Biplane takes to the sky after 10-year restoration project
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
A 68-year-old Tiger Moth biplane took to the sky over Luqa this afternoon at the culmination of a 10-year restoration project by the Malta Aviation Museum.
The 'Moth' will be the local star of the Malta International Air Show, being held this weekend.
The aircraft was bought, minus its wings, by the Aviation Museum in the year 2000. It was built in 1942. The wings were then bought separately. A complex restoration process was then taken in hand, with most of the engineering work being carried out in-house under the engineering direction of David Polidano.
The restoration to flying condition was a first for the museum.
The 'Moth,' went into production in 1931 and was the standard trainer of Royal Air Force pilots during the Second World War.
The nimble aircraft needed only a small part of the old runway at Luqa to become airborne, watched by a number of Aviation Museum volunteers. At the controls was Clive Denney, the same pilot who in 2005 flew a Spitfire to the Malta airshow.
The 'Moth' made a number of circuits around the airport watch by aviation enthusiasts, some of whom applauded.
The Aviation Museum has already restored a Supermarine Spitfire fighter to static display condition and a Hawker Hurricane to taxiing condition.
The Tiger Moth will be taking part in the flying displays at the airshow tomorrow and on Sunday after 5 p.m.
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Trevor Steward
Sep 25th 2010, 13:58
Congratulations! Well done to all the team and support staff.
Pule' Carmel
Sep 25th 2010, 00:31
Well done Mr and Mrs Ray Polidano and all the family and the whole team. Brilliant and dedicated work.
Peter Cini
Sep 25th 2010, 00:30
What an achievement!!! Brilliant job.
Congrats to David and team. Your skills, determination, and perseverance are an inspiration to all aviation enthusiasts.
Reno Psaila
Sep 24th 2010, 13:34
Well done Ray, David and all who worked on this fantastic project! Pity that in this country of ours, everything has to earned the hard way- which does dampen genuine enthusiasm and entrepreneurship at times. HANG ON AND PERSEVERE- Press on to get The Gladiator were it really belongs!
Tom Broadley
Sep 24th 2010, 13:12
Great Stuff from the aviation museum.
davidvella
Sep 24th 2010, 13:05
To my mind it was Charlie Brown flying the spit, while Clive the hurribird!!! Apart from this tiny technicality, Well done to all involved in this awesome project and big thanks to Clive to take her to the air relying completely on the capable hands of our restorers!! Hope the Glad will be next, so be prepared Clive!!
John Pizzuto
Sep 24th 2010, 12:29
Wow what a great job you've done guys. Hope that we restore other historic aircraft so we can see them in the sky flying again.
Andrew Gatt
Sep 24th 2010, 12:22
Well done once again all at MAM! You have again worked wonders.
Now can the powers-that-be step in and reclaim the Sea Gladiator "Faith" from Heritage Malta's grubby paws? Faith's place is in the hand of dedicated PROFESSIONALS like Ray Polidano and his team, not rusting away in the War Museum.
Heritage Malta seems to view Faith as its personal, fund-raising property. WRONG. A propertly restored Faith belongs the the Maltese people in a suitable state and fitting environment. What better place than the MAM at Ta'Qali - the same airfield Faith flew from in WW2?
Heritage Malta have handled many successful projects, but leave aircraft restoration to the experts please and STOP BEING GREEDY.
john galea
Sep 24th 2010, 12:11
Messers Polidano - we want more!
Well done for the Tiger Moth - now what next?
Thanks to your hard work, Malta is not loosing its aviation history to rust and neglect.
I still remember the old Dakota at Hal far with children jumping all over it. What a pity.
Keep up the good work
Robin Zammit
Sep 24th 2010, 10:43
Well done to the whole team at the Aviation Museum in Ta' Qali who have persevered and brought this long-term Tiger Moth project to fruition.
The whole team have come along superbly in the last 18 years or so, when until just 20 years ago, few believed that setting up an Aviation Museum in Malta was even possible. Though all supported the principle, few supported 'in deed', and against all odds the team Ray Polidano built, not only set up an Aviation Museum, but replenished it with important artefacts, including many airframes, some sourced abroad and some as Museum projects.
To have an airworthy exhibit is an amazing achievement, something many established museums abroad can only but wish to emulate. Hopefully the Museum will continue to receive Government co-operation and secure a short grass strip in Ta' Qali where (on special occasions) this jewel will be able to grace our skies. One also augurs that there will be a reversal in Heritage Malta's obstinate stance regarding the wing-less Gladiator.
Mark Busuttil
Sep 24th 2010, 10:38
I consider myself to be very lucky that I was present for this historic event.
A huge well done to all at the aviation museum for their hundreds (more like thousands) of hours of hard work!
You make us proud.
PAUL SOLER
Sep 24th 2010, 10:37
Well done to David and to all those involved in the project. She's a beauty! Hopefully one day we will see the Gladiator in full glory, perhaps even flying over Luqa...
Frederick Galea
Sep 24th 2010, 09:31
A perfect first flight following a lengthy restoration - I was there! Well done all involved not fogetting all those persons who generously chipped in towards this project. The MAMF is presently constructing a very large hangar at its premises at Ta' Qali. This second hangar follows the completion of the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar, exactly 5 years ago. Clive Denney flew his Spitfire to Malta then, in the Merlins Over Malta flight. He has now returned to test-fly our Tiger Moth. His firm of Vintage Fabrics was responsible for all the fabric covering work. An excellent job all-round. Prosit!
mariopandolfino
Sep 24th 2010, 08:40
I saw the tiger moth flying over luqa village at around 7 in the eavning and it send me shivers down my spine .Nice work David Polidano and company .Keep up all the good works and thanks for bringing back this 68 year old biplane .
M Degiorgio
Sep 24th 2010, 08:19
@ Times of Malta
reiterating what Mr Green already said....you better check your facts...I doubt if the plane was acquire by the Malta Aviation Museum in the middle of World War 2!!! When did they acquire the plane? (might be worth giving them a call to correct this article)
Congrats to all who worked on this project!
H Dempster
Sep 24th 2010, 07:41
B E A U T I F U L ....... Well Done .
Joseph Markham
Sep 24th 2010, 07:30
Well done, Ray, David Polidano and all the team at the Aviation Museum. This is a historic achievement for the Museum and the Maltese islands.
Keep up the good work!
Richard J. Caruana
Sep 24th 2010, 07:26
Congratulations to Ray, David and all those involved in the project. What a wonderful sight.
Shows what real professionals in aviation restoration can do notwithstanding limitations of funds. This is only possible because it's not done for gain or glory; it comes from the heart.
It's about time that a national campaign, seriously planned and executed, is launched to save Sea Gladiator 'Faith' from the scrap heap to which it's destined within a decade or two if no serious restoration is taken in hand immediately. We are already 30 years too late on this one. How about a Facebook page to start with (sorry, not able to do it myself, I'm a complete idiot in such things). Eventually Heritage Malta has to be sidetracked and convince those responsible for our heritage that HM is completely incompetent in aviation matters.
The Hurricane story in the Sunday Times early in August, and replies by myself and Frederick Galea are enough to show who is running our wartime heritage.
Muscat D
Sep 24th 2010, 06:55
Well done. It mayhave been bought in 1992 or 2002 but not in 1942. Manufactured in '42 maybe.
Now for the Gladiator. Wake up Heritage Malta .
J. Vella
Sep 23rd 2010, 23:56
A commendable act indeed - to restore to flying conditions an obsolete aircraft however, I cannot see how the restoration of the Sea Gladiator has to follow suit, using the same parameters of reasoning. This Tiger Moth is one of many such aircraft and its current owners decided to paint it in its current livery. Somebody else would have done differently. But as far as Malta's Sea Gladiator goes, there is only one of them. It is THE Sea Gladiator that comes with the proverbial historic log book and should be left as such. Returning an aircraft to airworthiness is not restoration but a refurbishment exercise. It stops being authentic in material. If anybody wants us to appreciate a Sea Gladiator in flight, then by all means, please go ahead. Buy, borrow, or steal one, restore it to flying conditions and paint it in any colour scheme of preference. But leave the real 'Faith' grounded. I would actually dare suggest de-skinning half of it and display it as it had ben presented during the War. The current skinning and paint job was incorrectly done by RAF Luqa in the 1970s anyway.
Joe Grima Brussels
Sep 24th 2010, 10:37
Allow me to disagree on one point, Mr Vella. I'd rather see 'Faith' restored, AT LEAST to static display, than see it half naked. If the one still on the seabed is ever recovered, or by some miracle, some other parts of the others that were cannibalised are recovered, then yes, we would restore one in that manner. And the experts at the Aviation Museum are the one to do both jobs. Faith has been umiliated too much already, and skinning it 'alive' would be adding insult to injury!
C Rizzo
Sep 24th 2010, 11:47
Refering to your comments Mr J Vella I am sure that if FAITH is restored (which i really HOPE it is as the current state it's in is an Embarrassment and its only getting worse) that alot of thought and research will be put into it to return it in its original colour scheme as was done with the Hurricane.
Its a real shame that there are people like you that are close minded and hinder projects like these.
On a positive note WELL DONE TO ALL OF YOU AT THE AVIATION MUSEUM!!!!!!!!!! I have witnessed first hand all the hard work and dedication that goes on there by all the voluteers. Well done David and Ray Keep it up.
P Pace
Sep 23rd 2010, 22:49
Well done David et al. :)
Eric Gahn
Sep 23rd 2010, 22:35
Well done guys.
Charles Stafrace
Sep 23rd 2010, 22:20
First a static Spitfire, then a taxiing Hurricane, and now a flying Tiger Moth. Well done all the team involved in this fantastic project. This should bring Heritage Malta to its senses and release the Sea Gladiator for a complete PROFESSIONAL overhaul/stripping/modification/repair so that all may at last see it in its true glory at the Aviation Museum (not in the War Museum among the muskets and the rest), albeit in a static display. Everyday this most historic aircraft in Maltese aviation history is deteriorating rapidly and we should soon arrive at a point when it would be too late, even for the able staff at the Aviation Museum, to do anything about it. Wake up, Heritage Malta. Perhaps the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage should also investigate situation.
Joe Grima Brussels
Sep 24th 2010, 00:58
I wouldn't say that it will be too late when they come to their senses and call a spade a spade, Charles. Common sense MUST reign some day, at least I hope!? The only trouble I see, is that the longer it takes them to realise, the bigger the expense, and costlier the materials. WHO will shoulder all the cost then? The Aviation Museum alone, or those who let it deteriorate to that stage. I dream of the day when you, Charles, will be able to paint another painting of the Gladiator, this time at Ta' Qali. I do 'HOPE' that the authorities do 'CHARITY' with the Gladiator, so that we will have renewed 'Faith' in Heritage Malta. (ALL puns intended!!)
Etienne Galea
Sep 24th 2010, 07:38
WELL DONE! WELL DONE! Nice to have a flavor of these oldies mixed with the advanced fighters. It really shows how aviation has evolved.
G. Fenech
Sep 23rd 2010, 22:19
Big congrats to all those that worked on this beautiful piece of machinery. Must have been an incredibly rewarding experience to see it lift off like that.
keep up the great work
p.grima
Sep 23rd 2010, 22:14
Well done once more guys.
When shall we see the Gloster Gladiator “Faith” fully restored at least to static display condition instead of leaving it rot away under a vault? The proper place for an aeroplane is a hangar, and I know that Faith will be properly restored and taken care of in the hands of the Malta Aviation Museum. Heritage Malta is to be held responsible for the damage being done to Faith through their selfishness, negligence, and unprofessionalism.
Mark Muscat
Sep 23rd 2010, 22:10
Simply amazing! Well done to all involed.
Albert Bezzina
Sep 23rd 2010, 21:53
A truely amazing display of technical skills, craftsmanship and dedication from the Aviation museum staff.
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 23rd 2010, 21:45
And the old Moth takes to the skies again, well to the Mr. David Polidano, Mr. Clive Denney, the Aviation Museum and the Maltese public. A very good achievement but also hope that the V12 Rolls Royce Merlin still fires up, that was another achievement too.
The film "All those magnificent men in their flying machines" is one of my favourites.
Nice well done !!
Andrew Cilia
Sep 23rd 2010, 21:24
I have worked with David Polidano and would not hesitate to say that he is more of a jeweler than an engineer. Each of his restorations is a fine piece of art. To know that we have this level of skill on the Island and not put it to good use in the restoration of Faith is shameful. David's expertise has been (and continues to be) sought abroad and it would not surprise me if we lose him to an IWM Duxford or the like. But we've been here before haven't we?
Denis A. Darmanin
Sep 23rd 2010, 21:13
Well done David and the lads. This is another achievent by deditated and hard working volunteers. Pity that the Gloster Sea Gladiator will not be able to fare such good faith (pun intended)!
While on the subject, I also wish Johnny Hili all the luck in obtaining a large premises to open Malta's first Industrial Heritage Museum. John, you're another milestone!
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 23rd 2010, 22:44
Mr. Denis A. Darmanin, could you please enlighten me about Mr. Johnny Hilli's plans for the Malta Industrial Heritage Museum. Are there any concrete plans or potential sites in the pipeline in this regard ? I would appreciate leting me know.
Richard J. Caruana
Sep 24th 2010, 07:29
Join you in your comments re John Hili. I've seen his work and dedication. The man is another engineering genius
David Schiavone
Sep 23rd 2010, 21:08
Marvellous Work I would say. Taking into consideration that you need to fly with this aircraft and to communicate with the tower via modern communication well you must be a big brainy person.. So thumbs up guys well done and keep it up going!
Joseph Agius
Sep 23rd 2010, 21:07
Up where it Belongs IN THE SKY.Congratulations to everyone u worked on this project
Joseph Farrugia
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:47
Well done to all involved in this excellent restoration. A big thank you goes to the Aviation Museum.
Chris Grillo
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:47
A beautiful bird indeed! Well done, and looking forward to immortalize during the airshow.
James Green
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:44
Top notch and a big round of applause to the Polidanos.
Your reporter however must wear a dunce cap and stand in the corner.
I do not think this Moth was bought by the Aviation Museum in 1942, the peak of the German blitz.......tut tut.
Michele Sarlo
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:29
Well done to all the people involved. Looking forward to it flying this weekend at the airshow
Joe Grima Brussels
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:14
A BIG well done, and thank you to the Malta Aviation Museum for this first class project. What's next in line now, Faith? I believe that probably, according to the present custodians of Faith, what has been done with the Tiger Moth was a big mistake. Probably, according to the experts, it should have been left as it was found!!!!!
Thank you Malta Aviation Museum, and keep it up, literally!
Edward Zammit
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:46
Sure enough they'd rather keep it under the awful condition it is currently (and worse), than release it from their uncaring grip to the detriment of the Maltese (and international) community. Grow up Heritage Malta for your own sake !!!
Tony Borg
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:54
I am an enthusiast of aircraft with piston engines and would like to thank all those involved in the restoration.
The sound of those engines is pure music when compared to the harshness of the jet engines.
George Said
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:14
Very very well done David, Ray and all the team!!! This is a great achievement and a landmark in Malta's aviation history! Here's to the next project!!
Joseph Sammut
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:11
What a beauty indeed. Prosit tassew.
J.Attard
Sep 23rd 2010, 20:06
How wonderful ! What a beauty ! :)