Things to do
Maybe you'd like to revisit your childhood and make a model Spitfire? Or maybe you're the daring sort, and fancy jumping out of a plane? ICONS gives you a few suggestions.
- For many people, the Spitfire has become important only because of the hours they’ve spent lovingly assembling and decorating their Airfix models – and not just the Spitfire, of course; there are countless other models for you to make. Or buy a ready-made model – how about one with a remote-control, a model plane that really flies?
- Most people don’t get the opportunity to fly a Spitfire, but just watching one can be exhilarating – find out when there’s an air show happening near you. Even if you don’t think you’re an aeroplane fanatic, a couple of stunning displays may just convert you…
- The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight celebrates the Allied victory and is a memorial to members of the RAF who lost their lives. It features five Spitfires and takes part in several displays each year: http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/home.html
- For UK military airshows see http://www.militaryairshows.co.uk/listing.htm and for airshow listings worldwide, www.airshows.co.uk
- The second world war – and the Battle of Britain in particular – was the basis for countless films. (You can read about some of them here.) They’re a dramatic way of finding out more about the Spitfire and why it was so important in its day.
- Or you could try a parachute jump or a flying lesson, if you dare…
