MARK HANNA SPITFIRE PR MK XI PL965 ROCHESTER 26TH OCTOBER 1992
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- This unique and historic video shows Mark Hanna's first visit to Rochester Airport to familiarize himself with Spitfire PL965 and to do some engine testing. On this occasion his sister Sarah accompanied him and is seen wearing a brown coat. Mark subsequently visited Rochester to do further engine tests, followed by the first test flight on 23rd December 1992. Another visit on 29th January 1993 saw Mark do more engine testing, followed by the second and third flights on 1st February 1993. I was privileged to be present on each occasion, videoed the action and got to know Mark. I have already uploaded the videos showing the first three flights and when time permits, will upload the other engine test sessions. This video and the other engine test sessions have never been broadcast. Spitfire PL965 is the only airworthy PR MK XI and is a genuine warbird, having seen active service with 16 Squadron in Europe from January 1945. PL965 was built at Aldermaston in 1944. For its full story and those of its wartime pilots, see Hugh Smallwoood's excellent book "Spitfire in Blue".
Ron Nobes (rgnvideo)
Mark Hanna died too young. However, during his life he did a thousand things most of us only dream of. Bless him.
I miss you Ace and so do many many more!
Will never forget you Mark or Ray.
God bless you both.
JB. Oxted. Surrey.
5:15 gives a good demo of how big the propeller disc is _and_ the Spitfire is *not* a small plane. Retractable tail gear.
Thanks for the comment!!! One cannot please all of the people all of the time! On a more serious note, it is the only video record of the late great Mark Hanna getting into the only current airworthy PR Mk XI Spitfire for the first time, in order to ground test the aircraft prior to subsequently air testing it.. The first , second & third flights are posted on UA-cam for you to watch!
Saw Mark fly at the Isle of Wight Digital Equipment Schnieder Trophy race in...86? A nice guy to nobody fans
RIP
I saw that plane in 1994 in Sweden at an airshow painted in d-day markings. That was the first time I saw and heard a spitfire in real life. What a sound!
Thank you for your comment. Should you be interested, I have posted a Spitfire Fest video compiled from some of my clips taken between 1992 and 2015.
It was painted in American markings to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Americans joining the war in Europe. The Americans used Spitfire PR MkXIs over Europe and made some of the longest flights in the Spitfires.
Beautiful.. goose bumps! Prefer the Merlin 60 series engines over the Griffon. Just perfect.
Excellent!! :)
In your comment you mentioned BBC's "A Piece of Cake". During the making of the series, Ray, Mark and the other pilots spent some time at Headcorn. I know Headcorn well, having learnt to fly there in 1977. During the making of the series, I visited the airfield one afternoon when the weather prevented any flying and met Ray and spoke with him. I also saw Mark and have some photographs taken by me. rgnvideo