Following its return to RAF Coningsby in late August 2025, after spending three years at Duxford undergoing a Major maintenance programme with the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARCo), Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota ZA947 entered the winter period requiring only a limited schedule of routine work. This lighter maintenance package was completed by BBMF engineers during November and December.
When the BBMF paused operations on 19 December for the Christmas and New Year break, the majority of the work on ZA947 had been finished, with only a small number of outstanding tasks and associated paperwork remaining. The aircraft has since been repositioned to the far end of the hangar, usually occupied by the Lancaster, which is currently away at Duxford, undergoing its own Major maintenance program.
From January, ZA947 will once again be available for currency and training sorties for Dakota-qualified BBMF pilots and crew members. As noted by the Officer Commanding BBMF in his message to Club members, the aircraft will play an important role in restarting bomber crew training and is expected to take on a prominent role throughout 2026. As a result, the familiar sight and sound of the Dakota will be returning to the skies around Coningsby earlier than is normally the case. For more information about the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club, visit www.memorialflightclub.com.
