Synopsis
Step into the cockpit of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and discover what it really takes to fly Britain’s most iconic fighter.
First flown in March 1936 and operated decisively throughout the Second World War and beyond, the Spitfire is considered a mechanical work of art. Its elegant elliptical wings, powerful Rolls‑Royce Merlin engine and pivotal role in the Battle of Britain have secured its place in history, and in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
How to Fly a Spitfire takes you on a fascinating, hands‑on tour of this remarkable machine. Much more fun than an overly technical manual, it offers a readable, richly illustrated and step‑by‑step walkthrough of the Spitfire’s controls and systems, giving a unique impression of what it was like to actually pilot one.
For example, you’ll discover:
- Pre‑flight essentials, including how to prime the Merlin engine, set trim and complete cockpit checks.
- Flying techniques such as taxiing with limited visibility, mastering take‑off and landing and understanding the four forces of flight.
- Navigation and communication methods, from dead reckoning and gyrocompass use to altimeter readings and WWII radio protocol.
- Combat skills that cover dogfighting tactics, precision gunnery and aerobatic manoeuvres like barrel rolls, loops and Split‑S.
- Practical maintenance know‑how for keeping a Spitfire airworthy, including oil changes and undercarriage fixes.
- The history and legacy of the Spitfire, with stories from the Battle of Britain, its global service and post‑war restoration projects.
Packed with detailed diagrams and practical know‑how, this book brings the Spitfire to life for aviation fans everywhere. Marking 90 years of the plane’s invention, it invites you to experience the thrill of flight and discover what makes this legendary aircraft so unforgettable.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Adi Gilbert is an illustrator and graphic designer based in north-east Scotland, UK. Adi works with both traditional and digital techniques, often in combination, for a range of international clients. He has a weakness for bicycles (particularly BMX and MTB), skateboarding, old motorcycles, folklore, wildlife and nature.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
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How To Fly A Spitfire Format: Hardback
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How To Fly A Spitfire Format: Hardback
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How to Fly a Spitfire : A Nut-and-Bolt Guide to the World's Greatest Aircraft
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How to Fly a Spitfire: A Nut-And-Bolt Guide to the World's Greatest Aircraft (Hardback or Cased Book)
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Hardback or Cased Book. Condition: New. Gilbert, Adi (illustrator). How to Fly a Spitfire: A Nut-And-Bolt Guide to the World's Greatest Aircraft. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9781836009795
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How To Fly A Spitfire: A Nut-and-Bolt Guide to the World's Greatest Aircraft
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How to Fly a Spitfire : A Nut-and-Bolt Guide to the World's Greatest Aircraft
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How To Fly A Spitfire
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How To Fly A Spitfire (Hardcover)
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Hardcover. Condition: new. Gilbert, Adi (illustrator). Hardcover. For anyone interested in the simple thrills of old-fashioned oily machines, the Spitfire is considered a mechanical work of art. How To Fly A Spitfire takes those with a keen sense of mechanical curiosity on a fascinating tour of this remarkable machine, and gives a unique impression of what it's like to actually pilot one.First-flown in March 1936, and operated by both the RAF and the US Air Force throughout the Second World War and beyond, the Spitfire is a machine of deep cultural significance. Aside from its key role in the Battle of Britain and the rest of the war, it's elegant design, impressive performance and powerful Rolls Royce Merlin engine ensure its endless fascination to aviation fans.Much more fun than an overly technical deep dive, How To Fly A Spitfire offers a readable, satisfying and accessible step-by-step walkthrough of the highlights of this machine and its incredible operational life. From the basics of starting the engine and preparing for flight, to an outline of its aerobatic abilities and some fundamentals of keeping this complicated plane airworthy, this brings the Spitfire home to aviation fans everywhere. How To Fly A Spitfire takes those with a keen sense of mechanical curiosity on a fascinating tour of this remarkable machine, and gives a unique impression of what it's like to actually pilot one. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781836009795
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How To Fly A Spitfire
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Quarto Publishing PLC, GB, 2026
ISBN 10: 1836009798
ISBN 13: 9781836009795
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Seller: Rarewaves USA, OSWEGO, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: New. Gilbert, Adi (illustrator). Step into the cockpit of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and discover what it really takes to fly Britain's most iconic fighter. First flown in March 1936 and operated decisively throughout the Second World War and beyond, the Spitfire is considered a mechanical work of art. Its elegant elliptical wings, powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and pivotal role in the Battle of Britain have secured its place in history, and in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. How to Fly a Spitfire takes you on a fascinating, hands-on tour of this remarkable machine. Much more fun than an overly technical manual, it offers a readable, richly illustrated and step-by-step walkthrough of the Spitfire's controls and systems, giving a unique impression of what it was like to actually pilot one. For example, you'll discover: Pre-flight essentials, including how to prime the Merlin engine, set trim and complete cockpit checks. Flying techniques such as taxiing with limited visibility, mastering take-off and landing and understanding the four forces of flight. Navigation and communication methods, from dead reckoning and gyrocompass use to altimeter readings and WWII radio protocol. Combat skills that cover dogfighting tactics, precision gunnery and aerobatic manoeuvres like barrel rolls, loops and Split-S. Practical maintenance know-how for keeping a Spitfire airworthy, including oil changes and undercarriage fixes. The history and legacy of the Spitfire, with stories from the Battle of Britain, its global service and post-war restoration projects. Packed with detailed diagrams and practical know-how, this book brings the Spitfire to life for aviation fans everywhere. Marking 90 years of the plane's invention, it invites you to experience the thrill of flight and discover what makes this legendary aircraft so unforgettable. Seller Inventory # LU-9781836009795
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How To Fly A Spitfire
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HRD. Condition: New. Gilbert, Adi (illustrator). New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # HU-9781836009795
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