Wow, a dual control Spit for rent. Only in America!:D

With the US Dollar in the tank I’m surprised you Brits haven’t started queuing up for this.

On a different note, I for one think the Sea Fury Mk. 11 looks better with the original canopy (and the armour plate backrest) than with the new longer canopy that is used with the jump seat setup. I’ve heard other Americans say that the plane looks more “balanced” with the longer canopy, but I think Hawker got it right the first time.

As for the jump seat debate, well I wish there were more 2 seat Spitfires in the world. The Mustang I got to fly was a D model, not the TF-51 with a complete cockpit setup, but who cares when you’re doing acro in a vintage warbird. The jump seat in the Mustang did have a stick and rudders, plus airspeed and alt., so it was better than the Sea Fury in that respect. I’ve talked to Nelson Ezell about doing the same thing in the jump seat of the Fury, but I guess there’s some problem.

I think I would feel safer in a Sea Fury with a jump seat than a Corsair thanks to that bubble canopy (MexicanBob, insert comments and experiences in the Corsair here please).

And finally, speaking of jump seats, does anyone know about the two seat Spit that’s based in Aspen, Colorado? Seems I saw an advert in Trade-A-Plane that 1/2 of it was for sale a few months back. I wonder if the owner sells rides like Lee Lauderback with “Crazy Horse”?

Steve

I talked to Dennis a few months back, and I thought that’s what he told me. I’ll find out tomorrow, unless someone else posts first. What I definately recall is that this airplane is going to be down for some time.

What’s the story with Magnificant Obsession? I don’t know the plane or owner, but isn’t this Sea Fury static in a museum now?

Thanks for any info.

Steve

Originally posted by Chad Veich
Let’s not forget John Macguire’s “Magnificent Obsession” and the Sanders T-20 which is well on its way back to flying status. I had the pleasure of watching Mr. Getchell perform in his Fury this past weekend and it was fantastic. It has been many years since I’ve heard the unique sound of a Centaurus so it was quite welcome.

I was under the impression that the Sanders T Mk. 20 was also having the Wright 3350 conversion. Don’t quote me on this, but that’s what I’d heard.

I know that Gary Austin at Retro Aviation in Memphis is putting a 3350 in Gary Peeler’s Sea Fury (after the Centaurus went south).

I truly believe after talking with other Sea Fury owners and mechanics that the only issue is parts availability for the Centaurus. Of course, 3350 parts are starting to be a problem as well.

As for the back armour plate, you have to remove it if you want a jump seat (something that is very desirable). There is an added risk (just like in the Mustang or any other warbird), but most feel it is a managable risk. Charlie Hilliard should still be here today, but that’s another story.

Also, the comments about flying characteristics today vs. being “bombed and gunned” up are absolutely true. These things are feathers compared to all the titwank (my new word) they used to carry around. Sea Fury today usually fly under 10,000lbs. Wartime, try 12,500lbs.