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(Not so) Simple Spitfire Question ?

I Hope this question will not seem an insult to the gathered knowledgeable people here.

Today a colleague asked “how many flying spitfires are there in the world” ? and followed that with “how many flying spitfires are there in the UK” ?

I have tried the ‘search’ function ! but of the 500 + hits returned it is difficult to know where to look ???

I am not looking for a detailed list of each aircrafts history, just some numbers ? as I and my colleague do not know the answer we are hardly in a position to disagree !!!

I presume the word “airworthy” would be a better description, that is the number of aircraft that could fly should the owners / operators want them to.

Keith.

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By: Mark V - 7th March 2010 at 14:37

But what do i know. :rolleyes:

Usually more than you let on! 😀

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By: Sopwith - 6th March 2010 at 18:31

Cheers Daz

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By: DazDaMan - 6th March 2010 at 15:30

I think it’s a collaboration that’s been in the works for some time….

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By: Sopwith - 6th March 2010 at 13:28

Being thick now,but is Mark 12 really going to write a book? and if so any ideas when.

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By: Bruce - 6th March 2010 at 07:28

Er….. from what i have been told 915 has its wings off for insp as well.

But what do i know. :rolleyes:

You may well be right, but it did have an extensive rebuild at BAe in the 80’s – mind you that’s still getting on for 30 years ago!

Bruce

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By: mackerel - 5th March 2010 at 21:50

Any ‘new’ ones likely to fly again this year?

Hi all, I can think of 12 or 13 more spits that will possably be in the air in 5yrs time pushing the number past 60 !!

Steve

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By: DazDaMan - 5th March 2010 at 21:38

SL633? Underwent engine runs recently at DX.

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By: Oxcart - 5th March 2010 at 21:36

Any ‘new’ ones likely to fly again this year?

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By: bentwingbomber - 5th March 2010 at 20:46

Good point Bruce.

Er….. from what i have been told 915 has its wings off for insp as well.

But what do i know. :rolleyes:

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By: DCK - 5th March 2010 at 16:18

Just a question of definition.

I feel an airworthy Spitfire is a Spitfire that you may fly within a reasonable amount of time from when you’ve planned it. Got a flat tire? Sure, but it’s still airworthy.

Any Spitfires being in or around the zone of being able to fly on short notice (and let’s leave the paperwork out of it) is in my opinion an airworthy Spitfire.

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By: CIRCUS 6 - 5th March 2010 at 15:54

Dear me…

This thread is evoking some real drama. I would suggest that an airworthy aircraft is one that is fully serviceable and capable of leaving a runway under its own means, regardless of it’s paperwork status. For example it takes off, pilot bashes it about a bit, lands hard and and bursts a tyre, the aircraft is unserviceable. Therfore not airworthy. Similar to a car with an MoT and a burst tyre.

During this time of year in the UK, I would suggest a whole lot less than the aforementioned 40-something are airworthy or flight ready.

C6

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By: DCK - 5th March 2010 at 13:38

Cracking pics in that – it’s almost pornographic!

Don’t say that. My wife already thinks I have a fishy relationship with Spitfires 😀

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By: DazDaMan - 5th March 2010 at 13:33

Funnily enough, regarding the Biltema Spits, I can see the Aircraft Illustrated article on them (and the Mustang) from where I’m sitting. Cracking pics in that – it’s almost pornographic! :diablo:

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By: DCK - 5th March 2010 at 12:23

Thanks for that – does this apply to both Biltema Spitfires?

Afraid not 😀

The first one they bought is meant for the Swedish branch. So Sweden would be correct in her case.

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By: jbs - 5th March 2010 at 09:43

Mark V

Check your email

Regards,

John

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By: Mark V - 5th March 2010 at 08:55

Sounds like a plan to me…

OK – your in!

It’s about time that “book” is published. A week after publishing it will be out of date anyway, so better publish it now.:cool:

Cees

True – but then I am happily still dipping in to ‘Spitfire Survivors 2’ – and thats 24 years old now!! 😮

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By: DazDaMan - 5th March 2010 at 08:01

Sounds like a plan to me…

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By: CeBro - 5th March 2010 at 07:48

It’s about time that “book” is published. A week after publishing it will be out of date anyway, so better publish it now.:cool:

Cees

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By: Mark V - 4th March 2010 at 23:56

I think a good parameter for a current list of flyers would be to pick a point at the end of the last show season and any spits flying then to be included, also any on annuals or majors as these will be returning to the skys this year , hopefully !! maybe this could sort things out ? Or just confuse it more !!

Steve

Good idea Steve – along those lines maybe a website that has a chart/diagram with every Spitfire that has flown in the last ten years (OK thats a bit arbitary but a good round number to start with) and next to it its current status (A/W, Resting, Under Repair, Stored etc). Each one can have a link to pictures and a brief history. A committee of keen forumites (you know who you are John and daz) could maintain it – under the watchful eye of Mark 12 of course, and keep it up to date. This would not rival any Spitfire Survivor sites as it would be limited to the flyers only (you OK with that G-ORDY?).

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By: Mark V - 4th March 2010 at 23:50

That was rebuilt by BAe, and doesnt have the same issues.

Bruce

Good point Bruce.

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