Historic Day

[Bill Greenwood]

On this day, March 6, 1936 was the first flight of the prototype of the Spitfire at Eastleigh airport, Southampton, flown by Mutt Summers, and later by great test pilot Jeffery Quill. Some sources give this day as March 5, Quill"s book says the 6th.

The Spitfire was to become perhaps the finest fighter of that war, and certainly the finest interceptor, lacking only long range.
It was produced before and after the war, about 23.000 in all. and served as an RAF front line fighter till 1957 and in every part of the world and with many nations.Later versions added 100 mph to top speed and carreid 4 20 mm cannons.

79 years later, it still has a very large and well deserved reputation and in my 36 of flying experience is still the best plane I have ever sat in, best wing, best engine, best looks, best sound, most forgiving, and very historic.

Today, the best RAF top jet pilots go trough a selection and training process to fly these old airplanes along with the Hurricanes and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

May she fly another 79 years, at least.

[champ driver]

A star was born.