Dave Hadfield: 5000 miles in a Spitfire

Flying BC - Pilot Stories and Aviation Adventures

"The ideal candidate is someone who's got some Tiger Moth time or Stearman. Those two airplanes are exceptional initial experience trainers because they tend to amplify your faults without killing you."

Dave Hadfield is the Chief Pilot at Vintage Wings of Canada, home of the Michael Potter Collection. Dave grew up around airplanes, and after a career with Air Canada he found himself in the right spot, with the right experience, to start flying warbirds. We discuss what it's like to fly the Spitfire, Hurricane, Kittyhawk, and Mustang, and the quirky characteristics of the Westland Lysander - one of only three left flying in the World. He also had the honour of flying the Y2K Spitfire over 5000 miles across North America to a homecoming back at the Comox Air Force Museum. Dave is also an accomplished musician, and he tells us the backstory of one of his favourite aviation-related songs he's written.

Watch Dave Hadfield's YouTube channel.
Listen to Dave's music at hadfield.ca

Photo by Peter Handley

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