Second Dutch Spitfire at Gilze-Rijen Air Base

The Dutch civil aircraft register now includes a second Spitfire. Since 2000, Spitfire Mk.IXC PH-OUQ of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht (KLuHV, the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight) has been the sole one. But not anymore!

Recently, former Royal Air Force Spitfire Mk.XVI TB885 of the Flying Vintage Everyday Foundation changed registration: UK civil registration G-CKUE was dropped in exchange for its new Dutch civil registration PH-FVE.

On 17 August 2020, the Spitfire made the very first flight with its new identity from Midden-Zeeland airfield to Gilze-Rijen Air Base, where it will have a new home in the KLuHV's main hangar. During the final part of the flight the Spitfire was joined by AT-16-ND PH-TBR for a photo opportunity.