Spitfire Model Cross Channel Flight.

[Mike Booth]

Dear all, after much organisation, I am about to make a cross Channel flight with 'Connie' my 1/4 scale PR Spitfire from Calais to Manston in Kent.

With the backing of the LMA, CAA and the DGCA in France, all is in place.
A small team and I have been working on this for some months to mark the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire and raise a donation to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight who are also supporting our venture.

While there may well be press and TV on board, I have yet to confirm a second aircraft capable of, A. taking my three crew and the model from Manston to Calais and then B. back over for the official flight to Manston.
I will be in the three axis command aircraft piloting.

There is a nice little reception committee organised at the Museum at Manston with full size Spit and Hurri.
I am looking for a weather window to line everyone up as of the 24th October next week.
Both airports and all persons are clicked to 'go'.

If anyone out there in fullsize world would like to be involved in a unique event and can offer unsponsored support as carrier and photo ship please let me know.
One thing to bear in mind is the Spitfire fuselage is 96 inches long and the tail is 24" approx in span.
The wings of course are seperate panels and therefore easier to stow.
There will also be tools and support kit, though i have got this down to a small amount.

Also at this stage I would invite any trade that wish to pledge sponsorship or help the team, or make a donation via the LMA to the BBMF to get in touch.
Your input will be duely acknowledged in the press and be gratefully received.

We would be delighted to hear from any commercial operation or private pilots with the time and experience to help.

You can contact me on 07866294323 or at studio.mike@btinternet.com
Many thanks, Mike Booth.

[Dave Parry]

Fingers cross for you Mike all the way, I wish I could be there.

[Mike Booth]

After receiving the CAA exemption this week, I have now received the French exemption and 'GO' .
There is an epic paperwork and department trail to get through over the water!!
Many thanks so far to all concerned, your cooperation has been superb.

[Dave Hayfield]

Hello Mike. Our local club did a similar flight with a DB Hurricane in 1995. I can commiserate on the paperwork and arranging you have to do. Greg, my lad, flew the Hurricane from the back seat of a Jet Ranger at 2000 feet. I live only half a mile from Manston, our Hurricane is the one under the full size in the museum, so if you want me to help with anything just say the word, or drop in for a cup of tea!. Hope all goes ok.

[Mike Booth]

Hi Dave I remember it well, hence my determination to get a Spitfire over the briney this year.
Didnt you do that in 1990?
I need an aircraft to get my three ground crew over, spoke to Thanet Flying club and they seem positive.
No guarantee's though.
07866294323, give me a call if you can tomorrow and I will call you back.
Its all organised even the reception at the Museum.
Ive got the BBC on board but I dont imagine they will offer free bus rides over .
Cheers Mike.

[Mike Booth]

Its a 'go' for Friday morning.

[Gregg Veasey]

Go for it Mike, and good luck.

I look forward to hearing of a perfect flight and of a perfect Mike landing, of which I think the 2nd or 3rd will be the best!!

[Dave Parry]

Good luck Mike we are all routing for you.

[Mike Booth]

Thanks Guys, you know it Gregg .
Got the whole Squadron down there so can't let them down.
No pressure then eh Mike.

[Mike Booth]

By the way the whole thing is in aid of the BBMF so if you can stretch into your pockets in these hard times and vector the funds towards the LMA account, it will get where its meant to go.
Just mark it BBMF
Go on, even if its a fiver, think how much pleasure we get from seeing them fly the flag in the memory of those who paid with their lives so that we and our parents remained living in a free democracy.
Thanks.

[Denis Brown]

Good luck tomorrow

[chris willis]

Good luck Mike, sorry I can't be with you, will be in a Suffolk pub downing some Adnams, hopefully a toast or two

[Gregg Veasey]

What's the timetable of events?

[chris willis]

There setting off at 3am

[Gregg Veasey]

and scheduled to land at at??

[chris willis]

think Manston at 6am then some flying to Calais, and car driving their with Spit, late morning or mid afternoon Spit flying across, the long part of the channel 40 min flight, think that's right as they are all probably tucked up in bed now, exiting huh.

[Bob Thompson1894]

Best of luck with this boys, be nice to get some positive publicity for once!

[Gregg Veasey]

Cheers Chris. Wish I could be there . Others are hoping to though

[stewart clifford]

Well, Bazza, Bonzey and I left Baldock at 3am today. They dropped me off with Mike and his son at 0530 in Deal, they then drove to Manston to meet up with the others. Meanwhile Mike, Miles and I drove to Folkstone, got on the Euro Tunnel and 45 mins later we were at Calais Aeroport. With the Spitfire assembled "airside"(I have a picture to be added soon) I headed off in the car back to "Blighty". I was back at the Manston Museum having a full english breakfast by 1130am and then....................................................................................................................................????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
You'll have to wait for Mike to finish his story.

We got back to Baldock at 1830, completely shattered so I'm off to recouperate...... in the Cricketers

Stewart

[Mike Booth]

I am toasted with no sleep in 24 hours and a 420 mile round trip.
Miles and me bathed in glorious sunshine at Calais all afternoon, and paced the pan outside the firecrew hangers where Connie sat waiting for nine hours.
The accompanying aircraft were holed up in fog at Manston and Chris from Clench could not get over the south downs after trying every possible way.
I take my hat off to him as he is always completely positve about getting it done.
There was a chance with the other aircraft but after what appeared to be contradictory 'chat' regarding a 'go' that plan was abandoned as well.
Miles and me were intensely frustrated as conditions were superb from about 1pm onwards in France with positive comments regarding Manston.
Its a pity Chris didnt start at Manston as it may well of been a different story, as he has the right approach.

I am determined to finish what I have started, not least because of the amount of admin work i put in singlehandedly to get it authorised.
I would like to thank the boys for their superb support and commitment, particularly Stu's input and those that turned up at Manston.
I am grateful for LMA sponsorship, I wont let you down.
Today taught me a lot on how I can slim down what I need to do to achieve this and also slim down the opinioned debate!!.

Cheers for now ....watch this space.