Newark Air Museum is continuing its restoration efforts on a RAF Chinook by fabricating the missing and damaged parts needed to complete the restoration process.
In March 1967, the United Kingdom placed an order for fifteen Boeing Vertol CH-47B Chinook to replace the Royal Air Force's Bristol Belvedere HC.1 fleet. In British service the new aircraft was to be designated as the Chinook HC Mk 1. Photo via Newark Air Museum
In February 2018, Newark Air Museum made history by becoming the first Accredited Independent museum in the UK to acquire and display a Royal Air Force (RAF) registered Chinook helicopter, following the arrival of BV Chinook HC.1, ZA717 from RAF Cranwell.
Since the helicopter’s arrival, museum staff and volunteers have dedicated themselves to sourcing missing airframe panels and structures from various disposal sources, including the original manufacturer. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful. As a result, the museum’s resourceful volunteers have taken on the task of fabricating the missing and damaged parts for the nose section and side sponsons as part of the Chinook’s rebuild project.
The majority of the damage being repaired dates back to a non-fatal flying incident on July 25, 1989, when ZA717 was written off at RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands. After being transported back to the UK, the helicopter was used at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, to train Aircrew Loadmasters in slinging techniques and load securing methods. A detailed report of the accident can be found HERE.The Chinook how it appeared in March, 2024. Photo via Newark Air Museum
The ongoing repair and restoration work will soon become more visible as the museum plans to reposition the Chinook and a nearby Puma XW208 helicopter to make both aircraft more accessible to visitors. This move aligns with the museum’s long-term goal of using ZA717 as an interactive educational space for visiting groups of school children, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, and Air Training Corps (ATC) cadets. For more information and to support the museum, visit www.newarkairmuseum.org
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.
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.
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