Every since I can remember I have grown up with planes and cars, my Dad is a engineer who loves aeroplanes, from building them as airfix models (my brother’s ceiling was full of models), watching them fly at numerous airshows, reading about them, watching WWII films…. I would say I have a fairly good knowledge of aeroplanes as a result. The most illustrious of them all is the Spitfire. Dad has bits of Spitfire’s all over the house, it has always been his dream to fly in one. Today was the day that dream would come true thanks to Aero Legends.
Build up & anticipation
The build up to the day had been a full of excitement and nerves for us all. The flight had already been cancelled the previous month due to cross winds at Duxford (where ”Elizabeth” – Spitfire is based). So we all had everything crossed for today. The signs were looking good, blue skies, sunny, not much cloud… When I arrived “Elizabeth” was already at Headcorn. The superb and super friendly team, lead by Ben (director of Aero Legends) and Wayne (Head of the Ground Crew) just made the whole day incredible. their passion and love for the Spitfire is so infectious.
Dad with the incredible ground crew at Aero Legends, led by Wayne
This is it…
We managed to get a few photos of Dad with the plane and then it was time to start the engine. My Dad’s new hero “Parky”, who is an ex-Red Arrows & RAF pilot (he has also been on a number of tv shows flying planes) was the pilot today, he was amazing – such a lovely man. They taxied down the field and got into position, then it was all systems go and take off.
Video of take off (thanks to my sister for this clip)
Watching my Dad take off in his stunning aircraft was so emotional and exciting. Only god knows how he must have been feeling. They flew off into the distance to Gravesend and back, we heard them before we could see them return. Then “Parky” put Dad through his paces, a couple of victory rolls and soaring through the skies we were all full of awe, amazement and hope that Dad’s wasn’t throwing up inside the plane! It was all too quick to see them land and taxi back up towards us. The beaming smiling on Dad’s face said everything you needed to know. It was as good, of not better inside the plane than watching it from the ground.
A massive tick on the bucket list for Dad. Thanks to everyone at Aero Legends who just made the day one to remember forever.
Photos from the day – taken on the Canon 1DX Mark II, Canon 300mm lens, f2.8i & Canon 24-105mm f4 lens.