Wight Aviation Museum

Bringing the Spartan Aircraft home to the Isle of Wight

Join our mission to bring the last 3 seater Type II Spartan Aircraft home to the Isle of Wight, where she was built in 1932. Every donation propels it on the 12,000-mile journey from New Zealand to the Island, help us make every mile count.
£9,164
raised of £50,000 target
RCN 1175948

Story

We are raising funds to bring the last 3 seater Type II Spartan biplane home to the Isle of Wight.

Spartan G-ABYN (now ZK-ARH) was built in the early 1930's by the Spartan Aircraft company based near Cowes on the Isle of Wight, UK.

It is the last one of this aircraft type in existence, so is extremely rare..

The aircraft was beautifully restored from a near-wreck in the 1990's by retired pilot Rod Hall Jones and resides near his home in New Zealand.

Rod, who once flew helicopters for legendary explorer Jacque Cousteau, now wishes to sell the aircraft and the Wight Aviation Museum are raising funds to purchase the Spartan so it can be displayed to the public and the story of this remarkable period in the Islands aviation history, can be told.

Bringing the Spartan home is also about reclaiming a piece of our proud aviation legacy..

The Spartan biplane is a symbol of the spirit that characterises the rich history of flight. Her return represents a full circle in aviation heritage, a celebration of past achievements, and a beacon for future generations.

Your support is crucial. It will not only help in the journey but also contribute to our educational and cultural enrichment. You will be investing in a museum that will ignite passion and curiosity in the hearts of young and old alike. Help us make history by supporting the Spartan’s voyage home.

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About the charity

The Wight Aviation Museum is a volunteer based organisation that celebrates Isle of Wight’s flight history through its exhibits and displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of aviation wonders, from the early seaplanes to the advanced aircraft and spacecraft all engineered on the island.

Donation summary

Total raised
£9,163.63
+ £357.50 Gift Aid
Online donations
£1,485.63
Offline donations
£7,678.00
Direct donations
£1,485.63
Donations via fundraisers
£0.00

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