A statement from the chairman of the British Phantom Aviation Group re: XV582 ‘Black Mike’ “It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce that the British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG) will be ending its involvement with the XV582 ‘Black Mike’ project for the foreseeable future. This will be effective immediately. In 2016, the aircraft was purchased by GJD Services with the explicit understanding that it was on behalf of the BPAG and that once the group had repaid its debt, the aircraft would become group property. All of the work, fundraising and PR associated with ‘Black Mike’ since that date has been predicated on that understanding, which has appeared in print and online on many occasions and has been confirmed by GJD Services in several communications. Despite the BPAG having the necessary funding in place since early this year, GJD have unilaterally changed this arrangement and on 7th November 2018, I was informed- in no uncertain terms- that the aircraft would not be transferred to BPAG, as previously agreed.

I would like to extend our apologies to those volunteers and supporters who have worked thousands of hours and given thousands of pounds in the belief that the aircraft would be owned by the group and not a private individual. This current situation is not the future you were investing in. It is not of our making and it would appear that there is little we can do to change it. For now, the BPAG will be looking ahead to focus on our ongoing work with XV490 and fulfilling our wider remit of preserving other F-4 airframes in the UK. Details of these plans will be forthcoming at the appropriate time. Paul Wright (Chairman) British Phantom Aviation Group”

The British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG) in partnership with GJD Services are delighted to announce the latest development in the life of Phantom FG-1 XV582 ‘Black Mike’. One year after arriving at RAF Cosford and following its successful and popular appearance at the RAF100 celebration at the 2018 Cosford Airshow, ‘Black Mike’ is moving on again. The destination this time being St Athan, South Wales. XV582 was purchased from the MoD by Gary Spoors, owner of GJD Services, during 2016 and has since been managed by the BPAG, who performed the complex task of removing the aircraft from RAF Leuchars and restoring it for temporary display. However, with the tenure at RAF Cosford now at an end, the aircraft must relocate for the restoration work to be able to continue. Paul Wright, Chairman of the BPAG commented- “The facilities that GJD have at St Athan are the ideal environment for this to take place and we are looking forward to starting work at the earliest possible opportunity. At an appropriate point during the restoration we would love people to come and see what we’ve been up to. This will, however, be subject to the health & safety situation onsite and be at the owner’s discretion.

So, watch this space” Dismantling of the aircraft began at RAF Cosford over the weekend 6/7th October and the move is due to be complete before the end of the month. In the meantime if you wish to be involved or would like to support the BPAG in any way, please feel free to contact britishphantomaviationgroup@gmail.com

The British Phantom Aviation Group are pleased to announce that joining our team for this weekend’s North Lincs Aviation Festival will be former RAF Squadron Leader Michael Pugh-Davies. On February 24th 1988, Michael was one half of the aircrew that set the World Speed Record for the run between John O’Groats and Land’s End. The aircraft in question that day was Phantom FG.1 XV582- now better known as ‘Black Mike’. However, this weekend Michael will be in the company of XV490, conducting cockpit visits and will also be on hand to chat and answer your questions. So, for your chance to meet a genuine RAF legend, make your way to Hibaldstow Airfield, Lincolnshire, this coming Sunday 30th September. Admission is free.

Not only is 2018 the centenary of the RAF but it is also the 30th anniversary of one of its record setting achievements. On 24/02/1988 XV582 (in its pre-Black Mike guise with 43 Squadron) set a world record for the fastest time between John O’Groats and Land’s End of 46 minutes and 44 seconds. On 12/08/2018 the British Phantom Aviation Group were proud to reunite the aircrew from that day- pilot W/Cdr John Brady and navigator Flt Lt Michael Pugh- with the aircraft for the first time since that day in 1988.

Thank you Rob. All credit to the original photographers, and our thanks to them for allowing us to use their shots.

Its a busy week for XV490. Tomorrow and Thursday, it will be on display at the Lincolnshire Show at the Lincolnshire Showgrounds. Then, this weekend sees the annual Cockpit Fest at Newark Air Museum. Cockpit visits will be available at both events and BPAG team members will be on hand to chat and answer your questions. Hope to see you there!

A huge thank you to everyone who turned out to the Cosford Airshow on Sunday and a special thank you to all those made time to visit XV490 or Black Mike, chat to our team or stop by the BPAG merchandise stall. The group would not be able to carry out its aims if it wasn’t for your support and every penny made yesterday will go toward helping the BPAG in its activities in the future. The group is made up entirely of volunteers so your contribution, however small, really does make a difference. Our next event is the Lincolnshire Show on 20/21 June, when XV490 will again be in attendance, hopefully we will see some of you there. Once more, many many thanks to you all.

09.30 today. XV490 leaves Newark Air Museum, en-route to RAF Cosford. Hope to see some of you at the Open Cockpit zone on Sunday.