AA29203 Supermarine Spitfire T9, SM520 - Spitfires.com, Goodwood Aerodrome

Even though the heroes of Fighter Command prevented the Luftwaffe from claiming air superiority over Britain 85 years ago this year, the sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin engine flying in the skies above us still has us all immediately gazing skyward to this day, just to catch a glimpse of the iconic aircraft which might be flying above us. Earning an unrivalled reputation during those dark days of war which endures to this day, the Spitfire continues to inspire our nation and preserve the memory of the brave airmen who fought so valiantly to maintain our freedom against overwhelming odds, the ‘Few’ to who we owe so much. That being the case, anyone who has a Spitfire story to tell is guaranteed an audience, and if you’ve actually flown in one, you can claim to have done something most of us would give our eye teeth to do. Thankfully, there are companies around the country who have gone to great expense in owning and operating a growing fleet of two-seat Spitfires, magnificent machines which allow members of the public to realise their dream of flying in a Spitfire. Of all the Spitfire T.9s currently flying, surely G-ILDA will be one of the busiest in this Battle of Britain anniversary year, as she is presented in the colours of a Mk.I Spitfire flown by Pilot Officer Nigel Rose during the summer of 1940 – she really is a stunner!