Well-travelled Harvard flies again in Europe

A Harvard with extensive – and global – flight history is now flying in Switzerland

North American T.6J 52-8577 (HB-RWM) made its first European post-restoration flight on April 5 from Grenchen, Switzerland, in the hands of new owner Michael Weber.

The 1953-built trainer was manufactured in Canada, but later served with the post-war West German Luftwaffe. Restoration began in 1996 and it received the South African restoration ZU-ASF. It was then acquired by Michael, who transported it to Switzerland and tasked Aerotec AG to restore it to fly in Europe. The aircraft is painted in the yellow USAF livery it wore prior to being transferred to Europe in 1954. With thanks to Eric Janssonne

Michael Weber flying HB-RWM in April
Michael Weber flying HB-RWM in April Nils Wälti via E Janssonne
The Harvard wears a striking trainer yellow scheme
The Harvard wears a striking trainer yellow scheme Nils Wälti via E Janssonne