Hi Tony

I don’t doubt the credentials of yourself or others on here. And we are not talking about a free for all roll up roll up press the boost and starter button here etc.

There will be a number of starts costed into the years programme and a certain number will be available for the starter courses. It will be a finite number, the courses will be limited.

As I say, we’ll see how it pans out…at the moment it’s judged to be economically viable.

When he wasn’t flying or briefing, he was curled up on the floor, sleeping. I asked him whether this ability to crash out was something he learned as a rock star on tour…no says he, it comes from having 5 (count ’em) kids…:eek:

Some interesting points raised, thanks.

Overheating is a potential issue but dependent on many factors including air temp, length of taxi and cooling periods. The engineering department (ExBBMF head of training) will obviously make the call on that.

With regard to nosing over, always an issue to consider – though there’s never a shortage of bods happy to sit on the tailplane. As per the flights, tailored to experience. A novice would not be allowed to taxi the aircraft. A tailwheel pilot may be allowed to do so under close supervision. Nothing firm on this yet.

Boultbee have a policy of inclusivity so if you can get into the cockpit I can’t see a reason why you couldn’t start the engine and enjoy a taxi experience.

For anyone who hasn’t been in a Spitfire during engine start (most people I’d imagine) – it is a powerful experience. The aircraft comes alive. You can almost feel the crankshaft trying to turn the aircraft, not the propellor! The engine barks and fills the cockpit with smoke. The smell, the sounds of the engine and then the pneumatic system as the flaps and rad flaps are exercised…it breathes and sighs. Magical.

I’m quite sure this will happen. As mentioned, the BFA is all about sharing the experience. The exact mechanisms are yet to be decided, but very likely in the near future this will be an advertised course. Price for the day in the order of £400-£500.