QinetiQ joins Spitfire anniversary flypast

QinetiQ’s Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) has taken part in a national commemorative flight marking the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.

The Boscombe Down-based test pilot school joined the nine-day Spitfire90 tour as the only civilian-registered participants, contributing aircraft and personnel to the UK-wide programme of events, according to the organisation.

ETPS test pilot instructor Dave Stobie flew a Spitfire for the seventh leg of the tour, conducting a flight from MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan. He was joined in formation by colleagues Lt Cdr Chris Götke and Steve Caryer, flying QinetiQ-operated Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. The event commemorates the maiden flight of the Spitfire prototype K5054 in 1936, flown by Captain Joseph “Mutt” Summers. The aircraft went on to become one of the most recognisable fighters of the Second World War.

Stobie, who has flown Spitfires since 2018 alongside his role at ETPS, said here: “Having flown with Spitfires.com since 2018 I have had the privilege of flying many members of the public; the Spitfire offers them the chance to experience first-hand the fantastic combination of Merlin power, grace and wonderful handling qualities of the Spitfire that combined to make it such a powerful fighting machine during WW2.”

ETPS, which has operated for more than eight decades, provides specialist training for flight test professionals from the UK and international partners, including military and industry personnel.

Adam Robinson, Senior Business Development Manager at ETPS, said: “Flying alongside the historic Spitfire is a powerful reminder of the innovation and courage which has shaped British aviation over the years.” He added: “We are proud to continue that legacy, training flight test professionals in support to Armed Forces across the world.”