Here’s a thought… How many of those giving their ‘Expert’ views have ever displayed a Spitfire XIV?? Just interested….(And thats means for real and not on MS Flight sim 2000!!!!!) Can you really judge what is and isnt the correct height? I work in an industry that often requires accurate height estimation, and I find it almost impossible!
Armwaver,
If he was slightly lower than you’d expect at a display (I cannot judge – I wasn’t there) then you must remember he was not at a display. As long as he flew in accordance with the appropriate regulations there should not be a problem.
Whether at a display or not, the Exemption issued to Duxford so that pilots can practice displays only allows them down to their DA authorised height. The CAA very rarely gives lower than 200ft for aerobatic Display Authorisations except to people like Brian Lecomber and the like (i.e aerobatic experts – people who have been doing it for years in aeroplanes that are designed to be flown down to the limit- Extra/Sukhoi etc)). I wasnt there, but if he was lower than 200ft, I’d be interested to see the reaction from both IWM Duxford and the CAA, who give these Exemptions out as a privalege, rather than to any Tom, Dycky or Harry. The last thing the IWM needs right now is another pilot attracting the attention of the locals….even if it is in his own toy!
Robbo,
Stephen Grey’s responsible for his own actions. Just be thankful that you get to see his planes fly.
Every pilot I have known who has hit the ground during a display/display practice has also been responsible for his own actions…Aeroplanes rarely crash without pilot intervention. Note that ‘rarely’ is in italics to cater for structural failures etc..Even that is sometimes pilot-induced. Being a prominent warbird owner does not exempt you from this rule!
Them’s me thoughts just to counter the endless waffle etc..and to provoke the inevitable barrage of more waffle.. :p
Sign In
