The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s twelve aircraft are unique within the modern Royal Air Force and represent the last piston-powered ‘tail-draggers’ in regular use with the Service. The airworthy maintenance, to full flying condition, of these historic airframes falls to just 28 engineering tradesmen headed by the Flight’s Engineering Officer, a Warrant Officer. The knowledge and expertise required to maintain these unique aircraft is not readily available in the Royal Air Force of today and, although relatively simple by modern standards, the BBMF aircraft demand particular skills and understanding that are no longer part of mainstream RAF training programmes. In order to overcome these deficiencies, 6 of the 25 tradesmen employed on the Flight are Full Time Reservists and they provide a core cadre of experience and expertise. Between them they have over 70 years of experience on the Flight, and an integral part of their work is to pass on their knowledge to the other tradesmen. The regulars routinely serve between 3 and 5 years on the Flight, before returning to more mainstream modern-day RAF operations. All the BBMF groundcrew are volunteers for the posts on the Flight and, such are the attractions of the unique, challenging and satisfying working environment of the BBMF, that there is a long waiting list for regular engineering personnel to be posted to the Flight. The BBMF engineers are, in turn, supported by all the necessary back-up provided by their home base, RAF Coningsby.

Annually, during the winter months, a comprehensive maintenance programme is completed and all the BBMF display aircraft receive in-depth scheduled servicing. During the early part of October, the aircraft undergo pre-maintenance engine ground runs and they are then stripped down and inspected for any potential problems, including any cracks, wear or distortion. The acquisition of any spare parts that are needed brings its own special challenges, although an extensive inventory is held by the Flight. If the required parts are not held in stock, the Flight will approach specialist suppliers who can manufacture or overhaul these unique items. The maintenance programmes proceed throughout the winter months and then the rebuilding process begins. By the middle of March each year the functional checks are being completed and then each aircraft undergoes full post-maintenance engine ground runs. Finally, each aircraft has to complete a full air test to confirm that all systems are fully serviceable, the aircraft handles as expected and its performance meets the flight test parameters. Only then are the aircraft allowed to participate in the pre-season practice displays and the full display season thereafter.

During the display season, which lasts from May to the end of September, the BBMF groundcrew often have to work irregular and sometimes prolonged hours, especially at weekends, in support of the display effort. The groundcrew routinely deploy with the Flight’s aircraft to support them at the various operating airfields from which they mount their display sorties. Sometimes the groundcrew are required to travel to these airfields by road but often they fly to venues in the Flight’s Lancaster or Dakota aircraft.

The BBMF engineering team are dedicated professionals who passionately support the belief that, although the debt of gratitude can never be repaid, as long as the Flight’s aircraft are kept flying they will be a lasting memorial to those who have gone before.

Images:

Header Image: ( Larger size) BBMF engineers pushing out a Spitfire PS915

Image 1: ( Larger size) Engineer hard at work (Photographer: Dan Kitwood)

Image 2: ( Larger size) Hurricane PZ engine run test (Photographer: Martin Bowman)

Image 3: ( Larger size) Winter servicing in the BBMF Hanger (Photographer: Dan Kitwood)