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Our Engineering team has been busy with some prep work on the Lightning ahead of the engine run event in a couple of weeks. The fuel pumps, fuel cocks, ignitors and lights were all checked out and the avpin tank topped up. The flaps and airbrakes were cycled using the hand hydraulic pump then with the ground power unit supplying power, carried out the fail safe checks for the starter system firstly on engine 1 then number 2, these both checked out. We received some new parts for the Harrier recently, one of these was a brand new windscreen wiper arm assembly still in its original packaging! Whilst investigating the fitment they discovered that it wasn't just the wiper arm that had been spares recovered but the wiper motor p/n AC63896 as well, so we are on the hunt for one of those too if anyone has any leads (they are the same part number as on the FA2). The wiper arm has been temporarily fitted in place until we source the motor. Another brand new part sourced was the control rod, which goes between the bellcrank to the forward reaction control nozzle. This will be fitted when we get the correct nozzle. After our last update we were very kindly donated the 2 suspension lugs that we were in need of for the external fuel drop tanks. When we are able to source some outboard pylons the drop tanks will replace the Matra SNEB rocket launchers currently fitted that will in turn move to the outboard pylons. Work has also started on the application of the painted tailplane angle of incidence markings. A new addition to the Sea Hawk cockpit was a Camera controller, which after a clean of the area has been fitted on the port side console. We are currently looking for someone to take on the restoration of the Sea Hawk's cockpit, if you are interested drop us a message. Finally the last jobs of the day were on the Shackleton. Again as part of our prep work for the engine run event we wanted to carry out an anti deterioration engine run of each engine one at a time to establish serviceability. Coolant levels were checked and topped up, the engines turn through by hand rotating the blades before applying power and checking out all the fuel pumps and priming circuits. Number 4 engine was the first to be run and after a successful start was run up to 1250 RPM for a few minutes then briefly taken up to 1500 RPM before being brought back to idle and shut down. The process was repeated successfully on engine 3 and 2 but unfortunately no 1 engine refused to cooperate with not even a cough. Initial investigation pointed to an ignition fault as the boost coil could not be heard to function. We're pleased to report that this has now been investigated and rectified and all 4 engines are operational, ready for the run on the 24th! (fb)