The Royal Air Force has responded to reports in national media concerning the future of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Despite the BBMF flying Avro Lancaster B1 PA474 at events during the second half of the 2024 display season and Supermarine Spitfire PRXIX PM631 flying over the autumn period, various newspaper stories have continued to suggest that ‘the BBMF might never fly again due to a “risk-averse” culture at the MOD.‘ Many of these stories cite claims from Terry Holloway, a retired RAF group captain and former BBMF engineering officer.
The flight’s Merlin powered Spitfire and Hurricanes have been grounded since the accident that claimed the life of Squadron Leader Mark Long in late May. However, the flights other aircraft have continued to fly when available to do so.
Avro Lancaster B1 PA474 had been in maintenance for much of 2024 and only became available in July for crew training. It commenced a busy few weeks of displays and flypasts in early August appearing at many major events including a deployment to Europe to take part in the Operation Market Garden 80th Anniversary commemorations in the Netherlands and the International Sanicole Airshow in Belgium.
Spitfire PM631 missed the display season while a three year major servicing programme was completed. It returned to airworthy status in late October allowing two BBMF pilots to regain currency and competency on the Griffon engine Spitfire. During that time it also participated at some selected Remembrance Day events during November. The BBMF’s other Spitfire PRXIX, PS915, is undergoing an extended rebuild to flying condition.
The flight’s Douglas Dakota has been at Duxford throughout 2024 undergoing a ‘major’ maintenance programme with the Aircraft Restoration Company. It is expected to re-join the flight in 2025 wearing South East Asia Command markings. Spitfire Vb AB910 is also expected to re-join the flight following its own ‘Major’ at Biggin Hill. The flight have also been flying their de Havilland Chipmunk T10 aircraft for tail-wheel training purposes.
A Royal Air Force spokesperson speaking to Forces News has refuted the newspaper claims stating the safety of Royal Air Force personnel remains the top priority. The statement said:
“A full and independent service inquiry is working thoroughly to investigate the circumstances of the accident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time while the inquiry is ongoing,”
“The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight concluded its display flying for 2024 and is now focusing on the maintenance of the historic aircraft, with the aim of having the majority of the aircraft available to fly early in 2025.”
