APSS SCIO Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter Project in East Lothian

30/05/2026

One of our members James Arnott displayed his US Navy N3N for the first time at Shuttleworth today. Well done James and thanks for promoting the APSS there too!
😎👏

06/05/2026

A successful engine run completed today ahead of the resumption of flight testing. Alastair and I had a look at conditions on the grass airfield at KN and can confirm that at the moment they are perfect! After the setback last year when baffles had to be fitted to aid CHT cooling, we are now ready. Well done team for some excellent engineering and completion of the annual inspection which included some turnbuckle replacements.
Tim now needs to complete the paperwork and forward to the LAA for confirmation then we are good to go.
Today was the culmination of the rectification process that set us back last year and we now look forward to seeing Sophie back in the skies to complete the flight testing program.
Well done everyone involved in this process especially Tim, Donald, Allan, Brian and Colin.

03/05/2026

An absolutely superb 10 page article about our Strutter project appears in the latest edition of the LAA magazine this month. Written by our Test Pilot and LAA Inspector Tim Rayner, it documents the 26 year build from day one. This is by far the best and most detailed story of our journey to date. Tim’s knowledge and first hand experience gives the best insight into the achievements of this group of “old guys” and their work so far. We are really proud of this story given the highs and lows over the years and Tim has expertly documented it.
It’s a belter and we are sure every member of the Light Aviation Association will agree.
And this isn’t the end of the story because Tim and the team are now progressing our next project. Now that we have completed the first aircraft to land on the world’s first aircraft carrier, HMS Argus flown by Commander Richard Bell Davies VC, MC. The next one will be a replica of the first Sopwith Pup to land on a moving ship, HMS Furious piloted by Squadron Commander Edwin Dunning
Thank you Tim!
We very much appreciate everything you have done. These achievements could not have been done without you.

08/04/2026

Dr Scott Arthur’s post

08/04/2026

Delighted to welcome a visit from Sophie’s local MP today Dr Scott Arthur. A self confessed aviation enthusiast he enjoyed learning all about her build history and the fact that she’s a replica of the world’s first carrier aircraft.

04/04/2026

Kip Aero’s Strutter. Rotary with its 100hp Gnome Monosoupape period rotary engine. A different sound to our radial engine. Simple carburation,rpm is controlled by cutting the ignition to some of the cylinders. Cost for the engine? Around £30,000.

04/04/2026

Congratulations Dean from everyone at the Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland, top man. Excellent achievement.

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Today marks a very special occasion for our business. It was 40 years ago this very day that Dean Coppola walked into this very building to start his first day in electrical wholesaling.

For those who know him, you will know that Dean is an amazing person in and out of the business.
Dean’s commitment, effort, energy and support towards our team, customers and suppliers is top class and he is always up for any challenge.

Please join us in a celebration of Dean's 40 years in the business.
Well done Dean, thank you on behalf of everyone in this wonderful industry

Dean Coppola TCB ⚡for 40 years!

29/03/2026

One of our members James Arnott has managed to get his N3N airworthy and she will be on static display at RAF Cosworth in June. Great news James! She looks amazing. 🤩

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✨ We’re delighted to announce that a 'Naval Aircraft Factory' N3N‑3 Canary will be joining us on static display at the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 14 June 2026! ✨

✈️ Built in 1941, the N3N‑3, commonly known as the Canary or Yellow Peril, was uniquely designed and built entirely by the US Government at the Naval Aircraft Factory in Pennsylvania as a primary trainer for US Navy cadets.

Of all‑metal construction and designed to operate on both wheels and floats, the N3N was used to train naval aviators, flying boat pilots and also served in specialist roles including glider towing. The type has the distinction of being the last biplane operated by the US armed forces, remaining in service until 1961.

✨ Now beautifully restored and one of only two examples in the UK, this historic aircraft offers visitors a rare opportunity to get up close to an exceptionally important piece of aviation history.

🎫 Don’t miss your chance to see it on the ground at Cosford:
👉 www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

📸 Andrew Wilson

27/03/2026

Yesterday 661VGS RAF Kirknewton and the Kirknewton Flying Group had some visitors from the local primary school. They invited the APSS to take part and show them Sophie the Strutter. Everyone, adults and children had a wonderful time seeing the various gliders and aircraft finding out about the various activities on the base and in the hangar. We welcome opportunities like this and are grateful to them for including us. We have a feeling it won’t be the only visit. And to top it all the sun was shining 😊
We have been given permission to share these pictures by the parents and teachers.