Pensioners achieve historic flight with rebuilt vintage war plane
- A group of pensioners in East Lothian celebrated the first test flight of a rebuilt vintage war plane after a 24-year effort.
- The plane, a Sopwith 1½ Strutter, is one of only five existing in the world and was rehabilitated by volunteers from the Aviation Preservation Society Scotland.
- The successful flight represents both a personal triumph for the builders and a tribute to aviation heritage from the Great War.
In Scotland, a remarkable achievement took place as a group of dedicated pensioners successfully oversaw the first test flight of a vintage war plane they had spent 24 years reconstructing. This aircraft, known as the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, is among only five remaining in the world. The journey began when a band of volunteers from the Aviation Preservation Society Scotland (APSS)—many of whom are in their eighties—set out to breathe new life into this aircraft, believing firmly in their mantra that if it had flown a century ago, it could fly again. Their determination and commitment paid off with a successful flight at RAF Kirknewton. The team, composed of men aged 60 to 100, felt immense pride in their accomplishment, seeing it as a tribute to the history of the Great War, and reflected on their feelings of joy during the momentous occasion.