By Zac Yates
The aircraft considered by many to be the jewel in the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s crown, Avro Lancaster B.I PA474, is ready to return to the sky after heavy maintenance work. During the UK winter the aircraft, one of only two flying examples in the world, has undergone extensive pre-planned maintenance activity, including the manufacture and replacement of the entire tailplane. Now, following extensive inspections and testing, the Lancaster is ready to fly again.
“We’re working really hard to complete her Post Maintenance Air Test, which will need to be followed by PDA (Public Display Authority),” BBMF public relations officer and PR team manager Paris Pratley-Gomez told Vintage Aviation News. “Once these have both been achieved we will be able to start looking at what our future flying programme looks like.”
While the engineers prep the iconic bomber for a return to airworthiness, BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane flying remains paused whilst the investigation continues into the tragic Spitfire incident on May 25, which claimed the life of Squadron Leader Mark Long. As we recently reported a flying scholarship has been set up in his name and donations to this worthy cause can be made HERE.
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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.
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