The first post-restoration flight of Spitfire Mk.V BL628 YD-D "Marion" on 28 September 2007 in New Zealand. This succesful flight concluded an epic restoration which took full 30 years to complete. Video by C. Griffin.
I was fortunate to have been able to sit in this historic aircraft during it's restoration as well, I was the first webmaster (volunteer) for the project back in the days when websites were a novelty, we ran the website to help source parts, Australians Mike and Peter no doubt saved this aircraft after finding the fuselage in the UK in the 1970's..I was disappointed that they no longer own it but its fantastic that its flying again and thanks for the video posting..
Because they didn't necessarily think that there would be pilots flying those warbirds again 50 years ahead in time. And also, countries such as Britain, who was pretty much broke after the war, needed all the materials that they could gather. Hence spitfires,tempests,typhoons gettin chopped up like wood after the war.. there was simply no need for them as jet fighter aircraft became more prominent... Its not like the majority of F16 will be made into "warbirds" after their service life is over.
I was fortunate to have been able to sit in this historic aircraft during it's restoration as well, I was the first webmaster (volunteer) for the project back in the days when websites were a novelty, we ran the website to help source parts, Australians Mike and Peter no doubt saved this aircraft after finding the fuselage in the UK in the 1970's..I was disappointed that they no longer own it but its fantastic that its flying again and thanks for the video posting..
speedygem2 5 days ago
It should be YOD not YDD. I haven't seen any videos of it flying in the USA where it now resides.
BJBFOREST 1 year ago
I sat in that aircraft when it was being restored in Australia (prior to the wings and engine being restored)
BJBFOREST 1 year ago
Excellent work in restoring!
ObltKG4 1 year ago
well said
engasal 2 years ago
Because they didn't necessarily think that there would be pilots flying those warbirds again 50 years ahead in time. And also, countries such as Britain, who was pretty much broke after the war, needed all the materials that they could gather. Hence spitfires,tempests,typhoons gettin chopped up like wood after the war.. there was simply no need for them as jet fighter aircraft became more prominent... Its not like the majority of F16 will be made into "warbirds" after their service life is over.
RickyboyH 2 years ago
How noone bothered to save more of these aircraft ill never know.
pjaussiemovies 2 years ago
I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing more about this project.
JamesF63 3 years ago
im speechless, love it. What a beuty!
LeanderB91 3 years ago