Grounded Lancaster's comeback displays confirmed

The Lancaster bomber during practice at RAF Coningsby

One of Britain's most celebrated World War Two planes will be performing in public again this weekend.

The Avro Lancaster PA474 had been grounded for maintenance but has now been signed off to fly following extensive testing.

A spokesperson from the RAF said the appearance would be subject to "weather and serviceability", but the plane was expected to appear at both the Blackpool Airshow and the Compton Abbas Airshow in Dorset.

The Lancaster, which is part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, is the only plane from the fleet currently in service.

Fleet grounded

The fleet was grounded in May following the death of Sqn Ldr Mark Long, who died when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire.

An inquest into his death was opened in June and is expected to resume on 24 November.

In a statement, the BBMF said its Spitfires and Hurricanes remained grounded "whilst the investigation into the tragic Spitfire incident continues".

Maintenance work on the plane has been completed

The RAF spokesperson said Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin had given Public Display Authority for the plane to take part in displays.

The team would now be working to confirm dates for appearances at other airshows this summer.

The Lancaster is one of only two remaining airworthy examples of the four-engine heavy bomber, which was a mainstay of the RAF during World War Two.

It is the only Lancaster still flying in the UK.

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