Merged Mosquito Threads

[NutLoose]

Congratulations to all involved...:D:D:D

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm203/j_s14a/7dc50530f18c9f4bc8def000d2449ddd.jpg

An airworthy Anson and a Mosquito


YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://youtube.com/#/watch?index=1&list=UUO1vQGj8WGqdIRbfGPtbE4g&feature=plcp&v=Bd3HSaeE5YU&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBd3HSaeE5YU%26list%3DUUO1vQGj8WGq dIRbfGPtbE4g%26index%3D1%26feature%3Dplcp&gl=GB)

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://youtube.com/#/watch?v=VL_yUTXKPUk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DVL_yUTXKPUk&gl=GB)

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://youtube.com/#/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Sou0JKL2eRQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_detailpage%26v%3DSou 0JKL2eRQ&gl=GB)

[Fareastdriver]

What amazes me is that the enthusiam and expertise is based in New Zealand; a country that has never had an air battle in its airspace.

[SOSL]

Come on FEAD - they fought more air battles all over the occupied world, when it was needed, than you have had hot dinners.

The NZ boys flew pretty much every type in RAF service and in pretty much every type of air combat and ground attack during WW2.

One of the New Zealand pilots I knew well was Ken Hayr - I was lucky enough to serve under him in Cyprus in 1985/86. He was a gentleman and an inspiring leader (and Mrs SOSL quite liked him as well!).

Some extracts from his obit:

"AIR MARSHAL SIR KENNETH HAYR, who has died in a flying accident at the Biggin Hill air show aged 66, held senior positions in the RAF during both the Falklands campaign and the Gulf War; his abiding passion, however, was piloting fighter aircraft.

Kenneth William Hayr was born on April 13 1935 at St Helier, New Zealand and educated at Auckland Grammar School before attending RAF College, Cranwell.

After honing his fighter skills with Hawker Hunter and English Electric Lightning jet squadrons in the Middle East between 1957 and 1964, Hayr transferred to the Central Fighter Establishment/Fighter Command Trials Unit. He served there from 1964 to 1967, before becoming Phantom OCU Squadron Commander at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, the following year. Thereafter he concentrated on piloting the Hawker-Siddeley Harrier.

Hayr, who made a priority of keeping flying whatever posting he received, had been dismayed in 1969 when he was told that he was to be sent to the RAF staff college at Bracknell, Berks.

In the event, however, at the last moment he received a transfer from his post at the Phantom fighter operational conversion unit to take command of No 1 (Fighter) Squadron at Wittering, Cambridgeshire.

In No 1 in War and Peace, a history of the squadron, Hayr recalled this period warmly: "Every dog has its day and this was the time of my life because it was the most exhilarating, interesting and fantastic period in the peacetime life of a squadron commander.

Hayr finally attended staff college [that] year, and after leaving Bracknell became station commander at Binbrook in 1973. The Lincolnshire base, home of the RAF's Lightning fighters, presented him with as many flying opportunities as he could accommodate.

His next posting, as the RAF's inspector of flight safety from 1976 to 1979, could not have suited him better; the nature of his role provided him with opportunities to fly as frequently as desk duties permitted.

In 1980 Hayr attended the Royal College of Defence Studies before his appointment as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), a post he held for the next two years. During this period he was instrumental in planning the RAF's role in the Falklands War.

Hayr then took command, in 1982, as AOC No 11 Group before being appointed, in 1985, commander of British Forces in Cyprus and administrator of the sovereign base areas on the Mediterranean island. He returned after two years as Chief of Staff UK air forces and deputy C-in-C, Strike Command, until 1988.

Finally, in 1989, Hayr was appointed Deputy Chief of Defence staff (commitments) which involved preparing and implementing Operation Granby - the MoD's code-name for the RAF's role in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Arabian Gulf operations. He retired in 1993.

Hayr was appointed chairman of the New Zealand Aviation Heritage Trust in 1993. He was awarded the AFC in 1963 and Bar in 1972. He was appointed CBE in 1976, CB in 1982, KCB in 1988 and KBE in 1991. He was awarded the Kuwait Liberation Order (1st Grade) in 1991.

Hayr was, a courteous and popular man, with a slightly old-fashioned air, was respected as one of the best pilots in the RAF. He was always eager to get his hands on any airborne craft, and counted paragliding and parachuting, as well as display aerobatics, amongst his hobbies. He was flying a De Havilland Vampire on Saturday, when, after executing four passes, it spiralled out of control and crashed.

He married, in 1971, Joyce Gardiner, who predeceased him in 1987. They had three sons."

He was one of the best; and although not a WW2 pilot he was typical of many NZ pilots (and Polish, free French, Czechoslovakian, Canadian and American WW2 pilots) who I did meet. Some of whom never fought an air battle over their own airspace but most of whom were true air combat pilots.

I was privileged to know them.

Rgds SOS

p.s. The Mosquito is a truly beautiful aircraft.

[500N]

Excellent, good to see.

[MG]

I see that the Mossie is marked up as belonging to 487 Sqn, RNZAF, which had a long history of operating in Europe under 2 TAF, notably being the lead sqn for the Amiens prison attack in Feb 44.

[NutLoose]

It was planned to transit through the UK enroute to the USA and do flying legends, but because of the delays, they are working on other options, though they say it is planned to bring it to the UK at some point I believe. There is more than one Mossie that will hopefully make it to the air..

And the Anson looks superb too,

[Samuel]

The Mosquito flew in New Zealand On Saturday 29th September, including this fast and low run, one of many, accompanied by the most beautiful sound.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Shadblat/Fastandlow.jpg

[Courtney Mil]

Am I allowed to say this? I think it's one of the most beautiful looking aircraft ever built.

[Samuel]

True, FED there never has been an air battle in NZ skies, possibly because most of it's young men were in your part of the world dying and fighting in in yours, but I don't suppose for a moment that your comment was intended to sound as it does!

However, the results of some brilliant, superb, Kiwi, "can do" flew last Thursday, but officially for the first time on Saturday, and believe it or not there were a good number of verterans who flew the Mosquito present. One 91-year-old gentleman even offered to "give her a go".

This is fast and low, :ok:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Shadblat/Fastandlow.jpg

[glad rag]

A brilliant achievement :D:D:D:D

[airborne_artist]

CM - it looks like a war machine - try close-up at the DH Museum and you'll see what I mean.

It was a game-changer - fast for a start, and one of the first true MRCA (the Beaufighter being the first in the RAF I guess).

[Sydy]

Beautiful!

Congratulations for the team!

[TEEEJ]

de Havilland Mosquito FB 26 KA 114 Airshow - Ardmore 29th Sept 2012 - YouTube

[Lima Juliet]

MRCA?

Surely the Hurricane...

Single-seat fighter Mk I and Mk IIa
Single-seat night fighter Mk I, Mk IIa and Mk IIc
Single-seat bomber Mk IIb
Single-seat CAS Mk IIc, MkIId and MkIV
Single-Seat Photo Recce PR Mk II
Single-seat fleet fighter Sea Hurricane

First flight 1937

...I rest my case M'Lud :ok:

[aviate1138]

I would venture to suggest that KA114 is the best constructed DH Mosquito ever made.

[Union Jack]

Am I allowed to say this? I think it's one of the most beautiful looking aircraft ever built.

You certainly are, perhaps substituting "know" for "think". Many congratulations to all concerned in the "Land of the Wrong White Crowd" - what a marvellous achievement, and I do hope that we may be fortunate enough to see - and hear! - this great aircraft in the UK.:ok::ok:

Jack

PS The Mosquito flew in New Zealand On Saturday 29th October

I know that you lot are always almost a day ahead of us - but a month?:)

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

Got to explore the last flying UK Mossie at the Brawdy air show in 1987. My grandfather was in charge of engine electrics at the factory in Salisbury Hall during WWII. We used to chat a lot about it when I helped him as a kid in his electrical shop in Hatfield.
I then went on to do an Engineering degree specialising in engines and electrics, before becoming an RAF pilot. Come to think of it my entire life has been heavily influenced by this aircraft!

Marvellous aeroplane, and hats off the the restoration team.:D I shall have to visit NZ now!

[Samuel]

PS The Mosquito flew in New Zealand On Saturday 29th October

I know that you lot are always almost a day ahead of us - but a month?

Alright..correction made, it's been a long weekend!

[Samuel]

I would venture to suggest that KA114 is the best constructed DH Mosquito ever made.

It is a virtually brand new aircraft, and speaking to some who probably know, now that new moulds exist, there may be more aircraft to come with at least one more in the pipeline.

[reynoldsno1]

More photos here:

Wings Over New Zealand - Mosquito Show 29th Sep 2012 Photos (http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=airshow&action=display&thread=17190)

[GeeRam]

It was planned to transit through the UK enroute to the USA and do flying legends, but because of the delays, they are working on other options, though they say it is planned to bring it to the UK at some point I believe.

Sadly, KA114 won't be coming to the UK at any point.

The owner, Jerry Yagen, gave a talk after the first public display yesterday, and confirmed that there was a plan to bring it to the UK had it been finished on schedule in Easter 2011, but there is now no such plan in place, and it will be going direct to the USA, and there are now no plans in the future to bring it to the UK.

Avspecs can start on their 2nd Mossie project now :D

[Union Jack]

Alright..correction made, it's been a long weekend!

And clearly a wonderful one - Perfectly understandable in the circumstances, Samuel - I'm thrilled for you all and, as Fox3 says, if you can't come to us, we'll have to come to you. That's fine by me, since NZ is one of the only three countries I still wish to visit.:ok:

Jack

[Samuel]

I must say that the enthusiam for this display was palpable...there was almost a dead hush whenever the Mosquito flew, and it did so three or four times, one accompanied by a Vampire T11 which seemed to be struggling to keep up at one stage! The aircraft was brilliantly displayed by the two former RNZAF pilots, one of whom owns a Hunter FGA9, and the other, Keth Skilling, who will be well known to UK enthusiasts.

[500N]

Samuel

Re "It is a virtually brand new aircraft, and speaking to some who probably know, now that new moulds exist, there may be more aircraft to come with at least one more in the pipeline."


I knew this was coming but a couple of questions. Only expect brief answers.

1. How much of this aircraft is original ?

2. The moulds were made to make the complete aircraft skin ?

So that means they can built a plane from scratch with modern
everything else like engine etc ?

Thanks

Edit
I found the web site http://warbirdsrestoration.co.nz/ and saw the original
aircraft on the trailer.

[Samuel]

The fuselage is moulded and laminated wood, but there were no moulds in existence so AVSPECS had to first make them!

More here.Bomber's away! Warbird ready to fly | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland (http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/news/restored-mosquito-to-fly-september2012/1506052/)

[500N]

Samuel

Thank you, got the full picture now :ok:

[AGS Man]

I would suggest that the first MRCA was probably the Bristol Fighter! But it's great to see a Mossie in the air again!

[GeeRam]

The fuselage is moulded and laminated wood, but there were no moulds in existence so AVSPECS had to first make them!

I think you're doing Glyn Powell's immense achievment a disservice here :=

The fuselage moulds were a 10+ year project by Glyn, nothing to do with AVSPECS.

Glyn also built the entire new wooden structure (fuselage, tail, wings etc) for KA114.

AVSPECS put it all together.

[Lima Juliet]

AGSman

Yup, Brisfit it is :ok:

The original "Mother Riley's Cardboard Aircraft" as the Tornado MRCA was known!

LJ

http://www.balfronheritage.org.uk/images/Bristol-Fighter.jpg

[Samuel]

I think you're doing Glyn Powell's immense achievment a disservice here

The fuselage moulds were a 10+ year project by Glyn, nothing to do with AVSPECS.

Glyn also built the entire new wooden structure (fuselage, tail, wings etc) for KA114.

AVSPECS put it all together.

Clearly, if anyone asked you the time you'd probably build him a watch! You should therefore thank me for allowing you to air your greater knowledge of the project, but I don't do a disservice to anyone especially a man I've not heard of. The Mosquito is no doubt a great achievement by a lot of people, but my interest doesn't extend to who provided the paint or made the tea, and if Glynn made his own, then good on him!:ok:

[GeeRam]

You should therefore thank me for allowing you to air your greater knowledge of the project, but I don't do a disservice to anyone especially a man I've not heard of. The Mosquito is no doubt a great achievement by a lot of people, but my interest doesn't extend to who provided the paint or made the tea, and if Glynn made his own, then good on him!

Charming........... :rolleyes:

[Samuel]

...and good looking with it!:ok:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1QVzM76KYw&feature=player_detailpage

[Al R]

Now, THATS what I call a resto.

SOSL, Ken Hayr was ok in my book as well - a dapper gent. I was at Aki in the mid 80s and he was always genuinely interested when visiting us, out and about in the bondu.

[fallmonk]

Stunning ,
great to see in the air again, hope they get the other one up and running soon, just a shame they cant make it to the UK
hopefully one day

[Nuuumannn]

Hi Guys, a few photos from the Mosquito event if I may, but before we go on; 1st MRCA - Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter. Single and two seat scout (fighter) - land and ship/carrier based, Zeppelin interceptor, tactical and strategic reconnaissance - land and ship/carrier based, tactical and strategic bomber, maritime patrol/anti-submarine aircraft. Used in all these roles during the Great War. Also, it was 487 (New Zealand) Sqn, RAF, not RNZAF (got my pedantic hat on).

My ground-to-airs aren't that hot, so a bit of artistic trickery has been employed. They are placed in the order I took them.

Harvard
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay006sm_zpsdb10a17b.jpg

Isaacs Fury
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay024sm_zps7286f5a4.jpg

Ply-balsa-ply
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay026sm_zps86371901.jpg

Warbirds
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay031sm_zps733a4de0.jpg

Stan Smith and his Moth Minor
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay053sm_zpsa536076e.jpg

Fox Moth
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay068sm_zps3fcc1dbb.jpg

Tiger Moth
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay069sm_zps30f26b05.jpg

Moth Minor
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay075sm_zps130b5f8e.jpg

Mossie
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay078sm_zps451d9837.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay090sm_zpseb4c51aa.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay092sm_zps218ceb03.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay111sm_zps9e27f685.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay112sm_zps8a493a87.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay121sm_zpsd049cb1e.jpg

More to come...

[Nuuumannn]

More Mosquito Day images

Blunty
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay133sm_zps2331d3b1.jpg

More Warbirds
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay141sm_zps74a92079.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay148sm_zpsc78a1ce7.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay151sm_zpsdefed30a.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay167sm_zps20952a01.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay169sm_zpsc0eb7aeb.jpg

Anson I
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay177sm_zpsf82692b4.jpg

The Roaring Forties
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay182sm_zps72fac5f3.jpg

Messenger
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay184sm_zpsa6b16d6c.jpg

Mossie
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay187sm_zps79d6fa9b.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay188sm_zps4916c92e.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay198sm_zps2ddfc6d1.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay201sm_zpsdacff381.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay208sm_zpscae7eb73.jpg

More to follow.

[Nuuumannn]

These guys were guests of honour, being ex-Mossie aircrew. A very special day for them. Many were overcome by emotion having seen the Mosquito fly again.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay212sm_zps82e22e5e.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay215sm_zpscdcb4185.jpg

Mossie start up
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay216sm_zps2acade8c.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay217sm_zps0caab320.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay220sm_zps87ae4e1f.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay221sm_zps2f76dc7c.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay225sm_zpse014d3dc.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay231sm_zps9929a25f.jpg

Kiwis
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay237sm_zps1e64c080.jpg

Pilot Keith Skilling meets with the veterans, with co-pilot David Phillips at left.
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay245sm_zps524591d7.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay251sm_zpsa42e79e0.jpg

A real beauty
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay256sm_zps665bf03b.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i423/nuuumannn/Mosquito%20Day/MosquitoDay268sm_zpsb8b9bfb2.jpg

That's all folks.

[pontifex]

IMHO the Mossie was the most significant allied aircraft of WW11. It was designed, as a private venture by de Havilland to be constructed from non strategic materials by craftsmen who, otherwise, could play little part in the game. Meant to carry a 2000lb bomb to the fatherland, it was soon doing it with a 4000lb one - twice a night with only two crew and a tiny attritian rate! If ever there was an aircraft missing from the BBMF line up, it is the Mosquito. I did my best.

[Yamagata ken]

Wonderful. Magnificent. I don't have the superlatives to express my appreciation. Profound thanks to everyone involved.

[212man]

I was flying with one of our NZ pilots yesterday and, to start a new conversation, I asked if he knew about this aircraft. He did. It also turned out that his father was P.O. Rob Fowler - one of the pilots on the Amiens Prison raid.

[glojo]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Shadblat/Fastandlow.jpg

Just looking at this picture allows me to hear the roar of those engines. What a beautiful iconic aircraft. Thank you for starting the thread and thank you to all those that have posted their pictures. What a pity it will not be gracing our skies.

[Out Of Trim]

What a fabulous restoration / almost new build!

Very impressive engineering to get to that standard.


Please continue the fine work. Would love to see one of these flying in the UK again!

[Samuel]

Once more...with feeling!

De Havilland Mosquito FB26 Low and Fast 2012 - YouTube

[500N]

Isn't that a sound and a half to hear and a sight to warm the heart :ok:

You can just imagine Flying low and very fast towards Amiens.

[Yamagata ken]

Hmmm. A Mosquito, a Spitfire and a Mustang. Life doesn't get much better than that (well maybe a Fury too), thank you New Zealand.

My brother lives in Cambridge. Out in his back garden for a smoke, I heard something coming. That's not a Cessna, I thought. It wasn't. It was a Spitfire, wide open throttle and low level. Thank you Duxford.

[Mandator]

The team at Avspecs and all those involved in putting the new Mosquito back in the air have received richly-deserved praise. However, in watching all those YouTube clips of the event last weekend, a shudder went up my spine.

With no more than a couple of hours on the clock, and presumably with a pilot with only a couple of hours currency on type, the Mosquito was 'wrung out' in front of the paying public. From what I could see the crowd line appeared to be breached and one or two manoeuvres looked distinctly on the limit. It looked to me like we were heading in the direction of another disaster like Farnborough in 1952.

What has been achieved in Kiwiland is nothing short of magnificent - I just hope the euphoria does not lead to something bad.

Standing by to be flamed .......................

[500N]

Mandator

I did wonder that myself as well.


Or did they do some other "test" flying to make sure all was OK
before the actual show ?

.

[seafuryfan]

I've read that the Mosquito had 4-5 hours on the clock at the time of the display. With memories of the Barton engine cut accident to RR299, I watched the display carefully from the clips. The flypasts were, from what I can see, in a generally flat plane, with no obvious wing-overs. I'm confident (but not certain) that the very experienced and trusted pilot will have seen on the web the accident that befell RR299. Let's hope so.

I can't dispute an element of crowd fly-over though (VIP enclosure?), even though it was to the delight of a Mossie nav who was part of it.

[India Four Two]

I've been following the weekend's events by proxy and been looking at the stunning photos and videos.

My favourite is this one - two DH wooden fighters in formation:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/vampireandmosquito.jpg

It is particularly special for me, because I've had a flight in that T11.

This YouTube video is the best that I've seen so far, and there is a fly-by of the Mossie and Vampire at 6:55. The two Merlins and Goblin make a wonderful sound:


KA114 DH Mosquito Launch - Ardmore Airshow, Auckland, NZ Sept 29 2012 - YouTube

[Samuel]

Or did they do some other "test" flying to make sure all was OK
before the actual show ?


Correct! All, or most of the photos that have been posted here are of the displays on Saturday, but the aircraft was flown extensively on the previous Thursday. The preparation for this event was meticulous, as you might expect from two pilots who are very experienced. The Test pilot on the day was Keith Skilling, ex-RNZAF, and ANZ, who has many years, decades in fact, of warbird flying in his log book, including Corsair, Kittyhawk and Spitfire. He will have tens of thousands of hours in his log book! The accompanying pilot is Dave Phillips, also ex-RNZAF and 30 -odd years with ANZ who owns and displays a Tiger Moth and a Hunter, and test-flew the Anson.

I don't know how, other than through the vast experience of such pilots, one "would gain currency on type" when there are no other examples of the type flying!

[India Four Two]

who owns and displays a Tiger Moth and a Hunter

Samuel,

I saw Dave Phillips test-fly and subsequently display the Hunter at Tauranga in February. Spectacular of course, but his Tiger Moth display was incomparable. His low-level aerobatics in such a draggy and low-powered aircraft showed consummate skills and airmanship.

Do you know who was flying Doug Brooker's two-seat Spitfire?

[GeeRam]

The team at Avspecs and all those involved in putting the new Mosquito back in the air have received richly-deserved praise. However, in watching all those YouTube clips of the event last weekend, a shudder went up my spine.

With no more than a couple of hours on the clock, and presumably with a pilot with only a couple of hours currency on type, the Mosquito was 'wrung out' in front of the paying public. From what I could see the crowd line appeared to be breached and one or two manoeuvres looked distinctly on the limit. It looked to me like we were heading in the direction of another disaster like Farnborough in 1952.

No vertical maneoveres were permitted for the display, with so few hours of pre-display testing.

However, as to the higher energy flying, that's to be commended really given the handling characteristics of the Mosquito.

It's worth reminding of what that late, great TP, Neil Williams said once in reply to being asked to fly an air-air photo with a him flying a Mossie B.35 and being photo'd from a Piper Comanche.

Neil asked if the Twin Comanche would do 200kts. The Piper pilot said no, why?
Neil responded that he would never fly a Mosquito at less than 200 kts once airborne.
:ok:

[aviate1138]

samuel
"I don't know how, other than through the vast experience of such pilots, one "would gain currency on type" when there are no other examples of the type flying!"

Slight thread drift here but what about all those wartime girls that flew the very latest war machines for the very first time using just the ATA pilots handling notes and nothing else????

Like Joan Hughes, Anne Welch, Monique Agazatian and so many others.

Back to the Mosquito

[Samuel]

Neil asked if the Twin Comanche would do 200kts. The Piper pilot said no, why?
Neil responded that he would never fly a Mosquito at less than 200 kts once airborne.


I did notice that characteristic of all the displays on Saturday, and in fact commented to that effect, that the Mosquito didn't seem to go anywhere slowly.

[Runaway Gun]

200kts - That's a pretty fast touchdown speed ;)

[MG]

So what are the handling characteristics of the Mossie that mean they wouldn't want to venture below 200kts?
They had to be no faster than 240kts at Amiens in order to drop their 500lb bombs, otherwise the cases would have cracked.

[Cleared-HOT]

Gavin Trethewey was flying Dougs Spitfire on the weekend. Liz was flying the P40 and Graham Bethell flying the Mustang.

The Mossie did about five flights before the airshow and during that time both Dave and Keith flew it, with Wal Denholm from AvSpecs in the Nav seat monitoring all the instruments. They had a specific test sheet of stuff they wanted to progress through and during the previous flights had expanded the speed envelope to just over 300mph.

When Keith was flying his pass was at 300mph and no more. They plan on expanding the speed envelope to VNE but aircraft will be displayed at 300mph max. As well as the CAA guy who has been in AvSpecs hangar all along being at the show there were a number of other CAA people there who were happy with what Keith had planned.

There was only one instance of where Keith overflew the crowd line and that was on his first display but all left to right and right to left passes came nowhere close to going over the crowd. Had there been an issue the CAA would have made their voice known.

The Mossie is doing a few more flights over the next week or two and then will be shipped to VA for Jerry to enjoy.

For the air to air shoot they will be doing this above 185 as Dave Phillips said if one engine quits they have to be 180 or above to still have good control.

CH

[Jhieminga]

So what are the handling characteristics of the Mossie that mean they wouldn't want to venture below 200kts?
Vmca is in the region of 180kts, which means that with an engine failure below that speed you will not be able to keep it going straight, unless you pull back the throttle on the other (operative) engine.

Edit: just noticed that the question was already answered in the previous post, my bad..:uhoh:

[Cleared-HOT]

The best thing about this is that Wal still has yet another Mosquito sitting in the hangar to do and Glynn Powell has his one to finish as well, so that means total of 3 flying Mosquitos to come out of Kiwiland :)

[Roland Pulfrew]

I knew this was happening but had missed the pictures and videos; My God that is a thing of absolute beauty.

I think I need to start doing the Euromillions; I would like one please :)