Our Spitfire Plans, and Thanks

[Bill Greenwood]

We have made plans for the next step in getting my Spitfire repaired. I have finished the paperwork reports and legal steps required and the FAA has released both planes. So, in about two weeks, in June, Ray, Tim, and Ross from QG Aviation are going to load it on a truck to return to the QG shop in Ft. Collins. The plan may be to take the one damaged wing from the Hurricane also. I must say the FAA folks, Regina and Jim have been very polite and considerate. It is a surprise to those who sometimes see those guys as only an adversary or a source of more paperwork every year.

At this time they don't need any additional labor, and I think they prefer to work alone. I certainly do appreciate all the offers of volunteers I have received, even if we can't use them now. I'll call if they need any. We are not at the money point yet, but all the offers have given me a great feeling, whether we use any or not. The support to restore helps me want to do it also.

The main positive thing, the only one that really matters in the long run is that no one was hurt. In 25 years of warbirds, I have seen the crueler side of this pursuit, also, and once is too often.

The other thing is that Ray and Tim, QG, are on the job. Ray has maintained this Spit since even before I owned it, when it was in Windsor with Don Plumb. The Hurricane was restored at their shop, Tim did much of the hands on work for it, after the restoration of Eddie's Firefly. The Hurri spent so many years next to my plane it seemed like a sister ship. As Jackie said, "These are our babies". We may post some photos in the months to come, frankly it hurts me to look at the plane, and I don't really want to photograph the damage. I like the way she looked in the before shots.

Thanks again, all.

Last edited by Bill Greenwood on Thu May 22, 2008 11:44 am, edited 1 time in total.

[k5083]

August

[SPANNERmkV]

Go!!!

[Forgotten Field]

Bill,
I like all the people here on WIX who positively contribute to our on-line community- you are one of them. I really appreciate you taking the time and letting us know about all this. I really hope your airplane repair goes well and that you get it done fast. Best Regards,

[Robbie Stuart]

Sounds good Bill. I am glad to hear you hve a game plan.
Robbie

[daveymac82c]

Hi Bill,

I'm glad you are taking steps towards getting your Spitfire operational again. I'm sure everyone in the warbird community is happy to hear that work will begin soon.

Take care,

David

[mlenoch]

QC guys are very skilled. Their work has always been fine quality.
VL

[Flying Pencil]

Glad you liked my pictures of it before the bump.

I know what you mean, seeing something in its "proper configuration"!

[Iclo]

Good to hear positive news. Good luck
Regards
Loïc

[warbird1]

That's great news Bill! I hope you and your Spitfire have many future flights together very soon!

[Mudge]

Bill...PLEASE.... bite the bullet and post pictures of the restoration. We've all been so "involved" with it, it'll be a kind of catharsis to see the progress and cheer 'em on when another piece is restored.

Mudge the involved

[Jack Cook]

Don't consider it damaged Bill. Take photos of the repairs!

Last edited by Jack Cook on Fri May 23, 2008 9:35 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Ztex]

Great news! Looking forward to following the restoration!

All the pictures you can stand! Like Mudge said ....we are "involved"

Zane (the guy in Ft. Worth )

[Dan K]

Much success on the endeavor, Bill!

[OZFURYFAN]

Bill,what Mudge said,periodic pics would be great and if the time comes drop the hint re costs and all those that offfered will do their bit to return those pieces of history to the air.Best regards on a speedy repair,Pete