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INSPIRED TO FLY A SPITFIRE
INSPIRED TO FLY A SPITFIRE
In 2015, I had my chance to fly in a Spitfire, since Civil Aviation Authority rules now allowed paying passengers to fly in vintage aircraft. I took to the skies in MJ 627, a World War 2 combat Spitfire converted into a two-seater trainer aircraft in 1950. It now flies out of the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar from the former RAF station of Biggin Hill in Kent.
During my flight in MJ 627, I experienced enemy avoidance tactics such as vertical dive and 180° turn, plus several barrel rolls high above the River Medway. I was also given permission to take the controls of the aircraft whilst in flight. To see a documentary film I made about John Magee and my Spitfire flight, visit: click here
During my flight in MJ 627, I experienced enemy avoidance tactics such as vertical dive and 180° turn, plus several barrel rolls high above the River Medway. I was also given permission to take the controls of the aircraft whilst in flight. To see a documentary film I made about John Magee and my Spitfire flight, visit: click here
Spitfire MJ 627 (Q9G) – a World War 2 combat aircraft that saw action over northern Europe, with at least one destroyed enemy aircraft to its credit. After the Second World War it was converted into a two-seater trainer for use by the Irish Air Force.
John Wallace, just prior to flying in MJ 627.
The interior of the Heritage Hangar, at Biggin Hill Airport, Kent. The Hangar contains several Spitfires, a Hurricane and a Messerschmitt Me 109.
A tableau of original World War Two items at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar.
