BluBear Posted August 21 Share Posted August 21 Well done old chap! From the Classic Wings facebook page: Quote What does it take to become a Spitfire pilot? This is a question that has been on the mind of Classic Wings pilot Craig Brierley for some time. Craig has been flying for Classic Wings for a decade moving up through the ranks from the Tiger Moth to the Dragon Rapide and T6 Harvard but he had his sights sets on the pinnacle. Prior to flying at Duxford Craig had previously flown search and rescue missions for the coast guard and also piloted Lear Jets for a private charter company before following his passion for vintage aviation. Now with a lot of relevant experience he is making his debut in the iconic Spitfire. Early flights in the T9 are flown from the back seat to enable the new pilot to orientate himself with the aircraft systems prior to their first flight from the front seat, a big milestone for any pilot. Craig got his first front seat flight on Sunday 18th August under the watchful eye of instructor Barry Hughes. When asked how it went Craig replied that he "still hasn't woken up from the dream". Barry reported a very successful first front seat flight. Further flights will be needed before Craig is signed off as a fully fledged Spitfire pilot but this trip was a massive step for someone who has dreamed of flying true warbirds since he was a child. @DD_Bongodriver 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted August 21 Share Posted August 21 Wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1. DDz Quorum FoolTrottel Posted August 21 1. DDz Quorum Share Posted August 21 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD_Bongodriver Posted August 21 Share Posted August 21 This journey started early this year. kept it quiet so not to jinx it. this could all end suddenly but wow what an amazing feeling it is. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1. DDz Quorum DD_Fenrir Posted August 21 1. DDz Quorum Share Posted August 21 Not jealous at all... In all seriousness, congratulations indeed Craig on acheiving a long held ambition. How was it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1. DDz Quorum DD_Fenrir Posted August 21 1. DDz Quorum Share Posted August 21 Hang on, is that MJ627?!?!? GET OUTTA MY AIRPLANE!!!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD_Bongodriver Posted August 21 Share Posted August 21 4 minutes ago, DD_Fenrir said: Hang on, is that MJ627?!?!? GET OUTTA MY AIRPLANE!!!! Sorry but I'm clinging on to that airplane like an eco protestor to a motorway gantry. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PapaBear Posted August 21 Share Posted August 21 Well done Craig, what an achievement 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1. DDz Quorum Sid Posted August 22 1. DDz Quorum Share Posted August 22 Very well done Craig, a fantastic achievement 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD_Arthur Posted August 23 Share Posted August 23 Cor! Well done Bongo. Amazing 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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