Open weekend draws aircraft enthusiasts

A steady stream of aircraft enthusiasts visited the Malta Aviation Museum at Ta' Qali yesterday for the open weekend, which continues today.

The beautifully restored Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane aircraft have been wheeled out of the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar for the occasion. Visitors can also admire several aircraft that were used before and after these two World War II aircraft.

Among them is a TigerMoth bi-plane trainer, which is being restored to flying condition. They can also sit in the cockpit of a 1960s BAC 1-11 passenger aircraft. The museum recently also received two Gloster Meteors, which were the earliest British jet fighters.

Ray Polidano, director-general of the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation, said plans are well in hand for the transfer of a 150-foot hangar from near the ST Microelectronics factory in Mqabba to a site opposite the Air Battle of Malta hangar in Ta' Qali.

The building of the new hangar will enable the museum to better display several other aircraft, including a DC-3 Dakota, whose fuselage is undergoing restoration and will have its wings fitted in the hangar.

A legendary Fairey Swordfish aircraft of the Second World War is also waiting to have its wings fitted.

Mr Polidano said the museum is also looking forward to displaying an AFM Bell G47 helicopter in the coming months. The helicopter, due to be loaned by the AFM, was the first ever Maltese military aircraft, having been donated by Germany in the early 1970s. An AFM Bird-dog aircraft which the AFM used to operate, has also been donated to the museum.

"Of course, we still hope to have the honour and privilege of restoring the Gloster Gladiator 'Faith'", Mr Polidano said. The fuselage of the Gladiator - which formed part of Malta's defence at the outset of the war - is currently displayed at the War Museum in Valletta. The foundation hopes it can join the other aircraft in the Air Battle of Malta Hangar after complete restoration, which will include the installation of wings which the foundation had already acquired.

Among other aircraft on display is a Fiat G91 jet of the Italian air force, a Sea Hawk, a Sea Venom and a Vampire of the British Fleet Air Arm and the front section of an RAF Lightning fighter.

The display today will also include a variety of military vehicles. Children will also be able to try their hand in a "deck landing simulator".

The museum will be open between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.