Andrzej Rutka Aviation Passion

04/09/2026

A true legend of the shadows! 🕵️‍♂️✈️ Capturing the Westland Lysander V9312 (G-CCOM) in flight is like stepping straight into a World War II espionage thriller. With its distinctive high-wing profile and incredible STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities, this aircraft remains one of the most iconic operational designs of its era.

While designed as an army co-operation and reconnaissance plane, the Lysander achieved legendary status in the hands of the RAF Special Duties Squadrons (such as No. 161 Squadron). During WWII, Lysanders painted in matte black flew covert, low-level missions deep into occupied France under the cover of a full moon. Landing on unlit, makeshift farm fields to drop off SOE (Special Operations Executive) secret agents, weapons, and resistance fighters—and extract key political figures—they were the ultimate covert taxis of the war.

Seeing and hearing this piece of living history grace the skies today is pure privilege! 📸⚙️

03/09/2026

This is the Hispano HA-1112 Buchón – the Spanish twin brother of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Since very few original Bf 109s survived the war, these licensed machines (powered by British Rolls-Royce Merlin engines) stepped up to "play" the German fighters in iconic movies like “Battle of Britain” and Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk”! 🎥🛩️

A true silver screen legend in the skies! ⭐

02/09/2026

Winged giant in the sky ✈️ This impressive RAF C-17 Globemaster (ZZ177) is a true force to be reckoned with. What a catch!
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02/09/2026

Winged giant in the sky ✈️ This impressive RAF C-17 Globemaster (ZZ177) is a true force to be reckoned with. What a catch!

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02/09/2026

Percival Provost T.1 (XF603) is a classic 1950s British military trainer designed for basic and advanced pilot instruction. 🛩️

Built: 1954 by Percival Aircraft Limited in Luton, UK

Role: Two-seat side-by-side basic trainer

Engine: Alvis Leonides 126 radial engine (~550 hp)

Top Speed: 200 mph (320 km/h)

Range: 630 miles (1,020 km)

Design: All-metal low-wing monoplane with fixed tailwheel landing gear

Built for the Royal Air Force (RAF), XF603 trained a generation of Cold War pilots. Known for its superb handling and aerobatic capability, it bridged the gap between basic flight training and early jet aircraft.

01/09/2026

SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE XI PL983
Built in 1944 at Castle Bromwich, Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XI (PL983) began its life not as a fighter, but as a high-altitude, unarmed photo-reconnaissance aircraft. Fitted with extra fuel tanks and powerful cameras, its defense was pure speed—flying deep over enemy territory to gather vital intelligence while outrunning Luftwaffe interceptors.

After the war, PL983 entered private ownership and competed in air races before eventually joining the historic fleet at the Aircraft Restoration Company based in Duxford.

In 2020, this iconic airframe took on an extraordinary new mission. Repainted in its wartime PR blue livery, it was emblazoned with the words “THANK U NHS” across its underside to support healthcare workers during the pandemic. Through a fundraising initiative, members of the public nominated loved ones and frontline heroes whose names were individually hand-written onto the aircraft's aluminum skin. PL983 completed dozens of flypasts over hospitals across the UK, becoming a national symbol of hope and unity.

Today, PL983 remains a active survivor, thrilling crowds at airshows with its distinctive elliptical wings and the iconic roar of its Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

Pure power in the air and precision on the ground. Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet in full action! 🇫🇮🔥
​Which view is your favorite: the loud takeoff or the close-up details? Drop a comment below! 👇
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