Stormy Weather - 25 October 2020

The first day back on UTC in October 2020 was marked by sunshine and showers, mostly showers , some very heavy. Dark, towering clouds were all around but, as the afternoon air began to chill in a manner befitting the time of year, Solent Airport found itself in something of a bowl of clear air. The café had closed and only a few spectators remained as the Merlin engine of Boultbee's Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA came to life. Passenger flights are not normally operated at the weekend but training flights have to be flown when the aircraft is not busy with its very popular trips.

For a while after departure, the unmistakeable engine noise could be heard in the distance and then the sharp-eyed could see aerobatics to the south east of the field. Then came the rejoin, tight curving circuits, touch and gos and a low approach followed by a spirited fly past. Then came the final landing, a turn at the mid-point and a slow taxy to the hangar.

And so to bed.

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