MALTA AVIATION MUSEUM

It was necessary to purchase a few small airframe parts, including a front windshield to complete the restoration. Repairs were made to the main undercarriage legs and the support brackets. New main wheels (including brakes), and a propeller were purchased. All the new skinning was carried out in-house.

 

With the airframe very much nearing completion, overhauling the Cessna’s Continental 0-470-11 engine was the next obvious task. This is the original engine fitted to ‘Charlie Bravo’ during the accident. As one can imagine, the engine, after having suffered prop-strike damage, required a complete strip down and a very detailed inspection.

 

With all systems hooked up and fuel leak checks performed, it was time to get the engine running. On the evening of 4 March 2013 with everything ready for the first engine run we pushed the aircraft out of the hangar for the first run. After going through the check list and priming some fuel the engine came to life with just a couple of turns on the starter motor. The engine ran well with the exception of a few minor snags which were later rectified.

 

The aircraft is now physically complete and awaits paperwork and other formalities for it to take to the air again.