perform the ferry flight in August or September this year. This genuine warbird will perform at as many air shows and fly-ins as Chris Godfrey’s schedule will allow. His first planned event will be Avalon 2017. He hopes to see many aviation enthusiasts and welcomes them to come and say hello!

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WarbirdsNews wishes to thank Phil Buckley, Chris Godfrey and Carl Herbert for their contributions to this article. We also hope Chris Godfrey has many successful years ahead flying his beautiful aircraft as well!