WIX Archives

Re: Anyone see "History Heads Spitfire Ace"?

Posted by andy saunders on Mon Jan 19, 2004 06:00:37 PM

In reply top Re: Anyone see "History Heads Spitfire Ace"? posted by Tony C on Mon Jan 19, 2004 01:57:49 PM

: Another thought came into my mind while watching this prog
: ramme, last week , which maybe someone here, can answer!
:
: I readily admit that I am not at all conversant will the C
: AA rules regarding the operation of Warbirds but I always
: felt that the CAA will not allow operaters of Warbirds to
: fly the public in the UK.
:
: The one aircraft that I can think of, of the top of my hea
: d, that could benefit financially, is the B-17, Sally B (t
: here are surely many more).
:
: Being allowed to fly members of the public, who in turn wo
: uld make a 'contribute' for such a flight, would certainly
: improve their 'coffers'.
:
: Aren't similar flights undertaken in the US by the Colling
: s Foundation?
:
: Anyway, if this is correct, how is it, that two members of
: the public (albeit one being a member of the Forces) are
: allowed to not only be flown in, but are also allowed to t
: ake control of, ML407?
:
: I am not de-crying the fact that this is happening but jus
: t wonder what the rules actually are and if such UK flight
: s are permited with the Grace Spitfire, can we expect simi
: lar flights to be allowed with other UK Warbirds?
:
: Tony

I think there was a ruling that the "backseater" in the Spit for example should be a qualified licence holding pilot/PPL or whatever. Not sure if that still applies, but in any case the guys flying in her are licence holding pilots!
When I was lucky enough to get a ride in PV202 a few years back I seem to recall there was a lot of concern at that time about who could or could not fly in her.
As for the programme...some interesting flying shots and good interviews with vetereans but, overall, the programme seems intent on proving that some young lads with flying experience can be taught to fly a Spitfire. Hang on...didnt we establish that fact about sixty years ago (without two seaters!) or have I missed something as well as, maybe, the whole point of the programme!?
Andy Saunders

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