robstopper Posted October 25, 2022 Share Posted October 25, 2022 I've posted some pictures earlier this year, when I had the chance to spend the day hanging out with The Suffolk Spitfire at IWM Duxford. Last Saturday, I managed to round off the season with an amazing "fly alongside" experience with what is now my favourite Spitfire! They've been operating the aircraft on the Classic Wings flight experiences this year to earn its keep, and this weekend was going to be the last flights of the season before the winter downtime, so I decided to spend the money on a seat. Glad I did! This is the 3rd such flight I've done (one from Duxford with TA805, and one from Biggin Hill with TE308), but I have to say, it was by far the best. George flew beautifully and dynamically, not just straight and level alongside the DH Dragon Rapide - he was almost "dogfighting" with it, swooping up and down from ahead and astern, really showing off how graceful a Spitfire is in the air. To top it off, the Dragon Rapide was flown by none other than Dan Griffith, so I've had the honour of being flown by one of the pre-eminant Warbird pilots currently operating in the UK. Here's a few of my pics. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canberraman Posted October 25, 2022 Share Posted October 25, 2022 Some cracking images, you are one lucky fellow! Mark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robstopper Posted October 25, 2022 Author Share Posted October 25, 2022 Thank you. I was lucky I'd booked the Saturday, as all the Sunday flights were scrubbed due to the weather. I hung around with them afterwards too, as George did a display practice flight, so that was an added bonus! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted October 26, 2022 Share Posted October 26, 2022 Lovely shots, looks like you had a great day! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robstopper Posted October 26, 2022 Author Share Posted October 26, 2022 Thank you. It was definitely enhanced by knowing the aircraft and owner/pilot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sierra Tango Posted October 26, 2022 Share Posted October 26, 2022 Awesome images! Steve 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Latinbear Posted October 26, 2022 Share Posted October 26, 2022 Cracking images and of a Spitfire with markings other than the RAF. I've done the Classic Wings flight with MH434 so I can completely understand how much you enjoyed the trip. Thanks for sharing these. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazza l Posted October 26, 2022 Share Posted October 26, 2022 Lovely shots and you've even managed to get my house in on the Cambridge backdrop photo. gazza l 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robstopper Posted October 26, 2022 Author Share Posted October 26, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, Latinbear said: Cracking images and of a Spitfire with markings other than the RAF. I've done the Classic Wings flight with MH434 so I can completely understand how much you enjoyed the trip. Thanks for sharing these. My first flight should have been with '434, but she went technical on the day. When we rescheduled, it was alongside TA805, which kickstarted my whole relationship with Biggin Hill! Coincidentally, thats where I first saw RW382, back when she was still her 322 Dutch squadron colours. Edited October 26, 2022 by robstopper 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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