MALTA AVIATION MUSEUM
Restoration
The Malta Aviation Museum has developed extensive skills over the years to successfully restore complete aircraft.
In Malta, the first flight of a powered aircraft took place from the Grand Harbour in 1915. Since then a rich aviation history has been created by the people, aircraft and organisations involved over the last 100 years. The aim of the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation is to preserve and promote this history for the benefit of future generations and the worldwide aviation community.
Many different types of aircraft have operated in Malta during the last 100 years. Obtaining actual aircraft that have played a role in Malta, either during the war or in peacetime becomes more difficult and expensive with time. A number of museum aircraft did spend time in Malta and are on display. Other exhibits are examples of aircraft that fit into Malta's aviation history. A large amount of research goes into the history of each exhibit.
Most of the aircraft require some degree of restoration. The older aircraft require the most work either in locating spare parts or in the manufacture or refurbishment of replacement parts. There are individuals, mostly volunteers, who have acquired the necessary engineering skills to carry out the majority of the work at the Museum. Depending on its original condition each exhibit is restored to either 'flying', 'taxiing' or 'static display' condition.
Aircraft Restoration - major projects
Restoration on this aircraft started in early 2015 and continues today. Progress can be seen in the Main Exhibition Hangar.
This aircraft is under restoration and is 'a project to fly'. Progress can be seen in the Main Exhibition Hangar.
Starting with a skeletel fuselage and wing parts, the Swordfish is in the very early stages of restoration. The components can be seen in the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar.
Aircraft Restoration - major projects completed
Recovered from a Malta scrapyard in 1992 and restored by the Museum.
Completed in 1995 to 'display' condition. See it in the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar.
Found in the sea of Malta in 1993 and later recovered. Restored by the Museum.
Completed in 2005 to 'taxiing' condition. See it in the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar.
In 2000 an airworthy fuselage bought but wings had to be replaced. Complete aircraft dismantled, rebuilt and re-skinned.
Completed and made first flight after restoration on the 23rd September 2010. See it in the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar.
Incurred damage as a result of a 'ground loop' and was written off. Since 2012, airframe repaired, engine overhauled and aircraft repainted.
2014 - Restored to flying condition and awaiting clearance for first flight. See it in the Main Exhibition Hangar.
Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.6
Acquired by the Foundation from Pheonix Aviation in 1999.
Restored and repainted to 'display' condition. See it in the Romney Exhibition Hangar.
de Havilland Vampire T.11
Bought by the Malta Aviation Society and donated to the Museum. Shipped from the UK it arrived in a container on October 1996.
Summer 2000 the aircraft was overhauled and painted by Museum members. See it in the Romney Exhibition Hangar.
