Nationwide Platforms helps keep iconic Whittle plane flying high

UK’s largest access rental company Nationwide Platforms recently provided a local charity one of its new Isuzu mounted Versalift LAT135-H truck mounted platforms to inspect a replica Gloster E.28/39 plane in Lutterworth which commemorates the achievements of Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine.

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Located in the same town as Nationwide Platforms’ head office, the LAT135-H platform was supplied free of charge to the Frank Whittle Commemorative Trust and was used to inspect the plane’s condition following poor weather and high winds. Fitted with BF Goodrich off-road tyres, the four wheel drive LAT135-H had little difficulty accessing the replica aircraft, which is situated at the centre of a roundabout approaching Lutterworth. Its 13.3 metre working height and 6.1 metre outreach also ensured the engineer was able to closely inspect all elements of the plane as well as its internal steelwork. Following the examination, further work has now been scheduled to clean, repair and hand paint the plane.

Given the costs of ongoing repairs, coupled with the age and health of the charity’s trustees, there had been growing concerns that the plane would need to be dismantled and removed. Fortunately the Trust has been awarded a £12,000 grant from the Harborough District Council, and £1,000 from the Lutterworth Town Council enabling it to carry out major remedial work, prolonging its condition for the next 10 years.

Peter Douglas, Nationwide Platforms Operations Director, said: “The Frank Whittle plane represents a major part of our country’s heritage and is synonymous with the town where we are based. Although the Trust was recently awarded a grant to carry out essential repair work, we didn’t hesitate to do our part and offer our assistance to ensure the iconic plane remains flying high.”