First BBMF Dakota flight of 2016

The BBMF Dakota flew on Monday 11th April for the first time in 2016 to conduct an air test. Someone sent us information to suggest the entire cockpit of the Dakota has been rebuilt over the winter to its Original condition but we are waiting to confirm this. It was due to fly around 1300 however due to strong winds everything was placed back into the BBMF Hangar with word of a second attempt around 1700hrs. At 1746 we got word she had been issued Takeoff clearance by ATC and we saw her transponder shortly afterward, she spent a lot of this flight above 5,000ft and 10nm + from Coningsby which is to be expected for a first flight where altitude can give you more time should something go wrong.

We look forward to bringing you more news of BBMF flights for the 2016 season so please check the diary as everything we know and can share is in there.

Thanks to Michelle Middleton (@Michell52526512 on Twitter) for the kind permission to use her photos in this article.