Ever since the Canadian Warplane Heritage (CWH) Avro Lancaster (C-GVRA, ex-FM213) flew again after its 11-year restoration in 1988, there had always been a hope that it would one day fly with the only other airworthy example – PA474 of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). Over the years, several plans were prepared, but it always seemed like a bridge too far. In addition to the operational requirements, challenges and risks, there were huge financial hurdles. These were probably even more significant than the operational ones. Weighing them up, the risks meant it never made sense to pursue the venture any further.
At the end of every flying season, the BBMF hold a dinner. Although the CWH was often invited, it was seldom able to attend. However, 2013 was different – CWH’s senior Lancaster pilot, Don Schofield, flew across to attend. At that dinner, ‘Dunc’ Mason, the then-Officer Commanding BBMF, had cannily engineered that Don be sat next to noted warbird pilot/collector and CEO of UK airline Eastern Airways, Richard Lake.
During dinner a discussion between Don and Richard ensued about bringing the Lancaster to England while the pair consumed a bottle of wine. With Don asking, “Who’s going to pay for it?” Richar…
