Fokker D.XXI celebration

Witnessed by hundreds of enthusiasts, the recently (19 June 2023) obtained Certificate of Airworthiness of Fokker D.XXI fighter PH-XXI was celebrated at Hoogeveen airport, the Netherlands on 8 July.

As has been published before by Scramble, the Fokker is a new built aeroplane, incorporating several original D.XXI components. The Fokker fighter is a labour of love of members of the van Egmond family, owners of Egmond Vintage Wings, based at Hoogeveen.

Using original drawings and a lot of expertise Jack, his two sons (Jack Jr. and Hans) and his grandson Tom formed a team. The first steps were taken on 6 May 2014, and after spending thousands of hours putting the Fokker fighter together, PH-XXI made its first flight on 23 May 2022.

The celebration of the CoA, was advertised as ‘Scramble Fokker D.XXI’, so we had to be there! In the morning hours several owners of historic aircraft headed for Hoogeveen to be present at the event. And so the grass parking area was filled with Tiger Moths, Stearmans, Austers, Chipmunks, Fokker S-11s and even Lelystad based P-51 Mustang PH-JAT ‘Trusty Rusty’ showed up.

Around 11:30, Dan Griffith, the pilot who has done all the flight testing of the Fokker, took PH-XXI up in the sky and did some attractive flybys. The Fokker, although not taken to its limits yet, looked both agile and faster than expected. After the landing, photos were made of the D.XXI with the van Egmond dynasty and Dan Griffith in front.

Later in the afternoon the Fokker was officially baptized by sprinkling the content of a bottle of Champagne on the fuselage. An emotional moment for the builders!

In the coming year, Jack van Egmond jr., who is destined to become the demopilot, will familiarize with the plane. In this period no official demos will be given. These are expected not before mid- 2024. By that time we hope to see this unique fighter more frequently. It is definitely a fabulous piece of art!

Photos by Gert Jan Mentink