A test pilot school has taken part in a national tour honouring one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft.
QinetiQ’s ETPS, based at MOD Boscombe Down, joined the Spitfire90 commemorative tour - underway for nine days - to mark 90 years since the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire prototype, K5054, in 1936 by test pilot Captain Joseph "Mutt" Summers.
Dave Stobie, an ETPS test pilot instructor and pilot with Spitfires.com, flew the hour-long seventh leg of the tour from MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan.
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Mr Stobie said: "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."
He was joined in formation by ETPS colleagues Lt Cdr Chris Götke and Steve Caryer, who flew alongside him in QinetiQ’s two Pilatus PC21 aircraft.
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.
"We are proud to continue that legacy, training flight test professionals in support to armed forces across the world.”
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