Mustang/Spitfire
#11
#12
About 15 years ago, I did my PPL in the UK. Whilst waiting for the examiner to turn up, I sat outside the aeroclub and went through all the things I thought I'd get asked on the oral.
From out of nowhere, a Spitfire came screaming over my head and did a 50' fly by down the runway. It still rates as one of the most stunning images, aviation has given me.
From out of nowhere, a Spitfire came screaming over my head and did a 50' fly by down the runway. It still rates as one of the most stunning images, aviation has given me.
#13
There is a local guy here who owns and flies a Mustang. Fortunately my house is right under the area he likes to go out on nice afternoons and do some loops and rolls. That Merlin has a very unique sound, it's unmistakable. You can almost feel the power being transmitted through the air.
The guy also has a Sea Fury but I've never seen him fly that one.
The guy also has a Sea Fury but I've never seen him fly that one.
#14
Eats shoots and leaves...
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: Didactic Synthetic Aviation Experience Provider
Posts: 849
I noted this was at Imperial War Museum Duxford. If you are ever in the UK and have the opportunity to visit the Cambridge area, make this a priority! Unlike many museums, the restoration hangars are open to the public, and you can mill through and see Mustangs, Spitfires, Hurricanes, many other types (including German aircraft) in various stages of restoration - absolutely fascinating! And on any given day, there is a possibility that you will see one or more of these aircraft flying.
Two words of warning though:
1) Plan on spending the entire day, open to close. I've been twice and haven't made it all the way through.
2) If you take the courtesy bus from the Cambridge train station, pace yourself to be back at the pickup point by closing time of the museum. Bear in mind, the museum is stretched out along the runway, and is around a mile long - so if you are in the Land War Building (furthest away), it will take a while to walk back to the entrance. At least when I was last there, the last bus back leaves at closing time, and it's a long walk back to town, and it was difficult to get a taxi back. Don't ask how I know.
Two words of warning though:
1) Plan on spending the entire day, open to close. I've been twice and haven't made it all the way through.
2) If you take the courtesy bus from the Cambridge train station, pace yourself to be back at the pickup point by closing time of the museum. Bear in mind, the museum is stretched out along the runway, and is around a mile long - so if you are in the Land War Building (furthest away), it will take a while to walk back to the entrance. At least when I was last there, the last bus back leaves at closing time, and it's a long walk back to town, and it was difficult to get a taxi back. Don't ask how I know.