Fokker D.XXI ‘229’ has “officially completed” its test flying programme…

On April 20 2023, word came from Egmond Vintage Wings at Hoogeveen in the Netherlands that it had “officially completed” its test flying programme for Fokker D.XXI ‘229’ (PH-XXI).

Revealed via social media with video below the team announced: “The only way to pass the tests is to perform the tests! We’re excited to announce that the test program has been successfully completed. The next step: finish the test flight report and hand it over to the Dutch Aviation Authority for approval. When the authority signs the paperwork the test program will be officially closed and ‘229’ will receive her official Certificate of Airworthiness!”

The sole airworthy example of the 1935-built Dutch fighter, the project to return it to the air was started by Jack Van Egmond, his sons Jack jr and Hans, along with grandson Tom Wilps, on May 6, 2014, having been given permission by the Dutch Government to rebuild a Fokker D.XXI. Completed in April 2022, the aircraft took to the skies for the first time on May 23 in the hands of Jack Jnr from Hoogeveen before noted test pilot Dan Griffith officially commenced the aircraft’s test program on June 16 that same year.