NEWS THE LATEST IN AVIATION HERITAGE
6 FLYPAST November 2018
Battle of Britain Hurricane fl ies again
Hawker Hurricane Mk.I V
(G-HRLI) made its fi rst fl ight
since 1940 on August 30 from
Elmsett, Suffolk, following work by
Hawker Restorations. Experienced
Hurricane pilot Stu Goldspink was
at the controls for the successful,
20-minute debut.
The aircraft – a veteran of the Battle
of Britain – was shot down over Kent by
a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fl own by Gustav
Sprick on September 28, 1940. The
British machine’s pilot, Plt Off Everett
Rogers, baled out and survived. More
information about V7497’s history can
be found at: http://www.hurricane501.co.uk
Today the aircraft is under joint
ownership, with a 50% share belonging
to Peter Kirkpatrick. Commenting on
the fi rst fl ight, Peter said: “This
was both a very exciting and
somewhat emotional day for myself
and my better half, Leisha. We
have seen V7497 evolve so much
over the past four years. When
we joined the project, there was a
rudimentary fuselage and tail piece.
The engineering effort at Hawker
Restorations has been spectacular,
and although I had some anxieties
about fi rst fl ight day, she fl ew
beautifully with Stu taking her up to
330mph on the second test day with
barely a drop of oil being spilt.
“The next challenge is to fl y
V7497 myself – without bending her.
That is probably when my anxiety
levels will increase somewhat! I’m
busy gathering Harvard T.6 time in
preparation.”
The aircraft will be based at
Duxford, and a quarter share in
ownership is still available. Serious
inquiries should be made to Andrew
Wenman at Hawker Restorations
on 01473 828707 or Andrew@
hawkerrestorations.co.uk
DARREN HARBAR
Stu Goldspink fl ying Hurricane Mk.I V
on August 30. DARREN HARBAR
Lysander makes fi rst
post-restoration fl ight
The Aircraft Restoration Company’s
Westland Lysander Mk.IIIA V
(G-CCON) made its fi rst fl ight on
August 28, following 14 years of
meticulous work from the Duxford-
based ARC team.
The machine’s Bristol
Mercury engine burst into
life for the fi rst time on August 8,
and following further trials and some
fi nishing touches – in the form of
red wheel covers – the Lysander
was airborne 20 days later. ARC
boss John Romain was at the
controls for the 1939-built aircraft’s
successful fl ight. Painted in 225
Squadron colours, it made its public
debut at this year’s Goodwood
Revival on September 7 to 9. http://www.
aircraftrestorationcompany.com
Above
Westland Lysander Mk.IIIA V9312 making its
fi rst post-restoration fl ight on August 28.
BOTH GEORGE ROMAIN
Right
John Romain in the Lysander’s cockpit.