Fairey Firefly to be Displayed at AirVenture

June 27, 2019 - The Firefly was designed by Fairey Aviation in 1940 to meet a British Admiralty requirement for a carrier-borne fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. The Firefly is a low-wing, all-metal monoplane with folding wings for carrier storage. Deliveries of production Firefly F Mk I's began in March 1943, although it was July 1944 before the type became operational. Its first assignment was on the aircraft carrier HMS Indefatigable.

Fairey Firefly WB518 is owned by Capt. Eddie Kurdziel, a retired U.S. Navy and commercial airline pilot with thousands of hours. During Warbirds in Review, attendees will hear about his journey with the Fairey Firefly, which began in 1974. The aviation community recognized the dedication of the eight-year restoration of his warbird with the Grand Champion award at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2002, the Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame People's Choice Award.