G-HDAE above the clouds

On the ground at Enstone

G-HDAE was built in 1951

It served with the Portuguese Air Force

And was then transferred to the Medeira Flying Club...

...where it received its unusual colour scheme

It returned to the UK, spent some time in Belgium...

...before being acquired by Airborne Classics

It is one of the lowest-hours Chipmunks in existence

In 2015 a major rebuilt was started

The wing attach points on the spars...

...were replaced with new parts

and the internals checked for damage and corrosion

The fuselage tie bar that the wings bolt on to...

...was replaced with a new stronger item

The fabric on the wings and control surfaces...

...was replaced, and doped...

...and the aircraft was ready for painting.

After painting the aircraft was reassembled.

Many new parts were fitted to ensure long life

The engine bay was cleaned and repainted...

...before the engine was put back in

Systems were reconnected and double-checked...

The engine was ground run...

And the G-HDAE took to the skies once more for a test flight

It's now back at its home airfield...

Looking great!

And giving flying pleasure to its owner