Malloch's Spitfire - Meikle, Nick

The story of one of historys greatest fighter aircraft from WWII to its remarkable restoration in 1980 an aviation classic-in-waiting (Airscape). In 1977, the Rhodesian Air Force retrieved a World War IIera Supermarine Spitfire F Mk 22. But while the RAF was embroiled in the Bush War, the dream of restoring the aircraft was frustrated by international sanctions. Thats when legendary pilot John Jack McVicar Malloch took control of the project. Not only had Jack flown Spitfires during World War II, he was also uniquely positioned to circumvent sanctions through his airfreight company, Air Trans Africa. With ingenuity, passion, and a team of trusted engineers, Jack realized the dream of putting Spitfire PK350 back in the air on March 29, 1980. In Mallochs Spitfire, author Nick Meikle tells the full story of this remarkable restoration and reveals some fascinating insights about the aircraft. The reader is taken on a journey through the Spitfires life, beginning with her first test flight in 1945. The projects lead engineer and many of the surviving pilots who flew her also share their memories. For two years, PK350 delighted those fortunate enough to see her fly. Then, on what was planned to be her last flight, Mallochs Spitfire never returned to base.

Softcover. English. 30 Degress South. . ISBN: 9781920143787. NEW. Book No: 2507360