Miles M.38 Messenger — Engineering & Airworthiness Documentation Collection

A specialized archival collection of World War II and postwar British aviation documentation covering the Miles M.38 Messenger — one of the most capable short take-off and landing (STOL) liaison aircraft of its era. This collection assembles primary-source engineering reports, engine manuals, handling studies, performance data sheets, and airworthiness bulletins into a single authoritative reference for researchers, restorers, historians, and serious collectors.

Document Manifest

1. Aerodynamic & Flap Engineering Reports

• Miles Messenger M.38 Specification — ref. M38/1/3/7/3000/A — original factory specification sheet with aerial photograph of G-AILI, c. 1946
• Miles M.28 Engineering Brochure — R.K. Dundas Ltd. (Engineers & Exporters, Portsmouth Airport) — twin-engine variant brochure with in-flight photography
• Miles Messenger Sales Brochure — R.K. Dundas Ltd. stamp — atmospheric in-flight photography, full performance overview
• Miles Messenger Specification Sheet — Page 2 — detailed dimensional and performance data continuation
• Miles M.28 Brochure — Page 2 — technical continuation of twin-engine variant data

Key aerodynamic features documented: non-retractable wide-chord external trailing-edge auxiliary airfoil flaps; triple-fin tail assembly for clean rudder airflow behind wide cabin; low aspect ratio wings for exceptional low-speed roll authority near stall threshold.

2. Engine Technical Documentation

• The Manual of the Cirrus Major 2 & 3 — 4-Cylinder In-Line Light Aero Engines — Cirrus Engine Section, Blackburn & General Aircraft Ltd., Brough, E. Yorks — Revised August 1952 — complete maintenance and overhaul manual for the 155 hp Cirrus Major III powerplant
• Bristol Siddeley — Cirrus Major Series II and III Engine Spare Parts Catalogue — July 1963, with Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited disclaimer notice — definitive parts reference for both Series II and III variants
• Blackburn & General Aircraft Ltd. — National Wages Award Circular, 9 May 1955 — ref. FC/ENG.S/DK — official correspondence covering Spare Parts List pricing revisions (Minor I, Minor II & 2A, Major III schedules dated 28/3/55 and 25/2/55); signed F. Cumperness, Sales Department (Engines) — primary provenance document for the Cirrus engine supply chain

Powerplant coverage: 140 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major and 155 hp Blackburn Cirrus Major III; dual 18-gallon wing-root tanks (36-gallon total); inverted air-cooled inline configuration; coarse-pitch (civil cruising) and fine-pitch (military STOL) propeller configurations.

3. Pilot's Notes & Handling Studies

• Miles Messenger — Pilot's Notes — handling characteristics, stall dynamics, crosswind procedures, and approach technique for STOL operations
• Miles Messenger Service Manual — two-document set covering scheduled maintenance, control rigging inspection, and structural inspection procedures

Handling data documented: stall speed 25–28 mph (40–45 km/h) with non-vicious characteristics; steep slow approaches to unprepared fields; high aileron authority at stall threshold; crosswind rudder management for triple-fin configuration.

4. Performance Data Summary

5. Engineering Bulletins & Airworthiness Directives

Historical airworthiness documentation covers: structural glue failure bulletins targeting synthetic and casein adhesives in the wood-and-ply airframe; mandatory moisture degradation and delamination inspection mandates; control rigging jam checks for wood block anchoring points at primary aileron control arms.

This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.

⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.

Living Collections with Free Lifetime Updates — Please review our Disclaimer and Export Notice before purchasing.