To claim to have fallen in love with an aeroplane would reasonably be felt somewhat dramatic. However, to view such a machine, given that it has provided a lifetime's worth of ambition, memories and friendships, one can justify a sense of close affection and partnership. Such is the bond I find myself in, after nearly 50 years of our paths crossing. I first came across Spitfire MH434 back in the 1970s, then owned by the late Sir Adrian Swire. The aeroplane would occasionally visit Redhill, where a very select few of Adrian's friends were invited to fly her. In those days the display flying was split between Neil Williams and Ray Hanna - both Tiger Club members - and it was this organisation which provided the pathway that allowed me to eventually join the exclusive club of MH434 pilots. With many years having elapsed and my memory's hard drive clogging up, I've resorted to trawling through past logbooks to pick out some defining moments of flying this remarkable aircraft.
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