Tag Archives: spitfire

Spitfire and Mosquito Duo – Nicely Done

Skyfair proved to be a fun day out at Paine Field.  A variety of types flew and they put on some nice passes that made getting shots a lot easier than is sometimes the case.  The biggest problem was the heat haze which was really tough and affected all but the closest shots.  One great combination that was put up was the Mossie with the Spitfire.  After an event last year where I was disappointed trying to get shots of the Mossie alone, I was hoping it wouldn’t be in formation.  However, when I saw this pairing fly by, I couldn’t help but be pleased with the way things turned out.

Stirring Spitfire Performance

In my younger days, I was all about modern aircraft and didn’t have much interest in warbirds.  Over time and having been involved with a number of groups that operate these aircraft, I have grown far more interested.  Being in the US, you get a lot of American vintage aircraft to see.  In the UK I might not have been so bothered about Spitfires but, now I see them less often, they have become of greater interest.

The later model Spitfires seem less graceful to me but the earlier models have a simpler and more elegant appearance.  This one was carrying out some flybys at Paine Field during the Open Day.  The rumble of the Merlin is well known and common to the P-51s.  The line of the Spitfire is unique, though, and seeing it swooping by was really quite exciting.  What a great looking aircraft.