The engineers using WW2 skills to keep historic planes in the air

An RAF engineer who is part of the team keeping the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight planes in the air says his job involves using skills from a bygone era.

Sgt Rob Taylor, based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, helps keep aircraft including a Lancaster bomber, a Dakota, Spitfires and Hurricanes airworthy for displays and commemorative events.

Taylor said engineers often relied on manuals dating back to 1945, which assumed levels of knowledge and experience that were no longer taught.

"We can't just go to Halfords and grab spare parts!" he added.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight maintains 11 historic aircraft which appear at flypasts, airshows and other events across the UK.

The squadron has five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a Dakota and two Chipmunk aircraft.

The planes played a key role in defending the country against the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

The aircraft are flown by regular and reserve RAF aircrew between May and October, and about 40 engineers and technicians at Coningsby help keep them operational.

Many of the planes were built by hand, which means modern replacement parts often cannot be fitted.

Taylor said engineers had to refurbish original components or work with specialist manufacturers to produce new ones – a process that can take months.

"We've had to have wheels made for a Lancaster because they don't exist anymore," he said.

"Some days it's extremely frustrating and time-consuming because the companies that originally made these parts just aren't around."

Taylor said the problems they faced were sometimes similar to the wartime ground crews who worked around the clock to repair, refuel and rearm returning aircraft.

While the aircraft and the technology have changed, Taylor said much of that spirit remains, with teamwork and determination helping to get the job done when the pressure is on.

He added that his favourite part of the job was during the summer when he and his colleagues could see the aircraft doing what they were designed to do.

"It's a great feeling when they fly over," he said. "That link to the past is so important to show the next generations.

"It's not just history, it's right there in front of people. It's very special."

Taylor, who is also an ambassador for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said his work was hugely rewarding.

"This is what I joined the RAF for," he said. "I love it, even on the frustrating days.

"You get to see and hear these aircraft fly, which makes it all worth it. Seeing children's faces when they see them for the first time is amazing."

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