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The 1948 Percival Proctor 5 (G-AKIU) and de Havilland DH-90 Dragonfly (G-AEDU). Photo by Nigel Hitchman
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By Nigel Hitchman
On August 17, 2024, aviation enthusiasts gathered at Old Warden in Bedfordshire, England, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the UK Vintage Aircraft Club (VAC). Founded in 1964 by a group of passionate aviators, the VAC was established to preserve and operate the vintage aircraft that dotted the skies of the UK. At the time, many wooden aircraft were being retired due to concerns over glue failure, and an influx of modern American planes was beginning to dominate the scene. The club’s founders were determined to keep the spirit of these classic aircraft alive.
G-AEDU DH90 Dragonfly
Sixty years later, the VAC remains as vibrant as ever. This year, the club organized a series of fly-ins to mark its milestone anniversary. Following a successful event in June at Breighton in Yorkshire, the celebrations moved south to Old Warden, the historic home of the Shuttleworth Collection. The event drew around 70 vintage aircraft, all basking in the glorious summer weather.
G-AHBM DH87B Hornet Moth
Despite competing with other fly-ins around the country and a significant vintage aircraft gathering in Belgium, the Old Warden event was a resounding success. Attendees were treated to a spectacular display of aviation history, with a diverse array of vintage aircraft on show. It was a day of nostalgia, camaraderie, and a shared love for the golden age of aviation—a fitting tribute to the VAC’s six decades of dedication to preserving the heritage of British aviation.
Following is a selection of photographs of the attendees.
G-ARUG Auster J5G Cirrus Autocar
G-HEKL Percival Mew Gull, David Beale’s fabulous exact replica of Mew Gull G-AEKL as it was when it won the King’s Cup Air Race in 1937.
330314 (G-BAET) Piper L-4 Cub fairly recently restored back to its ww2 colours.
The line-up of aircraft
G-ARHB Forney F-1A Aircoupe
G-BUPV Great Lakes 2T-1A (re-engined with a Kinner R-55)
G-ABLS DH80 Puss Moth
G-AWVN Aeronca 7AC Champ
G-AKVM Cessna 120
G-AFYO and G-BMSA Stinson HW75 the only two in the UK, both imported from France in the 70s
G-AJJS Cessna 120
G-BHYI Stampe SV4A
G-AKIU Percival Proctor 5
G-ANFL DH82A Tiger Moth
G-NCUB Piper J3C- Cub
G-AWWO Jodel 1050
G-RETA CASA 1.131E Jungmann
G-BTCJ Luscombe 8E one of many imported by Cliff Lovell in the 80s and early 90s, this one came in 1991 and unlike the others which were sold to customers, Cliff kept this one in immaculate condition for 20 years and took it to many fly-ins.
G-OVON Piper L18C Super Cub former French Army
G-ALEH Piper PA-17 Vagabond
G-AHBL DH87B Hornet Moth
G-BFGK Jodel D117
G-ASTI Auster 6A
G-TECC Aeronca 7AC Champ
G-BUCO Pietenpol Aircamper
G-BUPV Great Lakes 2T-1A
G-AIJM Auster J4 Archer
G-RETA CASA 1.131 Jungmann
G-ADNE DH87B Hornet Moth
G-APBW Auster 5A
G-AVPJ DH82A Tiger Moth
G-BUCC CASA 1.131 Jungmann ZK-AGM DH83 Fox Moth (really G-CIPJ) G-AKIN Miles Messenger
Old meets new (ish) G-AHIZ DH82A Tiger Moth G-BOPO Edgley Optica
Two prototypes, G-AVDF Beagle Pup and G-ARVZ Rollason (Druine) D62B Condor (the British prototype when factory built by Rollason)
NC5427 Travel Air 4000
G-OHAL Pietenpol Aircamper
G-ANZT Thruxton Jackaroo (4 seat Tiger Moth conversion, 19 were converted in the late 50s at Thruxton 5 are currently airworthy, 3 in England one in NZ and one in Canada)
G-AEDU DH90 Dragonfly (one of two still existant in the world, the other is in New Zealand the former G-AEDT now ZK-AYR) G-AEDU was delivered to Mozambique in 1937 and stayed there for over 20 years before going to South Africa as ZS-CTR, it was brought back from South Africa in the late 70s restored by Cliff Lovell flying again in 1982 now registered G-AEDU. Only flying in the UK for a year or two it was sold to Charles Osbourne in 1983 and was flown to the US and lived in southern Indiana visiting Oshkosh 85 but was sadly damaged in an accident a year or two later. In 1988 it was bought by Torquil Norman who had Cliff Lovell and team rebuild it again, Torquil kept it for many years and made a return double Atlantic crossing to visit Oshkosh in 1995. In 2014 it was bought by the Shipping and Airlines collection who operate a number of British vintage aircraft and support a lot of fly-ins and events, it still looks immaculate.
ZK-AGM/C-CIPJ DH83 Fox Moth restored in England for a New Zealand owner its been kept in England for the last 10 years since the restoration was completed and permitted to wear its original (and subsequent) New Zealand registration. It is planned to finally go to New Zealand this UK winter.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
