my day with the CAROLYN GRACE Spitfire

[macafee2]

3 years on a waiting list and a year slimming and today was my day to fly in the CAROLYN GRACE 2 seater Spitfire.
I went yesterday to the hanger to drop off a letter of ok to fly from my GP and was allowed to look around and get a close up look at the Spitfire.
It has flown in the second word war and has shot down an enemy plane. There are other Spitfire's that can be flown in but I wanted to fly in the CAROLYN GRACE Spitfire. While being so close to the plane I was hit by a curved ball, emotion. No idea why but I could feel the tears welling up but managed to hold them off.

Today was my time to fly, second on the list. 3 of us for the morning session, given a classroom briefing we then went to a second briefing by the plane. Getting really excited. Was a bit worried as I had to try 3 suits before I got one that fitted, was Carolyn Grace going to tell me I'm still to fat? Phew, no

My wife encouraged me to have the flight filmed on a Go Pro camera at extra cost. Expensive but once in a life time.

My expectations had been set by weather conditions earlier this week. Although warm it has been misty and cloudy each morning.

Flying delayed. At last first person went up but I could see at low level the plane was somewhat obscured by mist. On landing, I got told the invertible, to misty to fly.

I don't feel the day wasted, was there from 9.30 to about 5. They have a small yet tardis like free entry WWII flight museum that was good to go into. All they asked for were donations. Family and friends had travelled to see the Spitfire, they said they were happy with the day and not bored. I met some very nice people, some had already flown on previous days in the Carolyn Grace Spitfire, all had enjoyed it.

Now I have a decision to make. I have been offered a flight tomorrow if they can start flying on time, I'll be third to go or I leave it to next year.

I had wanted and dreamed of flying West to East along the channel at cliff top height and "wave" at walkers. This will take 3 time slots and I have to pay the full price. My wife is happy for me to fly tomorrow and if I'm not sick and really enjoy it, do 3 slots next year.

My wife is happy to do tomorrow and 3 next year but I'm struggling with if this is being fair on her, its the money. Carolyn Grace reckons my wife is a keeper, we are 2 days short of 33 years married so I guess she is right.
What a lovely lady Carolyn Grace is, it was an honour to meet her.

Got some thinking to do tonight.



macafee2

[mininuts]

I'd say go for it tomorrow, especially as you have your wife's permission

What a fabulous experience and, to experience it all again next year!

[Nige B]

I agree , go for it or should that be TallyHo!!

[vacuman]

If you can afford it, do it and do it now. You only live once and who knows what next year might bring.

[Bogbrush82]

Not.

Jealous.

At.

All.



............

[magspec]

Enjoy you very lucky man

[gazcaz]

I see the two seater nearly every day over Arundel weather permitting

[Gate Keeper]

Originally Posted by vacuman

If you can afford it, do it and do it now. You only live once and who knows what next year might bring.

At Duxford, it's £3,000 per flight and the money from these flights goes towards the upkeep. A winning solution all round and it something very special.

[andymc]

"I wish I'd done it when I had the chance."

Don't put yourself in the situation where you'll be saying the above, and likely more than once. This is clearly something you value very highly, so go for it - money has no value in itself, it's merely a means to an end.

[macafee2]

was told by someone today that it costs 5k an hour to fly

macafee2