PRESS RELEASE
In 1997, the Anglo American Lightning Organisation (AALO) was founded by Andrew Brodie, Jon Roth, Phil Wallis and Max Waldron. The group acquired English Electric Lightning T.5 XS422 in the UK and relocated it to Stennis International Airport, MS in the U.S. where was meticulously restored back to fast taxi capability.
The project has been led by Chief Engineer Phil Wallis and supported by a regular team of engineers, namely Dave Yates, Dave Tylee, Simon Johnson, Milton Roach, Kelvin Ware, Steve Browning and Jason Skinner. However, over the years many other engineers have also contributed such as Geoff Commins, Rory Elliot, and Nic Woodhouse to name but a few. AALO is also thankful to pilot Will Ward who has helped them over the years and has fast taxied XS422 on several occasions at Stennis International Airport.
As AALO exits the U.S. XS422 will remain at Stennis International Airport. [Photo via the Anglo-American Lightning Organisation]
Without the help and support of these volunteers it would not have been possible to reach the position AALO is in today. It has been a remarkable achievement to all those involved who have selflessly given up their time to support the project over the years. The dedication and commitment of everyone involved has been truly remarkable, and AALO would like to thank them.
In September 2023 AALO acquired a second Lightning T.5, XS452 (formerly ZU-BBD, as reported by Vintage Aviation News) and the entire spares inventory from Hangar 51 PTY at Cape Town in South Africa. After inspecting the aircraft and assessing the supporting equipment and spares, AALO believes it now have a package that is capable of returning a Lightning back to flight and meeting their operational requirements.
After much consideration and with a heavy heart, AALO has decided to exit the U.S. and will no longer be involved in the restoration project of XS422. The organization will now dedicate our efforts to return XS452 back to flight by 2026.
As AALO closes the door on the U.S. they continue with the same team, and the same dream: to return a Lightning back to flight.
AALO has launched a new website to keep supporters up to date with all the latest news and information regarding the restoration project. You can also keep up to date on their Facebook page and at their YouTube channel.
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Zac, born and raised in New Zealand, grew up immersed in aviation, with his father working as a helicopter crewman and living at Wanganui Airport. His passion for aviation started in childhood, building scale model kits and following the global warbird scene. He later trained as a journalist but found mainstream media unfulfilling, leading him to pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Now residing in Blenheim, near the historic Omaka Aerodrome, Zac studies at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and aspires to become a private and warbird pilot. Known as "Handbag" in aviation circles, he shares his love for aviation through photography and writing, connecting with enthusiasts worldwide.
Rumour has it that they’re looking to set up in Australia to take advantage of the very lax rule-set afforded under the CASA Restricted category. Likely course of action will be to find an organisation with, or who has access to, a legacy CAR 30 maintenance exposition.
So what’s going to happen to 422 now? After all that work getting her running again, are they just gonna cap her off and leave her to be static?