There are some interesting thoughts being expressed concerning negative issues relating to restoring a complete original Spitfire to airworthy condition. Its worth comparing these to the issues discussed in relation to so called ‘data-plate’ restorations which some frown upon due to the alleged low proportion of original material and lack of ‘provenance’. Since I can remember news of a static Spitfire going in to a world renowned restoration shop with the aim of flying the finished article has been greeted with positive reactions. There now seems to be a new sensitivity to the possibility of certain airframes that have remained intact going through this process.

Do also remember that in this country (UK) there are three airworthy single seat Spitfire IX aircraft (BBMF/Peter Monk/OFMC) and four or five Mk V’s, the other two recently operating Mk IX aircraft have both been exported to the USA and Canada. It will be a very long time before we can put up an entire squadron of single place Mk IX’s.

Now owned by Ron Fagen and next in line for restorative work. If its anywhere close to the quality of his award winning P-40 when completed it will be quite something to see.

The Tempest may still be at Lakeland, Fl, unless it has recently moved to Polk City.

This is not in itself a planning application – it is a representation to change the local map on the development framework to support MSA use. This would pave the way for a later specific planning application to develop the land for such a ‘pre-approved’ use. This is their chosen method precisely because previous applications have failed due to lack of compatibility with the planning framework for that specific site. Now is the time to nip this in the bid and ensure that this land is not re-designated as suitable for such incompatible development.

I understand that that the locals would just as soon put a stake in the place and build some houses on it, but don’t let them do that!

Glad you enjoyed your visit Gordon, but it certainly is not the ‘locals’ behind the now almost thwarted attempt to concrete over the place and build 6,000 houses. This move came originally from central government policy, our Deputy Prime Minister’s office. Locals are quite happy with the way the airfield is now and many of them enjoy the Saturday market (the biggest one in Europe) held each weekend.

I’ve noticed that PL965 often flies without one, but can’t think of any others.

The headrests were associated with the early marks. I would say the majority of flyable Spitfires today do not have one.

I thought it was against the rules to resurrect old threads

This is not an old thread.

BBMF Hurricane (& Spitfire)

Taken last night in Middlesex, around 19.30.