Steve Boultbee Brooks and Matt Jones are hoping to make aviation history with the first round-the-world flight in a Spitfire. In summer , the two British pilots will cover more than 43, kilometres and 26 countries in the iconic aircraft. This is almost the exact same distance as a flight from London to Schaffhausen. Never in the history of aviation has a Spitfire flown around the world. The fighter aircraft, with its limited range, was not designed for such an endeavour.
The round-the-world flight, which will cover more than 43, kilometres, will be divided into around segments. The aircraft will have to endure the most extreme conditions. The Russian cold, the hot and humid Asian climate, storms over the Pacific and sandstorms in the desert will push not only the material but also the pilots and the crew onthe ground to their limits. At the only officially recognised Spitfire flying academy in the world, they give pilots the opportunity to learn how to fly the iconic fighter aircraft.
The flying academy also preserves the engineering expertise needed to keep the "Spits" in the air for many years to come. It is based at the Goodwood Aerodrome in the south of England. Steve Boultbee Brooks is no stranger to record attempts. He was the first ever pilot to fly from the North Pole to the South Pole in a helicopter. This required two helicopters and around flight segments and took more than two years. With flying hours, Matt Jones is one of the most experienced Spitfire pilots of our time.
By flying around the world, the two pilots hope to showcase the Spitfire's unique engineering history. They want to bring the aircraft to as many people as possible. As ambassador for freedom, the Spitfire will fly to countries in which it has never landed. Boultbee Brooks and Jones also hope to inspire young people to take an interest in mechanics and engineering. Only if this fascination with mechanics and craftsmanship is preserved will the Spitfire continue to grace the skies for years to come.
Boultbee Brooks and Jones tracked down the aircraft, which will set off on its flight around the world next August, in a museum.
