A LITTLE HISTORY
Founded in 1948 by Douglas Bianchi, one of British aviation's best-known characters, Personal Plane Services (PPS) has been part of the British aviation scene for nearly eight decades.
A PRE-WAR AVIATOR, ACCOMPLISHED AIRCRAFT ENGINEER AND DESIGNER
Doug Bianchi began his flying career at Hanworth and Brooklands before gaining further experience during the Second World War, including service with the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA).
Following the war, and inspired by the Berlin Airlift, Doug established Personal Plane Services, initially specialising in the sale of ex-military and private aircraft, together with engineering and technical support. First based at Blackbushe Airport and later at White Waltham, PPS quickly established a reputation for expertise, ingenuity and personal service. By the 1950s, Doug had become something of a legend in British aviation — the man to turn to for engineering knowledge, practical solutions and sound advice.
During the late 1950s, PPS became an aircraft manufacturer in its own right, producing the French-designed CP301 Piel Emeraude under licence.
The early 1960s brought an exciting new chapter when Doug and his team pioneered the construction and operation of replica historic aircraft for the film industry. Their work featured prominently in the 1965 Twentieth Century Fox classic Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, followed by the First World War aviation epic The Blue Max.
Over the following decades, PPS supplied aircraft, pilots and technical expertise to more than 100 film and television productions, including A Bridge Too Far, The Eagle Has Landed, Aces High and Mosquito Squadron.
By the late 1960s, PPS had moved to Booker Airfield and developed into a thriving family business, specialising in the restoration of rare and historic aircraft for collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Aerobatic aircraft had always been one of Doug's particular interests, and PPS became closely associated with the sport, providing engineering support to the famous Rothmans Aerobatic Team. During the 1970s, the company secured the sole UK agency for Mudry CAP aerobatic aircraft, while PPS pilots competed internationally and became familiar faces on the air display circuit. This enthusiasm eventually led to the establishment of Britain's first full-time aerobatic flying school.
At Booker, with larger premises and an expanding team, PPS developed an international reputation for restoring some of aviation's rarest and most historically significant aircraft, including Spitfires, Mosquitoes and other remarkable machines from both World Wars.
One of the company's crowning achievements came in 2012 with the restoration of a unique Spitfire Mk Ia, which was awarded the prestigious Freddie March Spirit of Aviation Trophy at the Goodwood Revival.
After more than half a century of aircraft restoration, film work, aircraft sales and specialist engineering, PPS had built an extraordinary legacy and a wealth of experience almost unparalleled in British aviation.
In 2016, the company relocated to Turweston Airfield, where its activities now concentrate on specialist aircraft sales, technical consultancy, maintenance of classic and sport aircraft and, of course, the simple pleasure of flying nice aeroplanes.
Today, Personal Plane Services continues under the direction of Doug's son, Tony Bianchi, and his wife Pia. Nearly eight decades after its foundation, the company remains proudly family-run, offering the same knowledge, enthusiasm and genuinely personal service on which Doug built his reputation.
The same family name, the same passion for aviation and the same philosophy that started it all back in 1948.