https://www.thewoodenwonder.org.uk/de-havilland-mosquito-build
The Mosquito Pathfinder Trust have selected the airframe of NZ2308, built to date by Glyn Powell, to be completed and returned to airworthy status before bringing the aircraft to the UK. The aircraft is currently 50 percent complete, with fitting-out soon to be commenced. The project will be completed by Avspecs in New Zealand, with Design Authority Oversight being provided by Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC) based at Duxford, UK.
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NZ2308’s airframe is now complete and like KA114 has been manufactured strictly in accordance with original de Havilland drawings and build standards. A number of improvements have been introduced to the original design including superior adhesives and airframe strengthening modifications, all designed to enhance the safety and longevity of the structure. NZ2308’s airframe has now reached the fitting-out stage, but much work remains to be done including the installation of flying controls, undercarriage, engines and propellers.The Mosquito Pathfinder Trust seeks your help in returning this magnificent aircraft to the skies and bringing a flying de Havilland Mosquito to the UK once again.
Aircraft Restoration Company announcement
BREAKING NEWS….BREAKING NEWS….BREAKING NEWS
The Mosquito Pathfinder Trust today announces a commercial understanding with the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC), owned by the highly respected warbird pilot John Romain.
Based at Duxford, ARC are renowned for their aircraft restoration and maintenance services to classic and warbird aircraft on behalf of owners and operators such as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
ARC have been engaged by the Trust to provide the suite of Engineering and Design Services to NZ2308 (the aircraft selected for airworthy restoration). These services are necessary to have the aircraft approved for flight in the UK, and together, the Trust and ARC are already well advanced in their preparations with the CAA to meet the necessary airworthiness requirements, important to begin whilst NZ2308 is being completed by Avspecs in New Zealand.
The Mosquito Pathfinder Trust have also engaged with ARC to provide flight test and validation program services before bringing the aircraft back to the UK, and to continue to be responsible for flying standards and pilot services when the aircraft is operational.
Once in the UK, ARC will also be carrying out all maintenance requirements for the Mosquito.
The team at The Mosquito Pathfinder Trust are also looking into the prospect of basing NZ2308 at Duxford, the historic airfield in Cambridgeshire, thereby giving the public access to the aircraft when it is not displaying at airshows.
Completion of NZ2308 is anticipated to be within 24 months and with the support and generosity of the public, The Mosquito Pathfinder Trust is confident a Mosquito will return to the skies over Britain in 2020.
By: John Green - 23rd July 2018 at 16:10
The problem with an EFATO on most twins used to be that there was insufficient performance from the remaining engine to keep you aloft while you very very quickly feathered, retracted gear and flaps and wound on as much trim as you could find for the opposite rudder and maintained the correct attitude and issued a radio call !
Time was very much of the essence even with a twin delivering a more than adequate single engine performance. The height at which you lost an engine probably measured your survival percentage.
By: STORMBIRD262 - 23rd July 2018 at 12:44
Great new’s for all of the UK, we need a flying one too
By: Bruce - 23rd July 2018 at 11:26
Doesn’t actually say they have bought it though does it, just they’ve selected it. Can anyone actually confirm TMPT has actually purchased this aircraft?
FB
Looks as if they are setting out their stall at present. It does also say somewhere that we should watch out for a further announcement shortly.
On the face of things, this appears to be a sensible, pragmatic way forward. I look forward to seeing a bit more detail so that we can fully compare the two proposals.
Bruce
By: Firebird - 23rd July 2018 at 11:16
Neil Williams had a very nasty moment during a go around in a Mossie at Booker; one engine suffered a rich cut and failed to pick up; he (and an American ferry pilot he was demonstrating the aircraft to) went five miles at tree top height at around stalling speed trailing black smoke. I believe Joan Short was heard to observe “I fear we have just lost Neil Williams…”. I have a copy of the article he had published in Pilot in 1977 a few months before his sad death in the CASA.
I believe the valley adjacent to Booker helped saved the day in this case.
I also seem to recall the late Peter Henley writing a great article about flying RR299, where it was mentioned one of the big issues in an engine loss at take-off is the slow gear retraction rate on the Mossie, especially if one engine feathered, as only then one hyd pump.
Prop type fitted has a big factor as well, lower min safety speed (about 20 knots less) with narrow blade props than if fitted with paddle blade ones.
By: Arabella-Cox - 23rd July 2018 at 10:45
Neil Williams had a very nasty moment during a go around in a Mossie at Booker; one engine suffered a rich cut and failed to pick up; he (and an American ferry pilot he was demonstrating the aircraft to) went five miles at tree top height at around stalling speed trailing black smoke. I believe Joan Short was heard to observe “I fear we have just lost Neil Williams…”. I have a copy of the article he had published in Pilot in 1977 a few months before his sad death in the CASA.
By: bradleygolding - 23rd July 2018 at 10:37
Errol, I think they said zero boost as the take off power setting.
And Moggy, love that phrase. Hadn’t heard it until I moved downunder. It is sadly one of the most accurate truisms used in aviation.
Steve
By: Moggy C - 23rd July 2018 at 10:15
That could well be the case, but it isn’t a problem that grounds many of the certified light twins that have appalling engine-out performance “The second engine is there to carry you to the scene of the crash”
But as my comment is not from knowledge I am happy to wait for the more expert opinions.
Moggy
By: ErrolC - 23rd July 2018 at 10:09
The main concern is engine failure on take-off, and the time taken to reach a safe speed for control, isn’t it? Lighter weight helps, but still an issue I believe. I seem to remember one the the Kiwi test pilots describing using a take-off procedure that differed from in-service practice that they felt was a safer option.
By: Moggy C - 23rd July 2018 at 09:36
I doubt the single-engine performance would be much of a stumbling block as the joyride aircraft would undoubtedly be flown light.
Guessing, not knowledge.
Moggy
By: ErrolC - 23rd July 2018 at 05:42
I think it is clear that they haven’t – they would be saying so explicitly if they had. Presumably there are agreements relating to the aircraft that include conditions relating to future payments.
By: Fournier Boy - 23rd July 2018 at 05:33
Doesn’t actually say they have bought it though does it, just they’ve selected it. Can anyone actually confirm TMPT has actually purchased this aircraft?
FB
By: Oxcart - 22nd July 2018 at 19:10
Never thought they’d get that much money so fast!
By: farnboroughrob - 22nd July 2018 at 11:20
Great news, how many projects are there to get a airworthy Mossie? Was at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar last week and they pointed out a pair of Merlins that were earmarked for ‘their’ Mosquito. Mind you can’t see them having a lot of luck with the caa to use one for rides given the appalling escape procedures and single engine performance.
By: trumper - 22nd July 2018 at 11:18
WOW ,That’s good news for the UK .
By: Zac Yates - 22nd July 2018 at 10:17
While I’m disappointed this airframe won’t remain in NZ, I’m so pleased for the UK enthusiast community. What wonderful news! Fantastic! Bravo to all involved.
By: Brenden S - 22nd July 2018 at 09:01
A little history on the Mossie, and FYI it is ex RAAF A52-20
http://www.warbirdsonline.com.au/2013/06/30/glyn-powells-de-havilland-mosquito-restoration-project/
By: OZFURYFAN - 22nd July 2018 at 08:14
Finally!!! some sanity is shown by a UK Mossie group!!! Re inventing the wheel with Mosquito structure is the worst cost effective method as opposed to using the NZ set up, good to see progress at last!!!
By: olly_s - 22nd July 2018 at 08:11
Would be fantastic to see a mosquito in the UK! It fills a hole in the Duxford resident list if it is based there.
By: sopwith.7f1 - 21st July 2018 at 23:26
I reckon they should rebuild it as an NF 36 “sorry I just couldn’t resist lol”.
Fantastic news, let’s hope everything goes OK.
Bob T.
By: Neil S - 21st July 2018 at 23:02
Fantastic news for UK enthusiasts! Long overdue.
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July 21, 2018 at 10:16 pm