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While it will miss Warbirds Over Wanaka 2008 next weekend, it might still make an appearance this (southern hemisphere) summer.
Spitfire Closer to Escaping Federal Custody
FORT MYERS, FL. Problems restricting the export of a Supermarine Spitfire TR.9 from Florida to its new owner in New Zealand are close to being overcome. Auckland businessman Doug Brooker, a champion aerobatic pilot, is delighted that progress is finally being made and that the plane may soon be heading to its new home.
Progress required the intervention of the DEA. Brooker comments, “The Digit Extraction Agency were great. They were able to remove the blockages that were preventing this movement. Now that it is finally passing through, a lot of Government officials are much more comfortable. Their relief is obvious.”
The US Customs Service had borne the brunt of the criticism for the delays, with claims that they are overburdened with bureaucracy. These allegations were denied by Dennis Murphy, who is a Deputy Official Spokesperson for the Departmental Assistant Co-Manager of the Electronic Media Liaison Unit of the Export Delays (Vintage Aircraft) Investigation and Assessment Team of the Florida Regional Branch of the US Customs Service. “Accusations that we took months to come to our senses are simply incorrect. Our approach to these exports is the same now as it was three months ago. Nothing has changed.”
“The efficiency of the US Customs Service is unmatched anywhere in the world. Customs agencies throughout the world look at how we operate and just shake their heads. They simply cannot believe how a department with our budget can produce the level of output that we do. That’s due to the level of skill and intelligence in our workforce.”
The shipping delay has caused Brooker a lot of sleepless nights. “I am getting telephone calls from aviation magazine editors from around the globe wondering when the plane will arrive in NZ. Hey guys, check the time zone differences. Stop calling at 2.30 in the morning!”
Brooker bought the Spitfire from Fort Myers resident Peter Godfrey. Godfrey has moved quickly to fill the empty space in his hangar. “My requirements were clear,” Godfrey stated. “I needed a two seat low wing monoplane trainer capable of 380+mph that could operate at 30,000ft. In addition it had to have a liquid-cooled, supercharged V-12 engine. The Boeing Stearman was the obvious choice, as it is a Boeing and therefore the only aircraft I was allowed to buy.”
“I’ve wanted a training aircraft for years. I was offered a lease of a Stearman, but it was more expensive than buying my own. Then I got sidetracked by some crooks who ended up going to jail. At least this time it looks like I am getting exactly what the seller wants me to have.”
The fact that the Stearman is an older design does not bother Godfrey. A true patriot, the decision to buy was based on supporting local industry and providing local jobs. “The Stearman is a fine airplane. Only the best materials were used in the restoration, and it’s 100% American from the genuine Irish linen covering through to the English walnut and Italian leather used in the cockpits”.
He was supported in his "Buy American" stance by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington). “The Spitfire was assembled in south east USA, from parts made around the globe. Only the engine, avionics, and about 15% of the other parts were made in the US. The economic benefit to me personally was negligible.”
In New Zealand, Brooker is waiting anxiously for the Spitfire to arrive and be re-assembled. Finding time to fly the unique plane may be difficult. “I start my day by checking various internet forums,” he explained. “By the time you get through all the Youtube video postings with inaccurate or misleading titles, you basically run out of daylight to do anything else.”
“Of course once people find out that you operate a Spitfire that has an additional seat, they all ask me exactly the same question.”
“What is the serial number of the carburetor?”
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