Learning early aircraft skills

Air Classics, Sep 2003 by O'Leary, Michael

Interesting new program in Britain

Would you like to acquire the necessary skills to manufacture and restore World War One and vintage aircraft? AJD Engineering, who specialize in WWI aircraft, are contemplating initiating a series of courses based at their facility which encompass basic wood work, basic metal work, fabric covering using Irish Linen and traditional WWI vintage painting.

The course will last five days - Monday through Friday - and entails the complete manufacture, assembly and finishing of a WWI rudder such as a Sopwith Pup or an Avro 504. The completed article becomes the property of the course-taker.

This is the first of several courses and, if successful, will eventually lead to longer courses that would entail more extensive restoration skills, revolving around wooden fabric aircraft and eventually the restoration skills involved in the restoration of more complex WWII aircraft, in particular the Hawker Hurricane. Courses may be available tailored to suit.

AJD Engineering and Hawker Restorations are situated in Britain's rolling Suffolk countryside and, with this in mind, they can cater for couples where the partner's interests do not coincide and they would prefer to take advantage of the county of Suffolk with its beautiful villages and coastline. The accommodation available is situated in a 17th-century barn complex complete with four-posters and surrounding a heated swimming pool and a tennis court. The facility also has a private airstrip of approximately 2100-ft.

AJD Engineering estimates that the price for a seven-day stay at Moat Farm for two people including a five-day course for one person would be in the order of $2700 including all materials, accommodation, and continental breakfasts. At additional cost, visits can be arranged to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford and the famous Shuttleworth Collection. For more information contact AJD Engineering Ltd., Moat Farm, Church Road, Milden, Ipswich, Suffolk, England IP7 7AF. Phone is 011 44 1449 740544, e-mail is hawkerrestorations@btinternet.com.