We have yet another Spitfire airworthy here in the UK.

PeterA · **Posted:** Thu Dec 20, 2012 6:53 am

Martin Phillip's RR232/G-BRSF took to the skies in the hands of test pilot Bill Perrins on the 18th December at Filton, Bristol.

A close run thing, as this historic airport closes today for good.

Final livery adjustments will be made at its new temporary home at Colerne.

This brings the number of airworthy Spitfires world-wide up to 51 (by my definition) and RR232 is the 79th Spitfire to have flown since the 'Battle of Britain' film era of 1970.

PeterA

Pat Carry · **Posted:** Thu Dec 20, 2012 10:57 am

That is just awesome! :drink3:

Having another flying Spit is always a good thing. Whats amazing to me is that there always seems to be Spitfires under restoration someplace. Are they just laying around somewhere waiting to be restored (I'm thinking no) or are these ones that need a complete overhaul?

Jesse C. · **Posted:** Thu Dec 20, 2012 11:46 am

A well done to all involved! Nice to see another bird take to the skies! Cheers! :drink3:

JimH · **Posted:** Thu Dec 20, 2012 5:17 pm

if the Mustang is the "cessna of warbirds" then the Spitfire is the "piper of warbirds"

ahh what I wouldn't do to fly a spit!!

jh

DH82EH · **Posted:** Thu Dec 20, 2012 8:31 pm

Kind of a Holy Grail eh Jim?
I've been lucky enough to hop a ride in a P-51 but a Spitfire would be truly special.
Thanks for the great Photos Peter. Which one's next?

Andy Scott

PeterA · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2012 2:53 am

DH82EH wrote:

Kind of a Holy Grail eh Jim?
I've been lucky enough to hop a ride in a P-51 but a Spitfire would be truly special.
Thanks for the great Photos Peter. Which one's next?

Andy Scott

By my judgment 2013 should see Mk XVI RW382 at Biggin Hill next, followed by Mk XIV NH799 in New Zealand, both these being rebuilds from major crashes in the 'warbird' era. The back end of the new year should see Mk I N3200 at Duxford close, if not flying.

Maybe a couple more, maybe not.

PeterA

marine air · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:07 am

Forgive me for asking, is that a Mk IX ?

PeterA · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:37 am

marine air wrote:

Forgive me for asking, is that a Mk IX ?

RR232.

It is indeed.

marine air · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2012 12:15 pm

Thanks! I know just enough to embarass myself on the different models. Love all of them.

SPANNERmkV · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:36 pm

Splendid!
There simply is NO SUCH THING as too many flying Spits or Mustangs or any other warbird!
:drink3:

Congratulations and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with plenty of safe flying to ALL who made this come to pass!

SPANNER

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We have yet another Spitfire airworthy here in the UK.

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