Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX MJ271, better known as 'The Silver Spitfire', successfully returned to Goodwood in West Sussex on December 5, landing just after 1335hrs. In the hands of pilots Matt Jones and Steve Brooks, it had completed a mammoth round the world 'Longest Flight' expedition - the first of its kind by a Spitfire. Having left the airfield on August 7, the 1943-built machine was flown for more than 27,000 miles (43,452km) crossing 22 countries and four continents. It flew the final leg from Lelystad in the Netherlands escorted by a pair of Red Arrows Hawks, joining up with its Pilatus PC-12 support aircraft before performing a 'victory roll' over Goodwood. "After such a whirlwind trip, it feels quite surreal to be back at Goodwood with our mission accomplished," said Matt. "The scenery, the places we've visited, and the people we've met, have made this truly life changing. It's been an unforgettable experience."
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