Restoration Scene
In recent years the airworthy Seafire population has dwindled considerably, but life is being breathed back into the type by Kennet Aviation, as Darren Harbar discovers...
Tucked neatly among the trees on the far side of Bedfordshire’s Old Warden Aerodrome are several hangars and outbuildings that hide a wealth of vintage aircraft activity. One of the more significant operations on-site is Kennet Aviation, which moved to the location from North Weald in 2016. The company is well known for its previous restoration and operation of vintage jets, but its most recent projects include the Supermarine Seafire Mk.XVII SX336 and stablemates Skyraider AD-4NA (G-RADR) and Harvard Mk.III (G-KAMY) alongside several other interesting types. The move from North Weald in Essex was not exactly planned as the company’s hand was somewhat forced. At the time, SX336 was effectively grounded due to the need for a major service – a ten-year “overhaul” as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Authority – which had already been started. The Skyraider also had engine issues that grounded it, and the aircraft still resides at North Weald, awaiting a serviceable powerplant to allow it to be transited.
Old Warden w…
