Spitfire Helmet-Cam, Oshkosh 2018

[Dave Hadfield]

This is a great memory, amongst a summer of great memories.

I was required to do a non-aerobatic display in a racetrack pattern, but it was still fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwZwAJovoI

[OD/NG]

Cool video, thanks for sharing!

A few questions:

1) What is that white thing on the right side of the cockpit that looks like a PVC elbow joint?

2) It looks like you took off in an almost 3 point attitude or at least a tail-low attitude. I assume that is normal and the way you take off in a Spitfire. Is there a reason for that versus getting the tail up into an almost level flight attitude prior to lifting off like many other tail-draggers are flown?

3) What is the preferred method of landing the Spitfire - 3 point or wheel landing? Is there a certain reason one is preferred over the other?

Thanks Dave, great video!

[Dave Hadfield]

It IS a PVC elbow-joint. (Later I took it off for judging!) The air vent in a Spitfire blows across the cockpit. That's no good on a 95F day. You want it to blow on your chest. So I went down to the local Ace Hardware store, and bought that elbow off the "Discount Spitfire Parts" rack. In use, I pop it on or off as required.

The prop blades are long, and the gear legs are short. So, on takeoff we allow the tail to rise just a few inches, then let it fly off on its own.

And landing, we 3-point it. You could wheel-land it, but if you handle it poorly it would be easy to touch the prop tips to the concrete.

The Spitfire is one of those aircraft that 3-points nicely. Visibility straight ahead is poor, but the engine is narrow so vis is good in the front quarters. And after touchdown it tracks straight -- not the least bit twitchy.

A gentle curving approach is best.

[Thomas_Mac]

Great video Dave! Between this video and the Spitfire walk around the AirshowStuff channel got some great Spitfire content.

[OD/NG]

It IS a PVC elbow-joint. (Later I took it off for judging!) The air vent in a Spitfire blows across the cockpit. That's no good on a 95F day. You want it to blow on your chest. So I went down to the local Ace Hardware store, and bought that elbow off the "Discount Spitfire Parts" rack. In use, I pop it on or off as required.

The prop blades are long, and the gear legs are short. So, on takeoff we allow the tail to rise just a few inches, then let it fly off on its own.

And landing, we 3-point it. You could wheel-land it, but if you handle it poorly it would be easy to touch the prop tips to the concrete.

The Spitfire is one of those aircraft that 3-points nicely. Visibility straight ahead is poor, but the engine is narrow so vis is good in the front quarters. And after touchdown it tracks straight -- not the least bit twitchy.

A gentle curving approach is best.

Thanks for the info Dave!

I love hearing first hand stories like yours about your flying experiences, keep it up!

[DH82EH]

A few summers ago Spitfire MJ730 clipped its' prop landing at Toronto Island airport.
The aircraft was stranded there for quite some time awaiting a replacement prop and engine.
Probably way too easy to do if you wheel her.

Andy

[Dave Hadfield]

Right.

Spitfires got heavier in the nose, but they never got longer in the body. A 3-point is not essential, but prudent.

Anyway, thanks for the remarks. I feel that there is a mandate to share the experience, and thus the connection to history that goes with it.

Flying these old things is sometimes quite different from the accepted wisdom.

[Michel Lemieux]

Flying these old things is sometimes quite different from the accepted wisdom

Feel the same way about my body every morning Dave! hehe....