That’s great, thanks for the answer.
Like you said, the flaps don’t do a heck of a lot so “if ya don’t use ’em, they don’t break” philosophy would apply.

I’m going to try and contact an owner of a PT down here in NZ and see if I can score a ride in one. Always loved these aircraft and it would just be awesome if I can pull it off.

Cheers
TNZ

The problem with the flap as I was told by Bob was that the ratchet wheel was brass working against steel and it wore out fairly quickly so to avoid problems we flew it flapless and saved flap for any possible forced landing. Though I do agree the type glides like a toilet block constructed of granite blocks anyway.

Could that ratchet wheel be remanufactured in a more resilient material, or is it not worth the bother ?

TNZ

Cause the Napier Sabres are non-existent unfortunately 🙁

I’m not sure but there may have been something about engine/prop performance in Spitfire – The History.

I often wonder (with the exception of the Griffon Spitfires, which almost always have the correct engine variant for the type) whether a Merlin-engined Spitfire’s performance is comparable to WW2 specs, given that many Spitfires nowadays are fitted with different variants of the Merlin. :confused:

Is that beautiful US-restored Seafire Mk 47 fitted with a Shackleton Griffon ?

I tell you what you should have been to Warbirds over Wanaka this year.
SUPERB !!!

Have a search through this forum and you will see my gigantic pic posts of it.

(In fact my avatar is made up of a pic I took of the La-9 taxi-ing past me)

TNZ

I get the Classic Wings Downunder.
Absolutely awesome magazine, and so relevant to us Kiwis down here.

Yes the ‘262 was in a class of it’s own, just the Jumo engines only had a life span of approx 25 hours and also had some tricky flying characteristiscs.

I recently watched a documentary on Discovery on the ‘262. Great footage in their and liked the fact that it actually interviewed former ‘262 pilots so the doco had more credibility.

TNZ