John Oram's photos with the keyword: G-ILDA

On this autumn Wednesday, Spitfires.com Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA did not fly at Solent Airport for technical reasons. At around 4pm, in the gathering gloom, it could be seen outside Bournemouth Avionics, with the engine cowlings off and doing an engine run. TZ70_2_P1000947CE_M

On this autumn Wednesday, Spitfires.com Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA did not fly at Solent Airport for technical reasons. At around 4pm, in the gathering gloom, it could be seen outside Bournemouth Avionics, with the engine cowlings off and doing an engine run. TZ70_2_P1000947CE

The first day back on UTC in October 2020 was marked by sunshine and showers, mostly showers , some very heavy. Dark, towering clouds were all around but, as the afternoon air began to chill in a manner befitting the time of year, Solent Airport found itself in something of a bowl of clear air. The café had closed and only a few spectators remained as the Merlin engine of Boultbee's Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA came to life. Passenger flights are not normally operated at the weekend but training flights have to be flown when the aircraft is not busy with its very popular trips. For a while after departure, the unmistakeable engine noise could be heard in the distance and then the sharp-eyed could see aerobatics to the south east of the field. Then came the rejoin, tight curving circuits, touch and gos and a low approach followed by a spirited fly past. Then came the final landing, a turn at the mid-point and a slow taxy to the hangar. And so to bed. 5300_DSC_2578CE

Spitfire flights resumed from Solent Airport in March 2019. TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA carried dual Boultbee/Bremont titles last year in the position now occupied by lettering for IWC Schaffhausen. TZ30_P1050587RM

Spitfire flights resumed from Solent Airport in March 2019. TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA carried dual Boultbee/Bremont titles last year in the position now occupied by lettering for IWC Schaffhausen. TZ30_P1050587R

Braving a rather brisk north-easterly wind, a camera crew stand near the 05 holding point at Solent Airport to film the Boultbee Spitfire G-ILDA which is seen here returning from a longish sortie under an increasingly cloudy sky. 200_3_P1070995R

As September drew to a close, Spitfire operations by Boultbee Flight Academy continued at Solent Airport. The weather was kind and the aircraft was kept very busy with quick but well-rehearsed turnarounds. Several pilots were sharing the privilege of flying the beautiful TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA and the ground crews were busy too. One of the most important tasks was helping the broadly smiling customers out of the returning aircraft. 200_3_P1080003CE

I doubt that anything says more about the burgeoning success of Solent Airport than the return of the one of the most enduring and iconic aircraft ever built. Previously an occasional visitor, Boultbee Flight Academy Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA arrived today and is reportedly staying until December to offer flights and sit-in experiences. This aircraft has an interesting history which may be read here www.boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk/sm520 200_3_P1070897CE

Boultbee Flight Academy Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA departing from Solent Airport. This aircraft has an interesting history which may be read here www.boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk/sm520 My ground to air shots still need a lot of work and, at the moment, still need pretty heavy editing. 200_3_P1060099E

Boultbee Flight Academy Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA taxying for departure at Solent Airport. This aircraft has an interesting history which may be read here www.boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk/sm520 200_3_P1060087C

Boultbee Flight Academy Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA taxying for departure at Solent Airport. This aircraft has an interesting history which may be read here www.boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk/sm520 200_3_P1060085C

Boultbee Flight Academy Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA at Solent Airport. This aircraft has an interesting history which may be read here www.boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk/sm520 200_3_P1060083C

Boultbee Flight Academy Supermarine Spitfire TR Mk IX SM520/G-ILDA at Solent Airport. This aircraft has an interesting history which may be read here www.boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk/sm520 200_3_P1060044C