Following its scheduled winter maintenance, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc, PZ865, has successfully completed its post-servicing air test and is now back in operational service.
As originally reported in the RAF Memorial Flight Club newsletter, the aircraft underwent a ‘Minor Star’ maintenance program focused primarily on calendar-driven servicing. One of the key items was the removal of the nose-mounted ‘Reserve’ fuel tank—a 28-gallon unit capable of gravity feeding fuel when necessary. The tank was sent offsite under contract for refurbishment while other maintenance work continued at RAF Coningsby. Although the rest of the maintenance was completed on schedule, PZ865 remained grounded awaiting the tank’s return. Once reinstalled, ground engine runs were performed on June 19, followed by additional engine testing and dynamic propeller balancing over the next several days.
On the evening of Thursday, June 26, Flight Lieutenant Andy Preece MBE piloted PZ865 on its first post-maintenance air test, taking off at 18:50 local time. The aircraft passed all checks with flying colours and was cleared to participate in BBMF flying duties the following weekend, including commemorative appearances for Armed Forces Day.
As readers may recall, PZ865 received its current paint scheme in May 2021. The BBMF regularly updates the liveries of its aircraft to honor the broad sweep of RAF history, with repaints typically scheduled alongside major overhauls. In this case, the aircraft was refinished at Biggin Hill to represent a No. 247 Squadron night fighter intruder, bearing the squadron code ‘ZY-V’.
PZ865 is notable not just for its service with the BBMF, but also for its historic significance. It was the very last of 14,533 Hawker Hurricanes built, completing final assembly at Hawker’s Langley factory on July 27, 1944. Equipped with four 20mm cannons and powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engine, it left the production line proudly bearing the inscription “The Last of the Many” beneath the cockpit on both sides—a poignant reminder of the Hurricane’s vital role during the war. Now fully airworthy once again, Hurricane PZ865 continues its role within the BBMF, flying as a living tribute to those who served and fought in the Royal Air Force. For more information about the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club, visit www.memorialflightclub.com.
