The Spitfire belonged to Rob Fleming, the Mustang belongs to Tony Smith… I see nothing unusual in the fact that Rob sold his aircraft and Tony bought a new one.

The powers that be have insisted that certain parts of the Buchon brake system be thoroughly strength tested in the laboratory – these tests have now been successfully completed and the brakes reassembled. The Buchon has been rebuilt to fly and, when the authorities are satisfied that will, I’m sure, be the case. In the meantime the Hurri’ has just completed a series of engine tests and should be fit and well to join the Mustang in the air during the next few weeks. Finger’s crossed the Buchon will join in the fun.

Beautiful aircraft, one of my favourite types and one that I wish we saw more of. Lovely photo too – thanks for sharing!

And don’t forget “Flight of the Mew Gull”. I believe he still holds the South Africa to England record in it from the 1930’s. The Mew Gull still exists of course and flew in formation with a Spitfire at Duxford at one of the recent shows. Great to have these two icons still around.

A fellow by the name of Chalkie Stobbart is planning an attempt to break Alex’s Cape dash record in a modified Van’s RV-6 as and when he gains enough sponsorship. He plans to fly the route in reverse – Capetown to Biggin Hill and back.
Haven’t read Sigh for a Merlin but if it’s as good as Flight of the Mew Gull I may just have to follow in Daz’s footsteps to Waterstone’s!

Cheers Davski, did Taff enjoy it (daft question really)?

Rob Davies kindly flew the aircraft over to Breighton with Taff chasing in Robs T-6. I’m told that Brian followed on in the Robin – must have looked like an unusual formation!

We’re thrilled to bits.

“Poop off a shovel”? Not really sure what that means. Precious Metal won the Bronze division in 2003 with a speed of 407 MPH. Jimmy came in 2nd with a speed of 402 MPH.

It’s a rural Yorkshire saying… means it went like stink (travelled very fast – sorry but, as a northerner, only part of my brain is fully developed!). I remember Precious Metal putt-putting around the pylons in the heats but it really shifted in the final! Great stuff. Can’t wait to see this Spitty fly!

Overheard someone telling their buddy with some confidence that the Yak racing in the Unlimited heats at Reno was in fact a Spitfire. My own personal ID faux pas involved Mike Crimble’s Piston Provost and RNHF Sea Fury trainer… that’s all I’m saying except that they were both parked at some considerable distance away from the crowd line and I was suffering as a result of the high pollen count!

I’ve a copy of the flying programme from the 1974 airshow held on Saturday 20th July (10p or free with the RAF Souvenir Booklet priced at 30p!). Don’t know if this was the final show but the flying began at 14.30 until 16.25 and ran as follows (itemised as published):

Whirlwind Helicopter Flag Tow, Lightning Solo Aerobatics, The Falcons – Freefall Parachure Team, 202 Squadron Whirlwind Helicopter Display, 43 Squadron Phantom Aerobatics, Nimrod Display, Jet Provost – Solo Aerobatics, Vulcan – Display, Lancaster – World War Two Bomber Display, Spitfire and Hurricane – World War Two Fighter Display, The Swords – Jet Provost Solo Aerobatics, Buccaneer Display, Bulldogs – Synchronised Aerobatics, THE RED ARROWS – RAF Gnat Formation Aerobatics.

Static aircraft apparently included a Lightning, Phantom, Chipmunk, Bulldog, Whirlwind and Dominie.

Interestingly, the programme states that as well as being No. 60 MU, the airfield was also base to 202 Sqd Search and Rescue, RAF Cowden Range Unit, 1104 Marine Craft Unit (operated from Bridlington Harbour – remember them well) and RAF Staxton Wold.

Wish I’d been at the show!