Enjoyable

Mark Miller – Restoration of de Havilland Dragon Rapide Part 3 distributors, 28 HT leads and 24 spark plugs, and on all 12 Continuing on from the February Club Evening, with Mark cylinder compressions. In fact the machine has repaid attention Miller’s presentation of restoring the de Havilland Dragon to detail by proving most reliable. So far the rebuilt Rapide has Rapide. flown about 220 hours and is only now starting to merit deeper

attention during maintenance. Flying at Last Responding to a fellow aero-modeller’s question, Mark said Mark and his father David completed the 27 year restoration of that the Rapide behaved well at low speeds, in spite of having G-AGJG and the aircraft received a Public Transport Certificate sharply tapered wings, but that no chances are taken. Final of Airworthiness on 30th June 2004. During the restoration approach speed is “60 knots plus a knot for each passenger”, period both Mark and David had obtained pilot’s licences. Mark with touchdown, mainwheels first, at around 53 knots. first soloed in 1981 on a Tiger Moth and finished off his Private Mark has gone on to be highly involved with other Dragon Pilot’s Licence on a 1945 Auster Autocrat, which they had also Rapide restorations in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, found time to purchase and restore. A 1936 DH87B Hornet Denmark, South Africa, the USA and currently Iceland. The Moth later joined the family too. Yet further experience was Rapide is popular the world over as it was the start of air gained by operating a Chipmunk and BA Eagle. Mark explained transport in so many countries. that in order to fly the twin engine Rapide, he and his father had The evening’s presentation was absolutely fascinating and to have additional training with emphasis on asymmetric flying tremendous credits to Mark and David - for persevering over 27 in the event of an engine failure. Mark obtained his Multi years to completely restore this magnificent DH Dragon Rapide. Engine Piston rating flying a British Britten Norman Islander. Father and son were soon at home in their Rapide, with Mark describing the aircraft as remarkably straightforward and pleasant to fly. Mark showed several photos of the aircraft flying, including air to air shots and air displays. The Rapide looked superb in its immaculate Scottish Airways livery.

The Millers’ DH Dragon Rapide & Hornet Moth at Duxford

Photos Damien Burke (left) and David Whitworth (above) and many thanks to Mark for ensuring technical information were correct. Reviewed by Chris Sharman

DH Dragon Rapide in its immaculate war time livery On 10th July 2005, G-AGJG was chosen to lead other WWII aircraft in a State fly past over London and Buckingham Palace, marking the ‘60th Anniversary of the End of World War II’. In this instance Lee Proudfoot flew the Rapide with an RAF navigator. The Rapide has taken part in over 100 air shows over the last ten years, including several continental events. G-AGJG has chauffeured wedding parties and carried a number of well known people in the aviation world, including Molly Rose and Freydis Sharland – both war time ATA lady ferry pilots.

Mark at the controls of G-AGJG A question & answer session revealed that the aircraft must undergo six monthly and annual checks, signed off by Mark who has become a CAA Licensed Engineer on the airframe and engines. A particularly close eye is kept on the 4 magnetos and