WIX Archives

Potter's Spitfire

Posted by Al on Fri May 16, 2003 09:37:59 AM

Was just up at Goderich yesterday to see the rollout and first flight of Michael Potter's Spitfire XVI SL721, which had just been refinished as AU-J of 421 Squadron by Skyharbour Refinishing. The paint scheme looked absolutely stunning IMO.
Potter spent much time speaking with veterans and the media and anyone else interested in the aircraft. I spoke with the head engineer who has gone through the SL721 from top to bottom and she in great shape now.
The engine, which is the original engine to that airframe has just 15 hours on the clock SMOH.
Potter took the aircraft up for a checkflight first with several passes for the gathered audience. Several hours later he departed in company with his Beech Staggerwing for his home base in Ottawa.
All in all it was a wonderful day to see such attention paid to a worthy aircraft. Also nice to see SL721 in good hands.

I met up with Jim Church from the WIX board and many other gung ho enthusiasts that had driven, like me several hours to see an important piece of history.

Jerry Yagen's Corsair was also in the paint shop, but was entirely masked off for further painting. I am sure once complete it too will be another painting masterpiece.

Cheers

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