Google Earth Community: Spitfires and Hurricanes

Imag and Text Source - TV3 News

Top warbird pilot Keith Skilling is in his element today. He is taking one of the most rare examples of the spitfire for its first flight in New Zealand.

It is one of only a handful of two seaters in the world and the only airworthy spitfire in this country.

The fighther arrived from its former home in America several weeks ago. It was meticulously reassembled and repainted by Avspecs, an Auckland company that specialises in warbird restorations.

Keeping a watchful eye on proceedings was its new owner, semi-retired businessman Doug Brooker.

"I used to read Biggles and I always wanted a spitfire," Doug Brooker said. "It's the ultimate big boy's toy."

And it is a pretty expensive on at that. Buying one of them will set you back the thick end of $4 million. And then there is the cost of fuel. It costs $500 to top up the tanks.

The last remaining airworthy spitfires are the preserve of well to do baby boomers like Doug Brooker.

Even though he is a former champion aerobatic pilot, Mr Brooker must muster all his skills to master the machine that some regard as the best fighter of World War II.

Video Clip Here

I have slowed this Video clip down and I can make out the number as MH367
A couple of References to it Here and Here and Here

--------------------

Norm - Christchurch - New Zealand.

Edited by NormB (05/25/08 02:15 AM)