13 June 2015 sees the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Britten-Norman Islander light transport and utility aircraft. The Islander is the most successful British aircraft ever and was created by what could be considered as one of the last British aircraft companies to come into existence, the Britten-Norman Company, or B-N, based at Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight. The first flight 50th anniversary will be commemorated by the "Islander 50" event to be held at Bembridge Airport in June, 2015. Bob Wealthy guest reports for GAR.
The
BN-2 wooden mock up being tried out for size – occupants
(left to
right) are Ernie Perkins, Desmond Norman, John Britten
and Denis
Berryman
