One of the reasons for entering the Spitfire from the port side was because the wing surface was stronger there. There were strict instructions not to walk over the area, on the starboard wing, of the radiator, since the surface could be “dished,” which would impair the radiator’s efficiency, and require a replacement wing to be fitted.

The only reason to mount a Spitfire via the port side is that is where the cockpit door is located! The area outside the walkway line on the Spitfire is less able to bear foot traffic and is ‘not to be walked on’ but the most vulnerable area is the upper surface of the wheel recess as there is very little structure in it.

During a clear out before site re-development most of these were sent to the RAF Museum. I remember Bulldog drawings definately going.

The Bulldog (Type 105) has hundreds of entries in the current MAC drawing schedule – so certainly have survived, not sure about other types though.

Considering the level of parking charges levied in many towns across the south of England, I think that £5 per day is not excessive. Surely no-one can expect to get something for nothing all the time.

It costs more than that to park at Hatfield station car park!

I feel sure that I’m going to look stupid for asking – but why is this Rapide flying with a UK civilian registration mark when its owned in the USA and being flown in New Zealand?

Because the owner is an Anglophile and chose that scheme! It also displays a US N-registration and the New Zealand authorities deemd this confusing and ordered the covering up of the G. Once it gets home to Va it will be uncovered again.

Interesting item. Seems there are two markets for this material. Users/restorers who just want the info in whatever form is obtainable (CD or photocopy etc) and collectors who prize the original items.

A historic reader not knowing where Sharjah is?:D U.A.E.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharjah_(city)

thanks – what does UAE stand for – don’t worry I’m joking!! 😀