Martin’s Spitfire Experience
Written by Martin Pate
Through the generous donations of friends and family who clubbed together for my 60th birthday in July, I had the day of all days to remember with the Spitfire experience flying from Lee-on-Solent.
The day started overcast with low clouds and no flying possible, but with the promise of better weather in a few hours, optimism was revived. This day also coincided with the Saturday of the Bournemouth Air Show, which turned out to be a plus. As the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was also unable to fly into Bournemouth due to low clouds, their flight was diverted into Lee-on-Solent, so I was joined by the very stars of the show: the Battle of Britain Spitfire and Hurricane. What a treat to see these priceless and iconic aircraft up close, and chat with their pilots.
Climbing into the Spitfire and strapping into the parachute, feeling the controls, and taking in all the instruments heightened the senses and anticipation of the engine start-up. What a noise, the feeling and smell of the famous Merlin engine coughing and spluttering into life, before ticking over into its beautiful visceral rhythm.
The climb out of Lee-on-Solent was quick and smooth before banking to port to climb up and over the Solent towards Cowes. As we levelled out, the words came over the earphones, “do you want to fly her down the Solent?” I did not need to be asked twice! Taking control of a Spitfire is an experience that will never be forgotten. It is often repeated that the plane becomes a part of you; that it is so sensitive, just the slightest movement on the controls pitched her up and down and left and right and reminded you that this was first and foremost a fighter, designed to attack and evade very quickly. The responses were incredible; the sound, the smell and the manoeuvrability were awe-inspiring.
As we approached the famous Needles Rocks, we could observe a large crowd looking into the air as the sound and shape of the most famous aircraft in the world loomed overhead. “Shall we give them something to watch?” the pilot asked. Before I completed the word “yes”, we had already started the famous Victory Roll – sky, sea, land, and sky again passed by smoothly and effortlessly as we performed the iconic aerobatic. What an experience!
Continuing around the Isle of White with Sandown to my left, another treat was in store – the clouds had lifted, and the Spitfire climbed to 5,000. Looking forward, all I could see was the mighty four-bladed propellers spinning against the sky. With the engine roaring, we climbed to the top and then fell over backwards to begin a full loop, hurtling towards earth at the other side of the loop. My stomach became weightless as we powered out and hurtled at 400 miles per hour back to Lee-on-Solent. It was over in a flash and before I knew it, we were taxying down the runway to rejoin friends and family, with the biggest smile on my face I have ever had.
What an experience, and whilst it was a very special birthday present for me, I could not help but remember the bravery and sacrifice of the young pilots who gave up their lives for us during the period of the Battle of Britain and other theatres of war. How they managed to fly, navigate, and take on the enemy left me full of admiration and respect.
