QinetiQ’s aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

In tribute to the Supermarine Spitfire prototype K5054’s first flight in 1936, by test pilot Captain Joseph “Mutt” Summers, ETPS test pilot instructor, and Spitfires.com pilot, Dave Stobie took the controls for the seventh leg of the tour, piloting the hour-long flight from MOD St Athan to land at RAF St Mawgan. Flying in formation with him were his ETPS colleagues, Lt Cdr Chris Götke and Steve Caryer, in QinetiQ’s two Pilatus PC21 aircraft.

ETPS is the world’s first test pilot school, providing world-leading training for flight test professionals for 83 years. Dave Stobie has been a test pilot instructor with ETPS for eight years, following a distinguished career in the RAF with extensive experience across multiple types of aircraft.

Talking of his experience flying Spitfires, Dave 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.”

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.”