Spitfire Aerobatics

Rolls and Loops in the Spit IX, with commentary by Dave Hadfield.
Aircraft owned by Mike Potter, and flown in association with Vintage Wings of Canada at Gatineau, QC. www.vintagewings.ca
The music is from "Song Of The Spitfire" (c)2019 by Dave Hadfield. This is its first release. For more flying songs, see Dave's 14-song aviation album "Climbin' Away" hadfield.ca/climbing-away/
For more in-depth Spitfire takeoff-and-landing tips, see • Fly A Spitfire -- With...
For more tips about Spitfire non-aerobatic display wingovers and passes, see • Flying a Spitfire Air ...
NOTE: There are many comments about how long it takes to go through the checklists and get the thing airborne. In the B of B the ground crews would have started the engines and done the mag checks etc before sunrise. As soon as the pilots appeared on the airfield they'd go to their aeroplane, talk to the crew about it, check that all the switches and levers were in the right position for a Scramble, and -- very important! -- arrange the parachute and harness "just-so" for a quick strap-in-and-go; and brief the ground crew about exactly how they were going to coordinate the startup and launch. BUT... I fly many different aircraft types, our ground crew have many different duties, and we have no time-imperative. So we use checklists -- which have been shown many times to reduce the "oh-crap-forgot-that" mistakes.

[@JorgeBrown]

The best Spitfire video I ever saw! Thanks heaps and keep up the fun mate!

[@gregpopp4847]

I never tire of anything involving spitfires.

[@allanburgess4889]

My mother worked for Fairy aviation during the war her job was to repair leading edges on damaged aircraft she was 24 in 1940 and worked there throughout the war when I started work in 1961 age 15 I inherited her tool kit for my apprenticeship in sheet metal working . One of my projects was making a flip over Jig for assembling the wingsHappy days I was 19 at the time.

[@duncanloftus2312]

I once spent a day travelling in an ex-Spitfire pilots car with him in the ‘80s. I’ll never forget his tales. When I asked how they were to fly he just said , ‘I could still fly one now!’

[@JackRoadkill]

If there's a more beautiful machine than a mk9 Spitfire I've yet to see it. Thanks Dave, for sharing these flights with us.

[@julianneale6128]

MkI, MkVIII and the MkXIV are my personal favourites.

[@johnmclean6498]

Totally agree. That prop and spinner and the perfectly proportioned extra length with the Merlin 66. The Mk V was just that tiny bit stubbier. Alex Henshaw said the Mk V with a light fuel load was the best for aerobatics though.

[@Dzordzikk]

@@johnmclean6498 Mk V. is classic. All after that was only damaging legend. Nothing after V isn´t that contures.

[@Newbonic]

My personal favourite is the De Havilland Mosquito. A beautiful aircraft.

[@johnmclean6498]

@@Newbonic DCS is about to release the FB Mk VI. Can't wait.

[@chuckswinden1635]

This is not just an aeroplane, its magic on wings...

[@petergrisdale6797]

Excellent video, commentary and flying, thanks for sharing.

[@johnyjoh]

The most beautiful plane ever made! 👌

[@Mike-qi4pv]

I've watched WW2 warbirds flying at airshows, so it's great to see one flying from inside the cockpit. Thanks for a great video with good commentary. Our high school class ballroom dance teacher - who we all thought was a 'frumpy' old lady - used to ferry Spits and other fighters around England during the war. I only found this out many years later as part of her obituary.

[@cmjs873]

My husband and I really enjoyed this flight. My father-in-law was a WW2 Spitfire pilot with the RCAF 441 squadron and this really helped us to imagine what it must have been like for him in the cockpit. Thank you so much! We envisioned what it might have been like for him to take off during a scramble. I doubt he had any time to go through a pre-flight check list, not that he would have anyway. He never liked to follow written instructions at the best of times. We find it amazing that he got home!

[@jagvette1]

Not that it probably matters to you but my mum made the gun barrels for the Spitfire that your father in law flew.

[@laurielyon7740]

Absolutely Wonderful. Growing up, the father of a friend was a man named Al Studholme. Al was man I got to know much better as I got older. I was unaware that he’d flown Spitfire Mk IX’s until I was in my 30’s. During a casual conversation, he mentioned he was overseas during the war and one thing led to another. I was blown away when he said he’d flown Spitfires. WHAT??? In an instant he’d gone from my friend’s father to A GUY WHO FLEW SPITFIRES. Al flew for 401 Sqn, lost his engine over France accompanying American bombers to St. Omer. He bailed out and ended up in Stalag Luft III. We often went to the aviation historical meetings at North York library where I met other pilots, including (Ace) Don Morrison. Great thrill. Morrison’s Spitfire YOA may be seen in a painting by aviation artist Ron Lowry which graces the cover of the Milberry book mentioned further in my comments. Al attended a fighter pilot reunion at Southampton (can’t recall the year ) where he met Nick Grace, the man who restored a Mk IX, an airplane that came disassembled in a numbers of crates. He’d acquired the Spit from ( I think) the Strathallan Collection in Scotland. There is a documentary called The Perfect Lady that tells the story of the painstaking restoration. Al mentioned to Mr. Grace he’d flown Mk IX’s during the war but has suffered an early exit. At this, Nick Grace graciously asked the question.......’Would you like to go up?’. In Larry Milberry’s book Royal Canadian Air Force At War, there is mention of that flight plus a photo of Al waving from the rear seat during a low pass. (Yes, a rear seat. The aircraft had been converted to a two seat version after the war.) Like almost all WWII participants, Al is gone but not forgotten. Nice to see some Spitfires that live on.

[@davehadfield5906]

Great story! Thanks.

[@capnkit]

Have 3 MK.IX's nesting at the local airfield (Lee-on-the-Solent), and worked security at many airshows around the country. Still never tire of hearing that mighty Merlin or seeing that beautiful elliptical wing. Thanks for the excellent video. She's bloody gorgeous and really appreciate the "handling" commentary with the instrumentation view! :)

[@jonerrek7806]

That's as close as I will ever come to being in a Spitfire. Thank you for the ride and conversation.

[@glgcmike]

It is truly wonderful to see that old girl fly and go through some maneuvers.

[@ShellMartijn]

No way that I'm going to skip to the take-off moment. I want to see everything of this beauty :) Great video, thanks!

[@1965wazza]

Just beautiful. As a pilot, I'll never get to fly a Spitfire...but this is the closest I'll get. Thanks.

[@ianbetts4435]

Its hard to think 18 year olds flew them in a combat situation so much to think about just flying without fighting.

[@mikeburton7077]

for my 70th birthday my famiiy brought me a flight in a T6 at Duxford ,what a great experience ,thoroughly enjoyed your videos ,he let me fly it for a while as i have done a fair amount of gliding

[@waynester71]

Is there anything more iconic than looking out over those beautiful elliptical wings... On your shoulders are those who dream to fly her today, and the ghosts of those ‘Few’ who did and gave their lives for us.. Wonderful video..

[@nehemiahkylan3579]

Pro trick: watch series on flixzone. Been using it for watching loads of movies these days.

[@martinjackson558]

@Nehemiah Kylan Definitely, I've been watching on Flixzone} for months myself =)

[@emersontristen4080]

@Nehemiah Kylan Definitely, I have been using flixzone} for since november myself :)

[@CCitis]

Ah the Y2K Spit. When it was being re done in Comox, my dad and I flew over to go have a look. The gents there were so awesome and let us come in and hang out while they were working on it. At that time, it was very early days and they were working on routing all the hydraulic piping. Cool to see it flying.

[@murrayshanaughan2650]

Thanks for sharing . After watching the flight and hearing the song I even felt a bit teary. The way pilots speak of its grace and character one can only wish to know what it feels like to fly. At least we ground hogs can admire its beauty.

[@alanwaterworth6464]

Excellent video, very informative especially on the start up checks and run up. I was lucky enough to fly in a MK9 TR2 for my 50th birthday. A boyhood dream come true. The merlin sounds beautiful, from the outside, but from the inside, so DAMN loud, like a noisy tractor ;) even with a helmet and ear defenders. As you said at the end, the flight was so incredibly smooth, like a hot knife through butter. We flew over the south downs in England, did a series of aerobatics, buzzed a train at low level, with the pilot a making me laugh, shouting " train, 10 o clock, lets have him!" and going "dah dah dah dah dah!" as we dived down, pulling up into an aileron roll, then later, a low level fly of a Royal Navy destroyer out in the Solent. A magical experience. I do envy anyone who´s lucky enough to fly these old birds on anything like a regular basis. Thanks for posting :)

[@davehadfield5906]

Yes. The truth is the pilot never hears the sound that the airshow crowd hears. Inside the thing it's being like in a pump-house, or generator shack. Very industrial.

[@terrywarner8657]

Dave, you fly the Spitfire like you were wearing it! And, thank you to Mr Potter for the pleasure of having these aircraft for us to enjoy.

[@gavindouglas5581]

That's what you do like strap the spitfire to your back..

[@LyfovRyan51]

The pilots enthusiasm shows, and as other former pilots have mentioned, a great aircraft to fly. I can only imagine.

[@roadie3124]

Very nice. One of the women ATA pilots who flew military aircraft from factory to squadron commented that she thought that the Spitfire was a perfect plane for women. It was very easy to fly, once you learned how to handle the take-off problems and the narrow wheelbase. She said that it was a plane that just reacted perfectly to to every input.

[@davidbeise7385]

So special to see Y2K flying as I saw it for the first time sitting in the hangar in Comox in parts with only the fuselage in a jig being restored. What a gift it was to see it return home a couple summers ago and get the photos I did. Thank you Dave Hadfield for the very informative preflight process and flight. This one is for you Bonn.

[@davehadfield5906]

That's how I first saw it too, in 2006. Stocky Edwards took me there when I was interviewing him about our P-40. And I met Bonn, who was working on it then -- may he rest easy.

[@787Speedbrakes]

When it comes to music, Dave is a great pilot!

[@davehadfield5906]

Let's hear your airplane songs, wise guy. ;)

[@timothydraper6626]

Ha ha ha.

[@Nosaracasalaplaya]

I just finished watching the doc. Spitfire ,its a must watch . The ending will bring the tears on !

[@plumbs7199]

Thank you sir for letting us have a ride !

[@mdiz4564]

Wow! What a great video. My father worked on Spitfires and then flew on Lancaster’s as a young Polish flight engineer. Very moving!

[@user-ws4tq5qo2w]

Respect for your Dad!

[@marchindy]

Always enjoy your videos. I appreciate the time it takes to make them and I thank you for sharing them.

[@joepalooka2145]

That incredible airplane of WW2 which has no equal and to which we owe so much. I like the great story of Hermann Goering coming to visit his Luftwaffe pilots in France during the Battle of Britain. German pilot morale was suffering because so many were getting shot down. Goering asked Adolf Galland, the famous German ace "Is there anything you need?" Galland replied, "Yes, a squadron of Spitfires".

[@migrationfuntimes303]

I'm in my 60s now and had a relative who, as a child in war torn Britain, would witness the vapour streams of dog fights in the skies. Although terrifying, it would be an unforgettable sight to see these beautiful machines flying in anger.

[@johnmclean6498]

Dave you are a natural. Pilot and presenter. Calm, insightful and entertaining. Bravo.

[@yanniskouretas8688]

Of all the Spit videos I've watched over the years , this is a real treasure .... You sir have the thanks of an ageing - closing to retirement H.A.F. CMsgt .

[@maxwood5938]

I just loved every second of the video, thank you for talking us through your flight, absolutely fantastic.

[@edb7742]

You have experienced things that many of us have dreamed about since we were kids, thank you!

[@MrCompBoss]

Thank you so much Dave it certainly brings back memories . Havent been in a Spitfire again since 1995.

[@brycenew]

Dave your commentaries are so excellent! As a non-pilot lover of warbirds and aircraft generally, I really appreciate the detail. I've watched a couple of your vids and your commentary's never boring and really brings us into the cockpit experience. Many many thanks! Stay well :)

[@Mike-kc8rl]

Great video, i was fortunate enough to go for a pleasure flight in a Spitfire a few year's ago here in the UK and it was a life changing experience! I am not a pilot, but i was allowed to take control of the Aircraft and was totally amazed by how light and sharp the Spitfire was to the touch! It felt like a sharp knife cutting the air? Beautiful in every way.

[@rehrauer99]

Thanks for taking us aboard. Cheers

[@3angels661]

Well! That was the best commentary on a take-off, Spitfire flight/landing ever. Just great! Thank you!

[@jamieduff1981]

That was brilliant. I love the experienced operator's insight here coupled with some nice flying.

[@gotgravel]

Fantastic video, really appreciate the excellent commentary as well.

[@enriqueolvera-lorenzo2101]

Great performance the Spit and the pilot, you put me right at the controls in my dream aircraft, thanks a lot

[@airgliderz]

Awesome plane, awesome video. Awesome commentary.

[@David_P132]

Best video on Spitfires I've ever seen - thank you.

[@jay600katana]

Y2K is a master piece, a top quality restoration, she looks almost too good lol. Hot or not Dave, that was a beauty landing. I don't know how you can restrain yourself from refueling and going up again.

[@davehadfield5906]

The owner, Mike P, feels that way...

[@airgliderz]

Cost fuel puts a damper on fly time... ;-)

[@jay600katana]

@@airgliderz I would assume the merlin would be an expensive mouth to feed lol.

[@wollyxl]

Thanks for taking us up in her Dave that was an epic flight.

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you beautiful ride.

[@BobandBear1]

Feel like I've just had my first flight in a Spitfire !..... Brilliant and absolutely fascinating.

[@davidfrost1428]

Oh Mr Dave, so beautiful

[@MultiGuitarDave]

Magnificent! My 9 year old son is a huge Spitfire fan. He knows all about it. Every part is known to him. He recently gave a talk at school about the Spitfire. I'll show him this video when he gets home from school. He will love it.

[@aviatorah3]

Absolutely awesome, my friend. This kinda stuff keeps me motivated! Well flown!

[@Snipe-br6zg]

Love your videos. Extremely entertaining and always very informative

[@spitfiregraham]

Bloody amazing Dave... thank you for this.

[@fontana101]

You sir are incredible. Cheers.

[@ShevillMathers]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful presentation and interesting commentary. The pilots of the war years did not have it easy getting flying time in before combat. I salute them all. You are helping to keep their memory alive. RAF medic. (ex), living down under in Tasmania-a great place to be. 👍😁🇬🇧🇦🇺🦘

[@marklewis4530]

What a totally joyous video! Beautiful flying, great informative commentary. I saw a lone Spit flying from Exeter a few afternoons this week on pleasure flights, with that unmistakable Merlin sound....

[@strat0871]

Thanks Dave, it was great. Cheers from France.

[@80Loke]

This video is just amazing, well done!

[@sootycharlie]

it is with gratitude and great thanks that you have shown exactly what those young and inexperianced pilots had to deal with, aswell as getting into a scrap wilst airbourne, i a salute you sir.

[@TheFlyingBusman]

What an absolutely cracking flight. The adrenaline rush every time you get in one of these old birds must be fantastic.

[@gregforte7353]

This was an amazing informative video!! Wow i got goosebumps even

[@jjs3287]

Thanks for sharing that with us.

[@PaddyPatrone]

awesome!

[@markthibault8579]

Lovely flight in a stunning airplane. I was thankful to see her fresh off the restoration at the Abbotsford airshow in 2018.

[@brentheilman8910]

My absolute favorite warbird of all time, great video! 👍👍👍

[@angusmcgherkinsquirt]

Brilliant.

[@vincentnoriega3353]

Thanks for this great video!

[@longhair-dontcare9983]

What a marvelous machine! To think that this design was invented in the late '30s, simply incredible. Thank you for the ride along. I liked your song also.

[@davidwilliams1825]

One of the best WWII planes and a good presentation too

[@roxy2l2s]

Thanks for sharing !

[@FrankHRitz]

Very informative and well explained. Thank you

[@arrowbflight5082]

Fantastic video. Great to see the Roseland MK IX Spitfire.

[@lilyrose730]

Beautiful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RobWhittlestone]

What a lucky guy. She's immaculate. The Mk IX is one of my favourite versions. Great video. All the best, Rob

[@GeoffLatterAirshows]

Great video and channel. I've been enjoying your content while I recover from back surgery...great way to pass the time! Makes me look forward to getting back in the saddle. Cheers!

[@paulstubbs4487]

Great video, really enjoyed this many thanks.

[@sshizas6986]

Wonderful.

[@ianbrown4242]

Amazing.

[@gredw6733]

Great video....thank you!

[@tomling9310]

Superb video 👍

[@marks.1425]

Very awesome!

[@Isueng]

incredible

[@MikeM-CampbellRiver]

Dave your a hella-va aviation ambassador!

[@tinaboy99]

Wonderful, you can imagine why so many pilots loved the spit. My father flew spits.

[@drtimsmith]

Lovely !! Your Mk IX is a real sweetheart !!😃

[@gperk4723]

What a beautiful Airplane

[@monkeyballs342]

beautiful vid.cracking voice too.you done the old bird proud!

[@tierrabuzz1925]

Such an amazing aerodynamic work of art the best aircraft ever made :)

[@nickr5658]

One of the best flight and commentary videos I have seen. Great work Dave! Would like to fly with you sometime

[@frostyupnorth]

Thank you for what you do Dave. I have 4 hours in the P-51 at Stallion so I can feel the movements you are putting the Spit thru. And 4.5 G is plenty enough for me. Got to see Jerry Billings fly years ago. He put on an awesome show.

[@davehadfield5906]

Jerry was a legend.

[@danielgonzaleztejedor9486]

Some day I'll go to see the "Flying Legends" in Duxford. Tears of joy guaranteed. Tx for keep it flying.

[@frostyfrost4094]

No longer takes place at Duxford

[@arnhemseptember2009]

That was great!

[@JohnSims3]

Awesome! Thank you!!!

[@alexugljesic]

As Richard Bach sad in one of his books ..."and then sky is green and the ground is blue"... :) I flew it with you Dave, beautiful bird, a beautiful video. Loved every second of it... I have touched Spitfire in museum, but, I will never fly it...

[@GrantGrove]

What a ride!

[@Warbird-Aviation]

What a nice video. Would love to fly the Spiti

[@camseverance7768]

Great video!! Love taildraggers of any kind! 👍