Spitfire Landing Question

[tailwheel]

Is there any rule of thumb for determining the 'blind' visibility forward/below of the Spitfire when on landing approach(eg: one mile for every thousand feet of altitude.),and does this vary for the Griffin powered variants? I understand forward view necesitates the curved approach for this reason.
Hows that for a Spitfire Question Gatemaster ?!!

[Gate Master]

Yes a very good question which needs to be answered by someone in the know.
 I think a straight in blind approach using 1000' per mile would be OK if the field was flat and a couple of miles square.
The curved approach is much more sensible and for my own part I always prefer to see where I am going !!

Let's wait for an expert to tell us.

Regards
Andy D

[Carolyn Grace]

There is not a set down rule for landing a Spitfire Merlin or Griffon are the same - you cannot see a thing if you end up in a straigh on approach hence the curved approach.  If you end up straight on - at first the runway starts to disappear then the whole airfield will go from view.  However sometimes you do end up in a straight in app and then you have to use carefully the rudder to check you are on line at the flare out having first picked up a landmark on the horizon in line with the runway and with a cross wind it gets exciting.

Carolyn Grace

[tailwheel]

Hi  Carolyn
Thanks for the view from the "office".If ML407 were a Seafire,How about putting her down on a ship?
Personally,I wouldn't even like to think about it.!
Kind regards,
Tailwheel

[James Wheeler]

I think it is the same principle with curved approach..

I have a video somewhere of aircraft landing on carriers from the war, mostly American aircraft but the principle is the same on tail draggers I suppose.

I will have a look for you tomorrow and post a link to the video.

[tailwheel]

Thanks,James,Look forward to it.

[Gate Master]

I seem to remember reading or watching a program about carrier landings and the curved approach which was instigated by the Fleet Air Arm. I remember that they were using Corsairs as the Americans had had many a/c lost when doing a straight in approach due to the lack of visibility. This was then taken on board by both parties and things improved dramatically.

Can anyone confirm this....if so another British invention we can put our mark on !

Regards
Andy D

[James Wheeler]

I sent you a private message on this board Tailwheel, you should be notified by email about it.

[tailwheel]

HI James,
Many thanks for your reply.
I think this demonstrates the courage and airmanship of these brave young pilots.
For those who have been fortunate to visit  East Kirkby and seen the inscription on the Meridian stone is appropriate: 
     May Their Efforts Never  Be Wasted
Cheers
Tailwheel