Just arrived... The Golden Wrench Award from Oshkosh 2017 - presented to Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar for the restoration of Spitfire BR601 citing "The Highest Achievement in Craftsmanship and Dedication." BR601, the sixth Spitfire restored to fly so far by The Spitfire Company at Biggin Hill, took the Reserve Grand Champion World War II award. It will be displayed prominently for all flight passengers and tour visitors to see.

Cross-section through a decommissioned wing spar. You can see they concentric square tubing that make up the spars in a Spitfire wing on this example. The drawing shows how the various sections fit together to form the booms, reinforced by the spar web.

In the warmth of the hangar work continues despite the 'travel chaos' outside. TE184 nearing the end of its annual before another Summer of airshow appearances on the continent.

It is with the deepest regret that we learn of the passing of Flt Lt Rodney Scrase DFC. A true gentleman foremost and a warrior second, Rodney and his wife Sue were frequent and welcome visitors to the heritage hangar. He was the subject of a superb book titled 'Spitfire Saga' in which Angus Mansfield wrote about his days with No. 72 Squadron and the rest of his war. Rodney you will be so missed by us all but your memory will be with us in all the photographs and interviews that you did at the hangar. Fly on true warrior. May you rest in peace. RJB

Spitfire MJ627 ready to go for another seasons flying. www.flyaspitfire.com

It is with sadness that we report the death of Squadron Leader Miroslav ‘Tony’ Liskutin DFC RAF. Tony was a regular visitor to the heritage hangar, on one occasion flying in the Grace Spitfire with one of his wartime Spitfires, LFIX MK912 (G-BRRA), flying alongside. He commanded No. 312 (Czech) Squadron flying from bases such as Tangmere and the Advanced Landing Ground at Appledram. Under his command the squadron was one of the first to fly into France after D Day arriving at B 10/Plumetot on June 28, 1944. Tony fled Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to join the RAF. During his service he shot down eight enemy planes and two VI’s. He came to help Britain in its hour of need. Now he will return to his home country and to rest. RIP brave warrior, you will never be forgotten.

From the workshop: Spitfire wingtips were originally built by coach builders like Freestone & Webb, more familiar with building pre-war Roll-Royce car bodies. Here's one in progress at BHHH today. Book a tour today and see the craftsmanship that goes into our Spitfire restorations.

We can now reveal, the next aircraft from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has arrived for a thorough overhaul. Spitfire Mk II P7350, a veteran of the battle, and an absolute national treasure, now in the care of the Spitfire Company (Biggin Hill) Ltd.

A stunning photograph from last Sunday:

https://vimeo.com/242835580?ref=em-share

Joy was one of those to whom we must be eternally grateful for the job she and the other ladies and men of the ATA did during the WW2. A frequent visitor to the hangar her spirit and enthusiasm will live forever. Fly on dear lady, you have earned your rest. RIP.