From (the late) Air Vice Marshall Sir John Severne

KCVO OBE AFC DL

 

"Aviation history was made in 1959 when HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, an honorary member of the Tiger Club , flew G-APNZ at White Waltham (UK).  This was the first and only time a member of the royal family has flown a single seat aircraft.

In the following year HRH entered PNZ in the National Air Races with me as a pilot. I was Prince Philip's equerry at the time. We won the Kings cup Air  Race and I became the National Air Racing Champion that year.

Sadly the aircraft was subsequently badly damaged during a flying display. However, Jerry Knight, the owner, has now very generously donated the aircraft to the 'Turbulent G-APNZ Preservation Society', a charitable Trust specifically formed to restore the aircraft to flying condition. The chairman of the trust is Martin Jones of Derby Airfield.

  

The aircraft will be finished in the original Duke of Edinburgh's colours green and white , with HRH's badge displayed beneath the cockpit.

  

Through the restoration of the aircraft the aim is to introduce aeronautical engineering skills to various youth groups, who will assist in the restoration, promotion and exhibition of PNZ.

Restoration will be overseen by Ken Fern, a well known restorer of light aircraft. The inspector will be Martin Jones BSc, C.Eng, FRAes. 

 

When the restoration is complete it is hoped that the aircraft will be displayed at a new exhibition centre based at the Derby Airfield and it will participate in some of their air displays, and those of the Shuttleworth Museum and the Light Aircraft Association."   

 

Message of Condolence

 

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh died on 9 April 2021 at Windsor Castle, England.

 

The members of the Turbulent Preservation Society based at Derby Airfield wish to send their deepest sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen and to The Royal Family at this sad time.

 

The work of the Turbulent Preservation Society will continue in memory of the remarkable support for young people established by Prince Philip through the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.