The first flight of Glynn Powell's Mosquito

Wonderful photo, of a historic event: On 18 March, the long awaited first flight of De Havilland Mosquito T43 NZ2308 took place in Ardmore, New Zealand. Steve Hinton was the plane's pilot on this maiden flight. It is now the fourth flying Mosquito in the world.

This example of the 'Wooden Wonder' is registered ZK-PWL as a tribute to the man who managed to preserve NZ2308, the late Glynn Powell. A New Zealand citizen, Powell became world famous as he thought of ways to rebuild wooden Mosquito fuselages. ZK-PWL has been finished in RNZAF colours with code 'YC-Z'.

Steve Hinton has made a number of test flights after the first post restoration take-off and he seemed to be satisfied with the behaviour of NZ2308 in the air. According to the Warbirds over Wanaka organization, the new plane will be the centrepiece of their famous airshow, which will take place during the Easter weekend from 29 to 31 March. 

Scramble reported already on the first engine run of this (now) airworthy Mosquito on 23 February.

Photo from the Warbirds over Wanaka Facebook page

 

 

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