BBMF Lancaster’s Remarkable Effort to Fly for VE Day 80 Commemorations

The sight of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster, PA474, soaring through the skies for the National VE Day 80 commemorations was a testament to the dedication and skill of the team behind its restoration. While the aircraft’s return to flight is widely celebrated, the behind-the-scenes efforts by BBMF engineers to ensure its readiness for this significant milestone are less well known. During the 2024-25 winter, PA474 underwent an extensive ‘Primary Star’ maintenance programme, which is a procedure almost as in-depth as a ‘Minor’ maintenance. Typically, this process takes four to five months, and the Lancaster was in need of considerable work to get it flight-ready. In addition, the No 1 engine, which had reached the end of its operational life, was replaced with a zero-hours Merlin engine. By early April, just as the team believed they were on track for the aircraft’s first flight of the year, an unexpected setback arose. During pressure testing of the radiators, a slight leak was found in the radiator for one of the engines, forcing it to be removed for repairs. New brake hoses were also required, yet they had not been delivered.

Despite these challenges, the BBMF engineers rose to the occasion. Several engineers volunteered to work through the Easter break and the bank holiday weekend from 18th-21st April. Their efforts included refitting the repaired radiator and conducting the first engine runs of 2025 on Easter Sunday. Additional engine runs followed in the days that followed, ensuring everything was on track. As the new brake hoses arrived on 25th April, the team worked diligently through the weekend of 26th-27th April to fit them, bringing the aircraft closer to flight readiness.

In addition, the Lancaster was fitted with brand-new main wheels, a significant achievement that was the subject of a feature in the BBMF’s 2025 Yearbook. These wheels required formal approval from the Type Airworthiness Authority and the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) before they could be cleared for flight. This approval came just as the aircraft was ready for its post-maintenance air test. Meanwhile, the Lancaster pilots had undergone training to refresh their skills in multi-engine tailwheel aircraft. This took place on Saturday, 26th April, when they flew the Aero Legends C-47 Dakota, preparing for the unique handling demands of the Lancaster.

Finally, after weeks of hard work and overcoming unexpected challenges, PA474 took to the skies for its air test on the afternoon of Monday, 28th April. Piloted by Flight Lieutenant Seb Davey and Squadron Leader Paul ‘Ernie’ Wise, with Master Aircrewman Rick Gomez as the flight engineer, the aircraft completed its first flight of 2025. A minor issue with the elevator trim was addressed, and a second air test on 1st May confirmed the Lancaster was ready for its important role. With weather conditions unfavorable at Coningsby, the Lancaster was deployed to RAF Waddington on 2nd May, where the crosswind direction allowed for safe flying. From there, it had the honour of leading the VE Day 80 flypast over London on 5th May, as well as fulfilling other important commitments for the anniversary. The successful return to flight of Lancaster PA474 is a tribute to the hard work and perseverance of the BBMF team. The engineers, pilots, and support staff involved in this incredible effort can take great pride in their accomplishment. For a firsthand view of this remarkable flight, be sure to watch the breathtaking video captured from the bomb aimer’s position during the VE Day 80 flypast, as the Lancaster flew over The Mall and Buckingham Palace.