Back in February, the Military Aviation Museum announced that its Messerschmitt Me 262 replica was on track to return to flight, with hopes of making an appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 this July. Yesterday, March 18th, at Suffolk Executive Airport in Virginia, the museum’s chief pilot, Mike Spalding, conducted a series of engine runs, taxi tests, and landing gear swings—key steps in the aircraft’s return-to-flight process.
“It has been over a decade since it last flew,” said museum director Keegan Chetwynd. “So we are exercising great caution in bringing the airplane back to the air. Our mechanics, Ike and Allison Burchinal, are doing an outstanding job with it.”
To give aviation enthusiasts a closer look at this rare jet, the museum plans to host a public access day at Suffolk Executive Airport. More details will be announced soon via the museum’s website and social media channels. For those interested in the origins of these remarkable Me 262 replicas, Richard Mallory Allnutt, the museum’s Curator of Digital Media, has provided an in-depth look—read our previous article [HERE].
With the goal of making its public flying debut at AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the team is working diligently to ensure the aircraft is ready in time. While challenges remain, optimism is high. Stay tuned for further updates on the museum’s blog, social media, and Vintage Aviation News as this historic warbird prepares for its long-awaited return to the skies! For more information about the museum, visit www.militaryaviationmuseum.org.
