The Groundcrew of the Flight
The Flight’s 11 aircraft are unique within the modern Royal Air Force and represent the last piston-powered ‘tail-draggers’ in regular military use. The airworthy maintenance, to full flying condition, of these historic airframes falls to 25 aircraft tradesmen headed by a Warrant Officer engineer. They are, in turn, supported by all the necessary back-up provided by their home base, RAF Coningsby. The BBMF aircraft, although relatively simple by modern standards, demand particular skills and understanding that are no longer part of mainstream RAF training programmes. Acquisition of spare parts brings its own special challenges, although an extensive inventory is held by the Flight.
During the winter months a comprehensive maintenance programme is completed and all the display aircraft receive in-depth scheduled servicing.
The majority of the BBMF groundcrew are volunteers for posts on the Flight and they often have to work irregular and sometimes prolonged hours, especially at weekends and during the display season, in support of the display effort. The BBMF engineering team are dedicated professionals who enthusiastically 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 went before.
