AVIATION SERVICES

by ARCo of Duxford

  • Aircraft Restoration Co. maintenance hangar at Duxford Airfield.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. engineers test running Blenheim's Bristol Mercury Radial Engines.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. maintenance hangar engineer working on Bristol Mercury Radial Engine.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. maintenance hangar engineer working on Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine of Supermarine Spitfire Ia N3200.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration hangar - engineer working on fabric covering of Spitfire flight controls.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration department engineer building Westland Lysander winglet Section.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. maintenance engineers working on MkV Supermarine Spitfire.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration engineer placing Spitfire engine cowling frame brakets.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration department looking into Spitfire fuselage.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration hangar Supermarine Spitfire wing finished and ready for fitting.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration department finished Silver Spitfire after first test flight.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration hangar latest single seat Supermarine Spitfire IX project to fly post rebuild.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. Silver Spitfire wing finished and ready to be fitted during the restoration at Duxford Airfield.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration hangar as Supermarine Spitfire XI rebuild neared first flight.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. restoration hangar paint tent ready for complete repaint of Supermarine Spitfire PV202.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. maintenance engineer working on Supermarine Spitfire at Duxford Airfield.

The Restoration Facility

Our restoration department has steadily grown over the years and is now housed within the purpose built Hangar 425, a part of our industry leading facility at the Eastern end of Duxford Airfield.  Operating as a major department of the wider Aircraft Restoration Company, this team is really the result of the successful merger of two organisations, these being Historic Flying Ltd and Propshop Ltd.

Historic Flying Limited was formed in the late 1980’s to initially restore five Spitfires from the Royal Air Force’s stock of Gate Guardians.  The first of these projects, Spitfire XVI RW382, was finished and took off on it’s first post restoration flight in 1991.  Since that first milestone, the team have restored approximately a third of the world’s flying Spitfires, and have become synonymous with this most famous of British Aircraft.

Propshop Ltd was founded by John Romain, initially as a way of building a team to restore the second Bristol Blenheim IV project G-BPIV.  It was based within a small workshop on Duxford Airfield called ‘Building 66’, which soon picked up the nickname ‘Blenheim Palace’ among those on site.  It wasn’t only the Blenheim project which Propshop Ltd found themselves working on in those early years as the development of Duxford Airfield began to flourish into an oasis for the warbird scene.  Soon Propshop Ltd had a selection of restorations on build, as well as providing maintenance services to the collectors of many of the vintage flying machines which had made Duxford their home.  A few years after forming, Propshop Ltd began trading as ‘Aircraft Restoration Company’ the name which would eventually become the umbrella for everything we are today.

In 2001, under the ownership of Karel Boss, Historic Flying Ltd moved from Audley End to Duxford Airfield, and into the newly completed ‘Hangar 425’ which it would share with Propshop Ltd (by this time more commonly known as Aircraft Restoration Company, or ‘ARCo’ for short).

The two companies were now both under the management of John Romain, and began working closely together, transferring skills, knowledge, and experience in order to grow the collaborative abilities on offer to clients.  In time it was Karel Bos’ desire to step away from Historic Flying Ltd, and allow John to take over the business fully, which he did in December 2007.

Over the following decade, both companies continued to develop and grow, side by side.  The teams were now fully integrated with one another and as a result were able to provide a wide array of specialist skills on site, elevating our overall in-house capabilities to industry leading levels.  By this stage the official marrying of the two companies into one organisation was largely complete.  In 2016 we opened the doors to the Stephenson Hangar, which now houses our maintenance department, whilst Hangar 425 is dedicated entirely to restoration.  The Restoration Department is headed by the experienced hand of accomplished engineer and pilot Martin ‘Mo’ Overall.

To browse the full list of vintage aircraft that have been put back into the skies by our restoration teams over the years, expand the dropdown below by giving each category a click or tap:

    • 1991 - Spitfire XVI RW382 - Full Rebuild

    • 1992 - Spitfire IX TE566 - Full Rebuild

    • 1992 - Spitfire XVIII TP280 - Full Rebuild

    • 1992 - Spitfire TD248 - Full Rebuild

    • 1994 - Spitfire XIV NH799 - Full Rebuild

    • 1995 - Spitfire XIV SM832 - Full Rebuild

    • 1995 - Spitfire Vb EP120 - Full Rebuild

    • 1995 - Spitfire IX MH434 - Major Overhaul

    • 1996 - Spitfire Vc AR614 - Full Rebuild

    • 1997 - Spitfire Vb AB910 - Major Overhaul

    • 1997 - Spitfire XIX PM631 - Major Overhaul

    • 1997 - Spitfire Vb BM597 - Full Rebuild

    • 2000 - Spitfire XVIII SM845 - Full Rebuild

    • 2000 - Spitfire IX MK912 - Full Rebuild

    • 2002 - Spitfire XIV RN201 - Full Rebuild

    • 2004 - Spitfire XIX PS915 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2005 - Spitfire IX - T9 IAC-161 - PV202 - Full Rebuild

    • 2005 - Spitfire IX TA805 - Full Rebuild

    • 2006 - Spitfire XVI RW386 - Full Rebuild

    • 2006 - Spitfire Vc JG891 - Full Rebuild

    • 2007 - Spitfire IX PL344 - Major Overhaul

    • 2008 - Spitfire IX MK356 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2009 - Spitfire IIa P7350 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2010 - Spitfire SL633 - Full Rebuild

    • 2011 - Spitfire XIX PM631 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2012 - Spitfire Ia P9374 - Full Rebuild

    • 2012 - Spitfire XIX PS853 - Major Overhaul

    • 2014 - Spitfire Ia N3200 - Full Rebuild

    • 2014 - Spitfire XVIII SM845 - Major Overhaul

    • 2015 - Spitfire Vb AB910 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2016 - Spitfire XIX PS915 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2017 - Spitfire IX - T9 NH341 - Full Rebuild & Conversion to T9

    • 2018 - Spitfire XI PL983 ‘L’ - Full Rebuild

    • 2018 - Spitfire Vc JG891 - Major Overhaul

    • 2019 - Spitfire IX MJ271 ‘G-IRTY The Silver Spitfire’ - Full Rebuild

    • 2020 - Spitfire XIX PS890 - Full Rebuild

    • 2023 - Spitfire IX ML417 - Major Overhaul

    • 2024 - Spitfire IX - T9 MJ444 - Full Rebuild & Conversion to T9

    • 1989 - Focke-Wulf FW190A-8/R6 733682 - Static Restoration for IWM Duxford

    • 1989 - MH-1521M Broussard - Major Overhaul

    • 1989 - Auster AOP9 XR241 - Major Overhaul

    • 1989 - DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 WP905 - Major Overhaul

    • 1990 - DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 WB585 - Major Overhaul

    • 1990 - MS.505 Criquet G-BPHZ - Major Overhaul

    • 1992 - T-6G Harvard 51-14526 - Major Overhaul

    • 1993 - Westland Lysander IIIA V9673 - Static Restoration for IWM Duxford

    • 1994 - P51 Mustang 'Short Fuse Sallee' - Major Repairs to extent of Rebuild

    • 1998 - Messerschmitt Bf109E-3 1190 - Static Restoration for IWM Duxford

    • 1998 - Hurricane IIc LF363 - Full Rebuild

    • 2000 - Harvard IV 1747 ‘Taz’ - Major Overhaul

    • 2005 - Hurricane IIc PZ865 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2006 - NA-64 Yale 3349 - Major Overhaul

    • 2006 - Hurricane IIc LF363 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2011 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 G-AOTR - Major Overhaul

    • 2011 - DHC-2 Beaver G-DHCZ - Major Overhaul

    • 2011 - HA-1112-M1L Buchón G-AWHE - Major Overhaul

    • 2012 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 WK586 G-BXGX - Major Overhaul

    • 2013 - Hurricane IIc PZ865 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2018 - DHC-2 Beaver G-EVMK - Major Overhaul

    • 2018 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 WG486 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2018 - Westland Lysander IIIA V9312 G-COMM - Full Rebuild

    • 2019 - DH-88A Puss Moth G-ABLS - Full Rebuild

    • 2019 - Bulldog T1 XX543 G-UWAS - Re-spar and first installation of G-fatigue resolve spar mod

    • 2020 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 WK518 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2020 - Bulldog T1 XX658 G-SMAT - Re-spar and installation of G-fatigue resolve spar mod

    • 2022 - Grumman FM2 Wildcat AX733 G-KINL - Major Overhaul

    • 1993 - Bristol Blenheim IV G-BPIV - Full Rebuild

    • 1998 - Avro Anson T21 WD413 - Re-fabric & paint

    • 2002 - Beech 3TM Expeditor 1164 G-BKGL- Major Overhaul

    • 2011 - C-47A Dakota III ZA947 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

    • 2014 - Bristol Blenheim IF L6739 G-BPIV - Major Overhaul

    • 2015 - OV-10B Bronco 99+26 G-BZGL - Major Overhaul

    • 2017 - Avro Lancaster BI PA474 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule

The Maintenance Facility

ARCo would be open to discuss the feasibility of working on any vintage aircraft with you, no matter the rarity of machine or scope of project.  Our teams within both the restoration and maintenance hangars thrive on a challenge, especially when it comes to unique ‘last of a kind’ projects.  From the worlds sole remaining Mk.I Bristol Blenheim, to the only flying British-built Westland Lysander… within these hangar walls, restoring, maintaining and operating the unusual, is business as usual.

Examples of the types of vintage aircraft we have maintained and/or operated over the years can be found by expanding the lists below. To make them a little easier to browse we have split them into three main categories based on engine arrangement. The lists aren’t limiting, rather just examples of some of the aircraft we have worked on in the past, so please don’t be put off getting in contact if you don’t find your project or flying aeroplane among the bunch. Even after all these years, we are still adding new types fairly frequently, and would be excited to discuss the feasibility of looking after any vintage flying machine.

    • Auster variants

    • Avro 504

    • Boeing Stearman

    • Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann

    • Curtiss-Wright P-40 Kittyhawk

    • Curtis Pitts Special

    • deHavilland DH.85 Leopard Moth

    • deHavilland DH.80 Puss Moth

    • de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth

    • de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk

    • de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver

    • Fairey Firefly

    • Fieseler Fi 156 Storch

    • Focke-Wulf Fw 190

    • Grumman F4F Wildcat

    • Hawker Fury

    • Hawker Hurricane

    • Hawker Nimrod

    • Hawker Sea Fury

    • Hawker Typhoon

    • Hispano Aviación HA-1112 Buchón

    • Messerschmitt Bf108

    • Messerschmitt Bf109 E

    • Messerschmitt Bf109 G

    • Nord Pingouin

    • North American P-51 Mustang

    • North American T-6 Harvard

    • North American T-28 Trojan

    • North American NA-64 Yale

    • Pilatus P2

    • Piper Cub

    • Piper Super Cub

    • Stampe et Vertongen SV.4

    • Supermarine Seafire - various Marks

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk I

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk II

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk V

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk VIII

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk IX

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk XI

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk XVI

    • Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Mk XIV

    • Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Mk XVIII

    • Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Mk XIX

    • Vought Corsair

    • Westland Lysander

    • Yakovlev Yak-52 / Yak-50

    • Avro Lancaster

    • Beechcraft ‘Beech 18’

    • Bristol Blenheim

    • Consolidated PBY Catalina

    • de Havilland DH.104 Dove / Devon

    • Douglas A-26 Invader

    • Douglas DC3 Dakota

    • Focke-Wulf Fw 189

    • North American B25 Mitchell

    • Supermarine Walrus

    • Aero L-39 Albatros

    • de Havilland Vampire

    • Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star

    • North American OV-10 Bronco

    • North American F-86 Sabre

Transportation Services

Over the years we have been fortunate enough to enjoy wonderful relationships with collectors and event organisers from all around the world.  Fulfilling the needs of international clients has resulted in us developing a wealth of experience in specialised aircraft transportation via land, sea and air.

As with any international boarder crossing, it is not just the physical shipping that can be a daunting process, but also obtaining the necessary paperwork required to export / import something of this nature, especially in the case of an ex-military asset.  Fortunately, we have also built a wealth of experience on this side of the logistics and are confident in our ability to source export licenses and HSE classification coding for vintage aircraft / warbird movements.

Over the years we have shipped a variety of highly valuable aircraft to a number of countries.  These include the United States of America, Bahrain, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and mainland Europe.

Examples of the types of vintage aircraft we have shipped to global locations can be found by expanding the lists below. We aren’t limited to the types listed here, rather they are examples of aircraft we have transported internationally in the past. If you have an aircraft shipment or retrieval mission you would like expert assistance with, then we’d be interested in hearing from you.

    • Beech Staggerwing

    • Boeing Stearman

    • Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann

    • de Havilland Vampire

    • de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk

    • de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

    • Fairy Battle

    • Fairy Firefly

    • Fieseler Storch

    • Focke-Wulf Fw 190

    • Hawker Hurricane

    • Hispano Aviación HA-1112 Buchón

    • North American P-51 Mustang

    • North American T-6 Harvard

    • Messerschmitt Bf 109

    • Pilatus P2

    • RAF Bulldog

    • Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Variants

    • Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Variants

    • Vought Corsair

    • Westland Lysander

    • Yakovlev Yak-52 / Yak-50

    • Avro York

    • Beechcraft ‘Beech 18’

    • Bristol Blenheim

    • Douglas DC3 Dakota

    • Focke-Wulf Fw 189

    • Heinkel HE 111 (CASA 2 111)

    • North American B-25 Mitchell

Cinema & Television

Over the years we have been involved with a variety of film work including big screen feature length movies as well as television / streaming provider series and documentaries. We can provide aircraft, pilots, aerial scene coordination as well as historical advice on authenticity and on camera rigging when working with unique vintage aircraft.

Film and broadcast titles we have provided pilots, aircraft (flying or static for set) or aerial coordination services to over the years include:

    • BBC SAS Rogue Heroes - 2022 - Buchón as Bf109 for set design

    • James Bond No Time To Die - 2021 - Stunt pilot

    • Dunkirk - 2017 - Stunt pilot, selection of flying aircraft

    • Valkyrie - 2008 - Buchón as Bf109 and stunt pilot

    • Dark Blue World - 2001

    • Memphis Belle - 1990

    • BBC’s The One Show - Multiple Features - Variety of flying aircraft and pilots

    • Guy Martin's Spitfire - 2014 - Twin Seat Spitfire and pilot - Spitfire Mk.Ia N3200 in restoration facility

    • Ewan McGregor’s ‘Bomber Boys’ - 2012 - Various aircraft and pilots

    • Colin & Ewan McGregor’s ‘Battle of Britain’ - 2010 - Twin Seat Spitfires and Pilots

    • Top Gear ‘Arriving in Style’ - 2008 - Twin Seat Spitfire and Pilot

Events & Airshows

Over the years the events landscape of the vintage aviation industry has changed dramatically.  We remain passionate about displaying these wonderful flying machines with those of you who love to see them, and for that reason we will always support the airshow scene to the best of our ability.  We have flown at all manner of shows, from small airfield displays right though to the largest flying events in the calendar.  Our selection of aircraft is extremely unique and is backed up by one of the most experienced roster of pilots you’ll find anywhere in the world.  If you are an airshow organiser, and haven’t yet received a brochure of aircraft we have available for this season, then please get in touch via the contact page to discuss what we can provide.

Unlike in years gone by, airshows are no longer alone in providing opportunities to see these beautiful machines up close.  More and More we are finding ourselves taking aircraft to events not necessarily built around aviation but where a flypast, display or static aircraft can provide the perfect accompaniment to other goings on.  Events such as the magnificent Goodwood Revival, picturesque Heveningham Concours and wildly energetic Malle Mile Festival are perfect examples of this.  Every bit as important as airshows, it’s events such as these which show the world of vintage aircraft to new audiences, helping to capture the imagination of fresh demographics, and will hopefully in turn, help to preserve the fleets flying future.

So, if you are hosting an event of any kind, and think that something from our stable of aircraft here at Duxford Airfield could be the finishing touch, we’d love to hear from you to discuss the feasibility of making it happen.

  • Aircraft Restoration Co. pilots and engineers at the ARCo Duxford hangars at Duxford.
  • View from Aircraft Restoration Co. Bristol Blenheim during a IWM Duxford Airshow.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. maintenance engineers moving aircraft with ARCo tug.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. pilot and engineer walking to Hawker Hurricane at Duxford Airfield.
  • Aircraft Restoration Co. engineer seeing in Supermarine Spitfire PV202 after test flight.