Graham ,Did the production team want to try anything that you couldn’t /wouldn’t allow with the airframe or did they just accept what you said.
Which airframe was it that had all the bullet holes and ripped up elevators?

This is a good question, its really important to lay down the law before reaching an agreement. First light did request a paint job but would not pay the cost. I have to say that they were pretty good compared to some film people I have worked with. My advise to anyone would be to insist on being on set at all times and supervise any movement of the aircraft. Baz had his tail wheel ripped off.
Pearl Harbour was a complete nightmare, they caused a huge ammount of damage, all they were interested in was the shot.
They had people with no knowledge of the way the aircraft was fitted together take it apart with a fork lift, they managed to put a put one of the forks straight through the wing.
Do not under estimate the cost to put things right and get a realistic damage clause in the contract. Always insist on a written contract, film companies generally have no concept what your project means to you and the director will not be aware of the terms and conditions of hire. On the set he is god and if he wants something done the crew jump. Thats why its important to be there you will be the only voice to object to something which may cause damage.

So, if I have understood this correctly, an owner of a Spitfire CAN take a passenger, so long as the passenger is not charged for the flight.

So in other words in answer to the original question NO you cannot get a ride in a Spitfire if you pay. The fact you can fly free is irelavant as that was not the question.

Of coarse you could buy a share in the aircraft as I believe now happens with the Grace Spitfire.

I guess the BBC now has a small share, which means we all own a share. At last we are all owners of a Spitfire, now thats licence money well spent.

Im going round with a hacksaw and a pair of plyers to collect my piece later, anyone want a lift?

I knew i would regret it as soon as i wrote it :p

Does anyone have a lorry that I can borrow to carry a container? I need to nick, I mean pick up something. :diablo:

Well we did invent the language spoken by a good part of the world so I guess its logical most swear words came from England as well. personally I never swear, its bad manners :diablo::diablo: Not sure if the Scottish invented any I cant understand a bloody word they say anyway :confused::confused::diablo:

Pay attention, armchair enthusiasts…

Colin is an EX-serving pilot…didn’t you hear that part?

A lot of hard work went into the making of this programme. The Duxford segment alone was three solid days, dawn till dusk, to produce around ten minutes of air -time. The blister hangar scene took four hours for 15 seconds of airtime….

You have no idea….

Enjoy it for what it is.

Firstly we are not all arm chair enthusiasts, second some of us have considerable experiance working with film crews and know how long it takes to film a small clip. Considering this was paid for with licence payers money ALL of us have to right to say what we like about the program.
For the record i enjoyed it, but I still have respect for other peoples opinions even if they are talking B****x :diablo:

“I sometimes sat and chatted with her. She never talked about herself, only about her cat who she took in after someone abandoned him. What a brave lady.”

Another added: “Please if a lesson has to be learned from this – next time you see that old person walking down the street just remember they have a history, a story to tell and sometimes it is brilliant like this.”

Taken from the news report as linked above, the last paragraph makes a very valid statement.

I remember leaving my terraced house in Taunton one day carrying my radio controlled Spitfire out to the car a very frail old chap who was passing said “I used to fly one of those” when I asked him more it turned out he flew Spitfires with the PRU. When i told him I had a full sized replica out the back in the garage he gave me a very strange look and declined to take a look, probably thought i was mad.
He lived just a few doors up and I had seen him many times, just goes to show we should all respect our elders.

I agree with The Bump, why can’t they put a BoB veteran in the back ? and yes i am jealous ! 🙂

Im jealous too just becuase they are on TV they get a free ride in a Spit. I thought CAA had made this illegal anyway???? apparently you have to be a share holder to get a ride these days, oh yes and 6K.:(