Brad Pit Buys Spitfire
My father flew Spitfires in the Battle of Britain, and it must surely be in my genes to do so too, so why can't Brad Pitt do it then? Good luck to him.
I am really glad that an American recognizes the value of one of these planes.
I am really glad that an American recognizes the value of one of these planes.
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SWAPS Inner
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't believe somebody mentioned Carole Vorderman in the same celebrity sentence as Brad Pitt?!?!? 
The Point Mugu hunters work for this outfit doing DACT and FRADU type work for the USN.
The Point Mugu hunters work for this outfit doing DACT and FRADU type work for the USN.
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't believe somebody mentioned Carole Vorderman in the same celebrity sentence as Brad Pitt?!?!?
Not understanding nor caring about celebrity puts me at a disadvantage.
Edit: Unless of course they are using their fame to raise the profile of aviation in which case it's a wonderful thing.
Long as Brad is doing it for the right reasons
...........love of the aircraft and to preserve then tis ok.
If looking for another trophy then meh, then again he got Angelina so why have another trophy.
...........love of the aircraft and to preserve then tis ok.
If looking for another trophy then meh, then again he got Angelina so why have another trophy.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: East Sussex
Age: 85
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are some remarkably good show bis characters flying vintage warbirds. I am sure we more mature types remember Gary Numan. Initially widely rubbished but, in fact a very safety conscious pilot on who's wing I was more than happy to do low level aeros; and you don't get more trusting than that. There were more but I was not personally involved with them but I don't remember any of them fouling up significantly which is more than could be said for some very experienced professionals. Good luck to Brad Pitt, he is carrying on an excellent tradition.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 30,833
Received 1,714 Likes
on
742 Posts
Don't forget the late Cliff Robertson, the actor
Jerry Billing, Cliff Robertson and A Spitfire
National Aviation Hall of Fame
Jerry Billing, Cliff Robertson and A Spitfire
National Aviation Hall of Fame
Asked if he ever flew his Spitfire, Robertson replied “I’ll give you the same answer I gave my insurance adjustor – ‘Of course I didn’t fly it.’ That’s my answer and I’m sticking to it.” Robertson owned his Spitfire for over 20 years, one of the many vintage aircraft the pilot and noted actor has owned and may (or may not) have flown.
You guys are very lucky over there - civilians being allowed to own and fly fast jets.
Where do they get that "power"?
Quote:
I can't believe
somebody mentioned Carole Vorderman in the same celebrity sentence as Brad
Pitt?!?!?
Que? Anyone raising the profile of aviation is worth a mention in my
book.
I can't believe
somebody mentioned Carole Vorderman in the same celebrity sentence as Brad
Pitt?!?!?
Que? Anyone raising the profile of aviation is worth a mention in my
book.
Spitfire then Bouchon flights one after the other
Just happened to be airside at HUY earlier this week and had the pleasure of watching AM Cliff Spink doing circuits in a Spitfire, taxied in to close where I was standing then jump straight into a Bouchon - a Bf109G (with all its vices) fitted with a Merlin. Jealous or what. Twas a beautiful day too.
...." and what did you do today Cliff?"
...." and what did you do today Cliff?"
Regrettably there was a huge loss rate in WW2 due to training. Looking at the Stats over 47000 accidents, and 13000KIA stateside alone.
United States World War II Aircraft Loss Statistics during Flight Training
Most fighter pilots had a really low chance of surviving the first 5 missions, and bomber crews surviving 1 tour was minimal. I am jealous, both of his plane, and wife, Bastidge
United States World War II Aircraft Loss Statistics during Flight Training
Most fighter pilots had a really low chance of surviving the first 5 missions, and bomber crews surviving 1 tour was minimal. I am jealous, both of his plane, and wife, Bastidge
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Asked if he ever flew his Spitfire, Robertson replied “I’ll give you the same answer I gave my insurance adjustor – ‘Of course I didn’t fly it.’
When I asked the FAA about a type rating for my millionaire, the answer was "Tell him, when he's passed a suitable training course and type rating exam, of course. Between you and me, no f#cking way"
When I asked the insurance company, I got an identical response.
Ex-military aircraft in USA
There are some great ex-military aircraft up for grabs over here in the USA for those with the means. For instance, this immaculate TA-4J Skyhawk - which has undergone a 50,000 manhour restoration - was on display at Palm Springs Military Aircraft Museum in May 2013 for sale at $2.95M. It had previously been advertised for $4.5M so they might be open to offers !
Platinum Fighter Sales - Warbird and Classic Aircraft Sales
Platinum Fighter Sales - Warbird and Classic Aircraft Sales
Celebrity fliers
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Richard Bach. Twenty years at least since I read his barnstorming book and many others. And I do recall he had a bit of trouble with a P-51 landing.
As for Brad Pitt, why shouldn't he turn out to be competent? His insurers will surely be all over him to secure the best training. His track record in films, as someone has already mentioned, shows he can focus. More power to him if he can help to preserve a flying relic.
As for Brad Pitt, why shouldn't he turn out to be competent? His insurers will surely be all over him to secure the best training. His track record in films, as someone has already mentioned, shows he can focus. More power to him if he can help to preserve a flying relic.
