In a workshop at Bembridge Harbour, on the Isle of Wight, the Britten-Norman Aircraft Preservation Society's (BNAPS) restoration team is making excellent progress with the restoration of the world's oldest surviving BN-2 Islander, the first production machine, G-AVCN. Work is on target to have the aeroplane ready to go on show by June 13 2015, the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the prototype Islander, G-ATCT, from Bembridge Airport. Work is currently underway to complete the doors and refit them, after which the windscreen panels will be re-installed. The flexible window mount mouldings are being sought for the side windows, which will then allow the windows to be refitted. The fuselage will then be sprayed with a white base coat, and three coats of Aurigny Airlines yellow, before being moved from the workshop into temporary storage to enable work on the wing to proceed. Reconstruction of the wing is due to be completed early in 2015. Meanwhile, work to prepare seats, upholstery, internal trim and detail fitting out of items will proceed in parallel ready for completion of the fuselage Other activities underway during the period will be preparation of fibreglass cowlings and fairings and assembly of the nose and main landing gear. The team has been very fortunate with the recent donation and purchase of wanted parts, with a previously elusive tail bumper and a throttle box cover arriving at the workshop.
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