Belgian Aviation Preservation Association Nears Completion of Cessna 310B Restoration

The Belgian Aviation Preservation Association (BAPA) is entering the final stages of its long-running restoration of Cessna 310B OO-SEI, a classic twin-engine aircraft that has been the focus of the group’s efforts for several years. OO-SEI began its career in October of 1958 when it was delivered to the Belgian airline Sabena as a multi-engine trainer. Sabena operated from 1923 through 2001 as the national airline of Belgium, using airplanes from Fokker Tri-Motors, Douglas DC-3/4/6s, Lockheed Constellations, all the way to Boeing 707s and 747s. 

Vintage Aviation News first reported on the project in 2025, when volunteers were making steady progress on the restoration of the 1958-built aircraft. Today, the project is approaching the finish line, with much of the structural, mechanical, and interior work now complete. Recent milestones include the painting of the horizontal stabilizer and continued preparation of the remaining wing surfaces. According to BAPA, the team hopes to have both wings fully painted by the end of the summer, bringing the aircraft significantly closer to its final appearance.

Work has also progressed on the landing gear. One of the main landing gear assemblies is currently being reinstalled into the wing, while the second main gear and the nose gear have already been fitted. Final adjustments and alignment will be completed once the aircraft is fully assembled. Inside the aircraft, the restoration is largely complete. The cockpit instrument panel has been installed, along with the control columns, giving the interior the appearance of a finished aircraft once again. The final major phase of the project will focus on the engine nacelles and cowlings. Fortunately, both engines remain in good condition and are expected to require only cleaning, cosmetic restoration, and repainting before installation. Once completed, these tasks will mark the final chapter in the aircraft’s restoration.

The aircraft itself represents an important chapter in postwar general aviation. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Cessna 310 became one of the first successful light twin-engine aircraft produced after WWII. Its sleek lines, distinctive tip tanks, and impressive performance made it popular among private owners, business operators, and government agencies around the world. Early examples such as OO-SEI are becoming increasingly rare, making BAPA’s preservation efforts particularly significant.

(Image credit: BAPA)

As the restoration draws to a close, the organization is already considering the aircraft’s future. BAPA will soon need additional workshop space to continue work on its North American B-25 Mitchell restoration project and is therefore exploring options for displaying the completed Cessna. The group is interested in finding a museum, aviation organization, or suitable institution capable of exhibiting the aircraft fully assembled, potentially through a long-term loan arrangement. Such a display would allow the public to appreciate the aircraft while ensuring that BAPA can continue its preservation activities. BAPA is also seeking assistance from the vintage aviation community in locating a difficult-to-find component needed to complete the restoration. The organization is searching for the aircraft’s tailcone light assembly, references 0433006-4 and 0433006-2. Anyone with information about the availability of these parts is encouraged to contact the association.

With the finish line now in sight, OO-SEI stands as another example of how dedicated volunteers continue to preserve important pieces of aviation history. If all goes according to plan, the beautifully restored Cessna 310B may soon emerge from the workshop and take its place on public display, showcasing one of general aviation’s most elegant early twins for future generations to enjoy. For more information about the Belgian Aviation Preservation Association (BAPA), visit www.bapa.aero.