Eighty years after its maiden flight, the Avro Lancaster continues to capture the hearts of aviation enthusiasts—especially Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611, Just Jane, currently undergoing a comprehensive restoration to airworthy condition at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (LAHC) in East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, England. The group has made magnificent progress, even during the pandemic, and we thought that our readers might like to see a recent (edited) restoration update, reproduced here with permission. As the 2025 taxi season approaches, LAHC is preparing Just Jane for her pre-season engine runs and training exercises. Recent restoration efforts have focused on critical structural components, including the rear fuselage, trailing edge, and port wing.
Airframe Restoration Progress
Work on Just Jane’s rear fuselage and trailing edge continues to advance. Technician Chris has been assembling the remaining trailing edge ribs, preparing them for painting once the protective coatings are removed. Replacement extrusions for the trailing edge webs are currently awaited, and new trailing edge booms are on order alongside the wing’s main spars.
Elsewhere in the workshop, John and Jacob are making strong headway on the port wing ribs, steadily filling racking space with completed, airworthy parts ready for final installation. Meanwhile, Keith has been diligently handling the substantial documentation required for the wing, nose, and trailing edge restoration efforts.
Dave and Jodie have spent the past week riveting key sections of the rear fuselage, with Jodie assisting on areas that required a two-person effort. Dave has also initiated work on the final lower skins at the base of the fuselage. With the structure now self-supporting, the keel has been removed to allow for the fitting of these skins, with the spine due for removal shortly after to accommodate the top skins.
The tail oleo box and its associated lower skin are currently in the paint booth, with installation expected soon. Once these components are fitted, the rear fuselage will be removed from its jig, enabling the team to prepare for work on the next fuselage section.
Pre-Season Engine Tests
Just Jane ventured outside this week for her first pre-season engine runs. The test was successful, confirming that the aircraft is mechanically ready for the upcoming taxi display season. Engine cowlings will be refitted in the coming days, followed by crew training and aircraft familiarisation.
Wings Fund Campaign Update
The Centre’s GoFundMe Wings Fund has so far raised £79,795 of the £500,000 goal. These funds have already supported the acquisition of key tooling and aluminium needed for wing reconstruction. Supporters donating more than £50 will receive a special Wings Fund badge as a token of appreciation. Contributions can be made through the official campaign page. Every milestone brings NX611 Just Jane closer to taking to the skies once more—a testament to the dedication of the restoration team and the generosity of supporters worldwide. For more information about the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, visit www.lincsaviation.co.uk
