10 FLYPAST June 2018
NEWS THE LATEST IN AVIATION HERITAGE
Shuttleworth Collection Spitfi re
returns to the air
Supermarine Spitfi re
Mk.Vc AR501 (G-AWII)
fl ew for the fi rst time in
12 years on March 20 at its Old
Warden, Bedfordshire base. With
Stu Goldspink at the controls, the
fi ghter performed a successful
15-minute test fl ight, with a second
fl ight the following morning.
Stu reported that the aircraft was
handling beautifully and that all
systems were functioning correctly,
with just a couple of minor
adjustments required.
The Shuttleworth Collection
aircraft has undergone a signifi cant
rebuild which has involved removing
all the systems, completely
stripping both wings, repairing
fuselage skins and overhauling itsRolls-Royce Merlin engine.
It has been on public view during
the work, enabling visitors to keep
track of its progress over the years.
Chief engineer Jean-Michel
Munn said: “This is a very original
aircraft, and one that served in
combat during World War Two. It’s
a privilege for the Collection to be
able to return it to airworthy status
and have it back fl ying for visitors
to experience the sight and sound
of this iconic type.”
Built by Westland, AR501 was
delivered to the RAF in June 1942.
Its fi rst operational posting was
to 310 (Czech) Squadron based
at Exeter. It later served with
another Czech unit, 312 Squadron,
also at Exeter, and it is in thesecolours and markings that it fl ies
today. In its earlier years on the
display ‘circuit’, it was painted as
‘NN-A’, the codes it wore with 310
Squadron.
The Spitfi re will soon make a
welcome return to UK airshows inthis centenary year for the RAF. If
all goes according to plan, it will
make its post-restoration debut
on May 6 at Old Warden’s Season
Premiere event.
http://www.shuttleworth.org
DARREN HARBARAirborne – Spitfi re Vc AR501 fl ying again at
Old Warden on March 20. ALL DARREN HARBARThe Spitfi re has reverted to its distinctive
‘clipped wing’ confi guration.A satisfi ed Stu Goldspink after
the fi rst fl ight.