A new generation of skilled young people is needed to put fresh blood into an expanding Essex-based industry – the restoration and maintenance of vintage aircraft.
The historic Stow Maries aerodrome, near Maldon, has become a national hub for the activity. Russell Savory, operations manager at the site, is in the process of setting up an apprenticeship system, to help keep the skills alive.
Russell said: “There is a large and growing interest in owning and flying vintage aircraft, both originals and replicas. The skills required for keeping these aircraft in the air have something in common with modern aircraft maintenance skills, but are also quite specific.”
“We have a strong group of experts here, including fabricators in wood, and riggers. But the youngest is in his sixties. They are keen to pass on their skills to a new generation. If they don’t, a wonderful tradition of craftsmanship will die out quite quickly.
“We don’t want Stow Maries to become a graveyard of old, beautiful, but permanently grounded planes.”
The Stow Maries board is already working with two Essex training colleges, Colchester Institute, and the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence at Rainham, with the aim of setting up an apprenticeship system.
The scheme also has the support of the Royal Aeronautical Society. 
During a recent visit to Stow Maries, the society’s president, Martin Broadhurst, said: “I am looking forward to finding ways for us to work with Stow Maries to inspire young people.”
The large number of wealthy people who collect and fly vintage aircraft makes aircraft restoration a secure and well-paid job. 
Among the wealthy enthusiasts who take a keen interest in Stow Maries are Lord of the Rings and Hobbit producer-director Sir Peter Jackson 
Russell said: “Yet we are struggling to attract young blood to take up the role.”
“We are very good at designing and making things in this country, even if we are not so good at producing mass volumes. 
“But there has been a ten-year gap when hands-on skills just weren’t being passed on to young people. “Because of that, they have lost their way. They all think in terms of being footballers, or pop stars, but engineering doesn’t form part of that dream.”
Russell ran his own engineering company for over 40 years. RS Tuning maintained and tuned racing cars and bikes.
He said: “I’ve worked on a wide range of machines, but vintage aircraft have a particular appeal, and you could base a great career on working with them.”