Captain Mutt Summers, Vickers Test Pilot.

[luffers79]

THIS IS A COPY OF THE SUBJECT I HAVE ORIGINALLY POSTED IN MILITARY AIRCREW SECTION THIS EVENING. There are several replies there.

I am surprised that a book has never been written about Captain "Mutt" Summers (Chief Test Pilot, Vickers Aviation) considering he flew the first flights of the Spitfire, Wellington,Viscount, Valiant - & about 40(?) others.

I was lucky enough to bump into him at Farnborough when I was on an ATC initiative test from Bristol, about 1950. Indirectly he was probably responsible for my subsequent career as a pilot (RAF & civil). He was a friendly avuncular man & when he heard that I was hopefull trying to obtain the signatures of 3 test pilots - including Bill Pegg (Bristols Brabazon pilot) he said, "No problem - jump in the car (a Riley) & drove me across the runway to the test pilots tent where he asked them to autograph a photograph of the first (? G-AMAV) BEA production Viscount aircraft in flight - which he was flying - and gave it to me. Then he organised a buffet lunch & let me stay there for the flying display. I was 16 years of age & sitting down with John Cunningham, Wimpy Wade, Neville Duke, Mike Lithgow & others !! (HONEST !!).

I´m pretty sure that I received an ATC flying scholarship, about a year later because of that day & my luck of meeting him !!

Thanks Mutt !!!

PS.
I believe he died just a few years afterwards, only.

The only info I have ever found online is at:-

Any info on "Mutt" Summers

[Fantome]

Joseph 'Mutt' Summers was indeed among the creme de la creme of test pilots.

His obit if FLIGHT in 1954, particularly George Edwards' tribute, is essential reading for anyone even remotely interested in who
was who back then.


electronics research | test pilot | engine research | 1954 | 0801 | Flight Archive

[darlingbabs]

Any further info useful

hi there, Mutt Summers is my great-grandfather. My grandfather, his son, Patrick, died last year and I have only recently taken an interest in my great-grandfather, Mutt. My grandfather had dementia in his last few decade and spent a lot of time in the past talking about his father but I would be fascinated to receive any recommendations on books to read to find out more or articles. thanks

[IFPS man]

Mutt Summers

Hello darlingbabs
Have just sent you a Private Message.....
IFPSman

[IFPS man]

Mutt Summers

Have received a message stating you will not be accepting private messages... What info are you particularly interested in? I am a Volunteer at Brooklands Museum.....

[luffers79]

Your GREAT Grandfather !!

Dear darlingbabs,
As the originator of this thread, several years ago ......

Please forgive me for thinking that you are making an Enormous mistake !! - in not wanting to accept Personal Messages (that will not be seen by anyone except yourself) !!!

Many people are very private - and certainly would not dream of putting their stories into the public domain !!

Please reconsider your decision. I'm sure that you will not regret it and will be surprised at the positive alternative response to your request !!

Best of good luck !!

luffers79.

[Democritus]

I can't find it anywhere in the rules but my little grey cells are triggering the thought that as a new PPRuNe member you can't send or receive Private Messages until you have a minimum number of posts - I think it's 10 so darlingbabs maybe doesn't have a choice in the matter......or possibly I'm thinking of another forum.....

[luffers79]

Personal Messages ??

MODERATOR.
Could you please help this lady have access to your Personal Messages facility - if, a previous number of posts is what is NORMALLY required - as suggested ?!!
After all, Mutt gave us the Spitfire - among many others !!

Consider it an I.O.U. !!

[IFPS man]

Pm's

Well done, Brian!