Graham Adlam's Spit

[Fifties Fanatic]

I don't know how many have followed this "restoration", but now he has a Spit which you can sit in and fire up and shoot canon. I encountered it at The War and peace Show this weekend, having read a bit about it, but after shellling out for tickets and other bits and pieces just couldn't find the £35.00 he charges. Seems a tad steep but there seemed to be a good few takers. Any thoughts? That aside it is a great event although primarily not aviation based, of course, although this year there was a nod to the BoB. The Lanc's delayed display over the arena whilst the Falaise Gap battle was being re-enacted was a fine climax.

[Mayfly]

Haven't heard of it FF but it never ceases to amaze me how much some will pay for things when they get something back for their money..

[Thumper]

I think £35 is quite a bargain to sit in a Spitfire and start her up!! Considering a bucket load of people pay £50 for a 10 minute pleasure flight in a Dragon Rapide or £99 for a 10 minute flight in a Tiger Moth at air shows across the UK then I know what I would rather spend my money on, even if it goes nowhere, it's ALL about the noise

Here it is running in..... Birmingham town centre of all places



*EDIT.... just read the description, stuff that it's a replica and doesn't even have a Merlin engine

[Fifties Fanatic]

Thanks for the video, Thumpy, but for me the £39 on a Dragon Rapide flight earlier this year beats £35 for the Spit into a cocked hat. And I'm saving up for the Tiger and then the Stearman.

[Thumper]

Dragon Rapide flight at Duxford made me feel sick and didn't do much for my fear of flying, I think I left a couple of vertebra on the runway after landing too

[Fifties Fanatic]

Bad luck - it was my first in a DR for nearly 60 years so it was FANTASTIC and for me planes are for flying in as well as for looking at so I can see why the Spit is better value for you.

[Thumper]

Yeah but no but yeah but no but... it's NOT a Spitfire! It's a plastic pretend one!

£650 for a high speed taxi run in a Lightning T5... how big is your piggy bank? That will be OK for me, it's a solid plane, won't take off, won't rattle and shake as much as a DR. Just the venting fuel, fireball risk, frequent breakdowns and the chute not deploying that's a problem... I'm not a pessimist honest!

[Fifties Fanatic]

Blimey - is it really £650 for a Lighting run? No way Jose - I'll take 2 Stearmans for that money! Now I'll happily watch the Lighting run for £15.......

[Gaz]

£650 does seem expensive for a lightning run, BUT, I have it on good authority that £650 will only JUST cover the fuel, for one run. Let alone the avpin, oils and insurance.

Seems like a bargain when you add it all up

[Fifties Fanatic]

I am sure the figures are right - it's just about the perception of the value, which is personal and subjective. It would be exciting, I have no doubt, but for me the ultimate aircraft buzz is to be in the air not on the ground.

[Gaz]

I am sure the figures are right - it's just about the perception of the value, which is personal and subjective. It would be exciting, I have no doubt, but for me the ultimate aircraft buzz is to be in the air not on the ground.

I suppose it would come down to personal choice. I'd sooner have a fast aborted take off run in a Lightning, than a flight in almost anything

[Fifties Fanatic]

Fair enough Gaz, each to his own........

[Mayfly]

Hmmmm would Gaz fit in a lightning?

[Thumper]

I'd have a go in the Lightning but for £650 I'll be kicking the pilot out and figuring out how to take off

Flight Profile - Top Gun Experience (Bulldog Aircraft) - £295 per person (incl VAT).

* You sit next to your instructor in the cockpit.
* Formation take-off (2 aircraft)
* Formation close manoeuvrering in the climb
* Demonstration and practice of effects of controls and aerobatics manoeuvres
* 'Hands on stick' time - opportunity for you to fly some aerobatics yourself
* Demo & practice tail-chase with other aeroplane - 'shoot the bandit'
* Instructor talks you through Return to Base - fighter pilot rejoin to land

3-4 hour day with 45 minutes of flight time.

That's what I'd go for!! Although I want need to buy some bravery pills first

[IcH]

I had a short flight in the Dragon Rapide at Duxford a few years back and before flying they checked the fuel level simply by dipping a big stick in the fuel tank. The canvas escape hatches flapping about, and the door rattling with gaps big enough to see clear light through! all added to the experience in my opinion!

[Mayfly]

I've promised myself a trip in a Rapide after visiting Covenrty last week, probably at Wellesbourne next year if Classic flight are there doing them

[Bovril]

i'm sure we will ask them to attend

I've promised myself a trip in a Rapide after visiting Covenrty last week, probably at Wellesbourne next year if Classic flight are there doing them

[Fifties Fanatic]

I'd have a go in the Lightning but for £650 I'll be kicking the pilot out and figuring out how to take off

Flight Profile - Top Gun Experience (Bulldog Aircraft) - £295 per person (incl VAT).

* You sit next to your instructor in the cockpit.
* Formation take-off (2 aircraft)
* Formation close manoeuvrering in the climb
* Demonstration and practice of effects of controls and aerobatics manoeuvres
* 'Hands on stick' time - opportunity for you to fly some aerobatics yourself
* Demo & practice tail-chase with other aeroplane - 'shoot the bandit'
* Instructor talks you through Return to Base - fighter pilot rejoin to land

3-4 hour day with 45 minutes of flight time.

Now that's more like value for money. I'd definitely give it a go. Whereabouts?

Edit: quote tidied up. Sooty

[Xplumberlives]

I've promised myself a trip in a Rapide after visiting Covenrty last week, probably at Wellesbourne next year if Classic flight are there doing them

is that because you are of a similar age?

[Thumper]

Top Gun Experience (Bulldog Aircraft) - £295 per person (incl VAT).

3-4 hour day with 45 minutes of flight time.

Now that's more like value for money. I'd definitely give it a go. Whereabouts?

Edit: quote tidied up. Sooty

Kemble!!

http://www.ultimatehigh.co.uk/flying_experience_days.html

[Xplumberlives]

Hmmmm would Gaz fit in a lightning?

He could get in, but getting out would be a different matter, I bet he would elect to stay in until the diet kicked in!

[Lucas1860]

This was my Rapide flight in 2005, took my sons with me. Was a fantastic flight.

[Xplumberlives]

WOW!
That was some take off, all of a sudden you were up there!


Very similar to the trip I took Hula-Hoop on when he was about 4 years old!

[Fifties Fanatic]

Great memories of my flight this year - i think you were in the same seat!

[Gaz]

Hmmmm would Gaz fit in a lightning?

I fit quite comfortably thank you


Well, I say comfortably.........................