Departing London Gatwick for JFK, New York

Thursday 14th June - 2018

Preparing to depart the UK for the US

After the One Day Cricket game today I headed for London Gatwick Airport to hole up in the Sofitel Hotel located on the Airport in preparation for my early 4:00am check-in for my 6:30am departure to JFK, New York on the low-cost, trans-Atlantic carrier, Norwegian.

My Norwegian B787 Dreamliner, Rego G-CKWD
with British Polar Explorer, Ernest Shackleton on the tail
Their VHF radio call-sign is  'Red Nose'
I have renamed Norwegian Airlines “The Flying Tampon”.

Here we are crossing the North Atlantic Ocean at 38,000 feet
The B787 flies at Mach 0.85 - that's the equivalent of 650mph
We had a total flight time of just 7-hours. 

My Norwegian B787 Dreamliner, Rego G-CKWD

with British Polar Explorer, Ernest Shackleton on the tail

Arrived here in New York a couple of hours ago, I am now sitting in the American Airlines departure lounge waiting for my flight AA 952 to Phoenix, Arizona departing here at 1330 local. I just checked, the temperature in Phoenix is currently 42ºC [108ºF]. That will be quite a marked difference from the mild temps I've experienced in the UK over the last two weeks.

It was definitely a different experience flying with this low-cost, long-haul airline. This is the first time I have flown on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, it is a very neat aircraft with larger windows, 30% bigger than any other aircraft and a more silent cabin and has 20% less omissions then similar aircraft.

Norwegian is the third-largest low cost carrier in Europe behind EasyJet and Ryan Air. They operate 15 x B787-900 Dreamliners.

The in-seat-back electronic menu onboard my Norwegian B787 Dreamliner

Let me tell you, you only get what you pay for on this discount Airline, definitely no frills. There's 309 seats in the Economy cabin with 8 Flight Attendants.

Hold luggage is 20 kilos - In-cabin bag 10 kilos - so needless to say they get you on excess luggage BIG time, plus you pay for every thing in-flight & they are very strict. You pay for food, drinks, headsets, blanket, coffee, tea, etc, etc. They don’t miss you. However, toilet paper is still free, unless they figure out a smart way to charge us for it.

My purchased in-flight meal onboard Norwegian

On final approach to New York's JFK Airport our flight
descends & tracks over Block Island Sound and Long Island at 6,000ft

Once settled in Phoenix, I am really looking forward to my time here in the States, my pace slows down for the next week or so, I should have plenty of time to kick back, and do what ever.

Cheers for now
Ken

One Day International Cricket at The Oval

Wednesday 13th June - 2018

One Day International Cricket at The Kia Oval

After my incredible Spitfire flight yesterday I have traveled up from Goodwood /Chichester Airport in the lovely rural setting of West Sussex up into London City to attend the One Day International Cricket match between Australia and England at the Kia Oval in Kennington, South London.

This morning I have traveled the 70 miles from Goodwood/Chichester
up into South London to the Kia Oval in Kennington

The Oval here has a long cricket history and has been the home of the Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845. The Ashes were first created here in 1882. And the great Sir Donald Bradman played his last ever innings here and memorably failed to make the four runs he required to retire from cricket with an average of 100 runs per innings.

At The Kia Oval in South London with the Member's Stand behind me

I take my seat as pre-match activities take place out on the center

My spot in the bleachers. I'm listening to former Australian Cricket
Captain Ricky Ponting's live commentary on the ear-piece.

Another coincidence, in the photograph [above] you can see the young guy sitting in front of me with the beer in his right hand, well, earlier I got a chat on with him because I could hear his Australian accent & asked him where he was from in Australia. His answer was; “you would not know where l live, I live in the Sutherland Shire at Menai". Well you could have knocked me over with a feather, trust me. He is now living here in London.

The game is under way. I have great views of all the action.
C'mon the Aussies!

This is the first outing for new look Australian Cricket Team after some big recent changes with a new coach, a new Captain and new attitude. Unfortunately my presence wasn't enough to spur the Aussies to victory against the arch enemies. 

Today is my last full day in the Old Dart. Tonight I'm headed for the Sofitel Hotel at London Gatwick Airport in preparation for my 6:30am departure to New York tomorrow morning on low-cost Trans-Atlantic airline, Norwegian Air at 6:30am. 

Warbo

My Spitfire flight...

UK - Tuesday 12th June - 2018

Part III - My Spitfire Flight from Goodwood over the English Channel

I had absolutely no idea how emotional this flight would be.

I would say my experience of actually flying in this incredible & iconic World War II vintage machine is right up there with any thing else that I have been fortunate enough to accomplish in my life.

My aircraft was: ‘The Boultbee Spitfire' H.F.IXe/two-seat Trainer 9 - Model SM520 

RAF 3-letter identifier: ‘KJ-I’ - British registration: G-ILDA. It was originally built as a single-seat high-level fighter in 1944 at the Castle Bromwich factory.

This is the exact two-seat Spitfire aircraft that I went flying in today
SM520 - but this is not my actual flight.
File photo

It was converted to a two-seat trainer post war. This aircraft is one of approximately 20,000 Vintage Warbirds that were made, & this year being the 100-year anniversary of the Royal Air Force made this flight so much more meaningful for me.

Prior to my Spitfire flight today, I pose in the hangar with my Norwegian 
Spitfire pilot, Lars, who in real life is a Scandanavian Airlines B737 pilot.

Once the safety briefing was finished the instructors fitted me out with all the gear. Flying Suit-Life jacket-Helmet-Parachute-Flying gloves-Personal locator beacon, safety harness cutter & last but not least my very own personal sick bag.

Then it was time to have a chat with the Pilot (officially). The pilot today was the same guy that stayed here at the B&B were I am. We spoke briefly over breakfast earlier this morning, his name is Lars. He is Norwegian and his real job is flying Boeing 737s for Scandinavia Airlines. 

Two of my incredible aviation experiences this week captured in one photo.
The Spitfire that I flew in today and the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows that I
saw fly over the Isle of Man just 5-days ago. Wow!

Lars briefed me regarding the flight & sort my response if I'd like to experience the following manoeuvres: Victory Roll, Wing over, Half Cuban, Barrel Roll, finishing off with a Loop, (he said that we would experience up to 3-4 G-forces max). In for a penny in for a pound I said to him. Let's do it.

He also wanted to know if I wanted to take the controls and fly this Spitfire & of course I said yes, I did not need to be asked twice. Before we took off Lars gave me instructions as to what to do & how to control this aircraft when he handed over the joy stick to me.

So they strap me into my seat, Lars fires up this supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 a 27-litre engine, all 1,600hp of this beast, the sound & noise of this baby firing up actually gave me goose bumps. 

We taxi away from the hangar onto the grass runway, at the end of the runway before we commence our take-off roll we check all the instruments & flight controls in preparation for flight. Let the fun begin !!!

Before I new it we were airborne, climbing to 1,500 ft. looking out over Goodwood Estate where I can clearly see the Goodwood House and the surrounding motor racing circuit, making a turn towards the English Channel & the Isle of Wight in the distance. I could see the Needles from that altitude.

The countryside fields of West Sussex extend down to the shores of the Solent

We climbed to 4,000ft then over the headset Lars said to me, Ken you are now in control, Lars had already warned me of the sensitivity of the controls, I gently pulled the joy stick back towards me no more than a quarter of an inch, up comes the nose of the Spitfire, then wanting to make a turn to starboard l moved the controls ever so slightly to the right. It did not take me too long to get the feel of the aircraft, I was as happy as a dog with 3 dicks.

Lars allowed me about 5-minutes at the controls flying this magnificent vintage warbird.

A file shot of KJ-I formatting with another two-seat Spitfire
over the windswept waters of the Solent

By now it was time for Lars to take over again, time had come to give me the thrill of my life. For the next 5 or so minutes we were doing all the manoeuvres that I had agreed to earlier, finishing off with a 360º loop. I can’t wait to see the video of this flight, should be absolutely awesome.

I must confess that I did feel a little squeamish during these manoeuvres, however the thrill of it all soon changed all that & l did not need to use my sick bag.

Then it was time to head for home. The flight lasted about 30 exhilarating minutes in total, then safely landing back on the grass runway at Goodwood Aerodrome. 

 ‘The Boultbee Spitfire' two-seat Trainer 9 - Model.SM520
File photo

What an experience I have just had. Flying in a WWII Spitfire is like driving a Model A Ford compared to a 747 Jumbo Jet, in the Spitfire you are actually flying by the seat of your pants, just like driving a Model A Ford on Australian roads.

You may ask me, would you do it all again. Yes, yes, yes any time.

The One Day International Cricket match tomorrow between the Aussies & the Poms at the Kia Oval will be rather pedestrian after today's exhilarating experience, although I do have some sandpaper here in my kit just in case our bowlers need a courser grain to rub on these English cricket balls.

Nothing else to report from rural Chichester.

Cheers

Warbo

To view the Cockpit Video of my Spitfire flight CLICK HERE

Breakfast before my Spitfire Flight

UK - Tuesday 12th June - 2018

Part II - Breakfast before my Spitfire Flight

I'm staying at the Bruford's B&B in Boxgrove village near Chichester. It's an 18th century village house that was originally part of the Goodwood Estate near Chichester in West Sussex.

Goodwood and the Goodwood Estate plays host to world renowned events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival.

I'm staying at Brufords B&B in Boxgrove, Chichester 

We are approx. 20-30 minutes drive from the scenic coastal areas of Bosham, Dell Quay, Itchenor, Chichester Marina and West Wittering Beach with views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and up the coast to Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower.

Below: Sitting in the garden of this beautiful B&B enjoying my English Breakfast.

 Enjoying my English Breakfast sitting in the garden of this beautiful B & B

Brufords B&B is an original 18th century village house

I have just met my pilot for today’s Spitfire flight, he is the gentleman sitting on the right in the photo below, he is also staying here at the Brufords B&B.

My Spitfire pilot for later today was also staying at the same B&B as me.
That's him on the right, Lars from Norway

His name is Lars, and he is from Norway.

Gotta go, I need to get to the flight briefing.

Warbo

Morning prior to my Spitfire Flight

UK - Tuesday 12th June - 2018

Part I - Spitfire Flight Day

It is 0430 on Tuesday morning the 12th June 2018 here in Goodwood, as you can well imagine I am so wound up and excited for today’s events I can not sleep.

Yesterday afternoon I arrived here at Chichester/Goodwood in the English County of West Sussex. I did a quick tour around the Goodwood Airport and here a few photos that I took.

I spotted this beauty on the ramp at Goodwood.
This is the two-seat Spitfire that I will be flying in later today.

The Boultbee Flight Academy van with a Spitfire in back ground.

Part II - Monday 11th June - 2018

Part II - Monday 11th June - 2018

It has been a long time between drinks, however here I am back in Goodwood, West Sussex, patiently waiting for my flight of a life time tomorrow morning in a two-seat WWll Spitfire fighter aircraft.

The all grass runways of Goodwood Airport are
surrounded by the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit.
My Spitfire flight will depart off these grass strips.

I drove down here today from Gatwick Airport, on arrival I stopped by the Goodwood Airport and checked in with the Boultbee Flight Academy, just to confirm that all is OK for lift off of my WWII Spitfire flight in the morning.

Entrance sign to the historic Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit

Today the weather has been perfect flying conditions, they have flown 7 flights today so let’s hope the weather stays nice & calm for tomorrow.

This afternoon I have been exploring all around this area, I have checked out the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit (Bruce McLaren was unfortunately killed in practice at this motor racing circuit many, many years ago & I think Stirling Moss also had his big prang at this circuit). There is also a horse racing track along with the Goodwood Aerodrome.

The tunnel that travels through to the Goodwood aerodrome
and the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit

The bronze statue is of Wing Commander Douglas Bader, DSO & BAR DFC. RAF. He flew his last mission from this Airfield. (9th August 1941).

Right now I have returned to this quaint B & B  that is situated only a couple of miles from the Aerodrome to prepare myself for tomorrow’s flight.

Wing Commander Douglas Bader, DSO & BAR DFC. RAF

I have decided to stay here for 2-nights, (Mon- Tue) then I will drive back to London on Wednesday morning so that I am at the cricket match at the Oval (Kia Oval) by 1100.The ODI commences at 1300. 

It will only take me approximately 2-hours to drive from here to there & I would much sooner be staying here in this nice rural setting than back in London. Once the Cricket game has finished I will then drive down to Gatwick Airport, stay overnight at the Gatwick Sofitel Hotel at the airport & be up bright & early at 0330 to check into my flight that departs Gatwick for New York at 0630.

Nothing else for now, next big report will be my story about the Spitfire flight tomorrow.

Stay safe.
Cheers
Warbo.

Part I - Monday 11th June - 2018

Part I - Monday 11th June - 2018

In Suffolk, UK

I have just woken up here to glorious Summer sunshine & blue skies. It is now 0600 on Monday morning, my only wish now is that tomorrow morning repeats itself weather-wise for my much anticipated flight in the WWII Spitfire from The Goodwood Aerodrome over the English Channel.

As you can see by the photo, my English Model A Ford friends and me are sitting out side The Four Horseshoes Inn in Suffolk after a wonderful Sunday Roast lunch. This thatched roof 12th Century building, is full of centuries old beams, a grand fireplace and has a warm, cosy welcome for all.

Me with a group of my Model A Ford friends at The Four Horseshoes Inn
Wickham Road, Thornham Magna, Eye, Suffolk, UK

Andrew will fetch me at 0900 this morning & drive me down to Gatwick Airport where I have arranged the hire of a rental vehicle to then drive myself south to Chichester that is near Goodwood so that I can overnight & be ready for my 0900 lift off in the morning.

This thatched roof pub is nestled into the beautiful Suffolk
countryside and is full of charm and intrigue

Once my flight is finished in the Spitfire, I will then drive myself north to London on the A23 to once again stay overnight in a B/B near the Kia Oval so that I can attend the One-Day International Cricket match between England V Australia on Tuesday.

The following day bright and early at 0630 on Wednesday morning l will be boarding my Norwegian Air B787 Dreamliner aircraft heading across the Atlantic to New York.

The pub's interior features a unique internal well, traditional and 
original low, low beams and a grand fireplace.
All so uniquely British.

Once I arrive in New York I then transfer to an American Airlines flight to Phoenix Arizona. I have really enjoyed my 4-days here in the old dart with my friends, they have looked after me like a silk worm.

Not too much else to tell you about now.

The next live report will be once I have experienced my flight sitting behind the BIG Merlin engine of the Spitfire as it propels me over the English Channel.

Cheers for now
Warbo

Memories of the IoM

Great Memories from the Isle of Man TT - 2018

Below, a great photo by my new mate, London Cop, John Cannon of me laying on the hedgerow just down from the famous Creg-ny-Baa corner.

The Creg-ny-Baa corner itself, has a pub and a small, a temporary grandstand and is a right-hand turn, located between the 34th and the 35th milestone markers on the Snaefell Mountain Course section of the track.

Me, perched among the foliage on the hedgerow and closely watching
the bikes power back up to 'straight speed' after negotiating the
nearby Creg-ny-Baa corner. Here you really get the sensation of speed.
Photo: John Cannon

The roads are open to two-way public traffic for most of the year, but are closed during practice times and races.

The famous Creg-ny-Baa corner where the Creg-ny-Baa Hotel stands
providing a perfect vantage point as the riders slow down to take the sharp turn
*Note the Aussie flag on the balcony

Me, trying to check my photographic action results in bright
daylight on my Apple iPad near the Creg-ny-Baa corner.

Photo: John Cannon

An Isle of Man motley spectator crew, trackside on the hedgerow.
Me back left, John Cannon, front right in red.

My thanks to John Cannon for sharing his photos with us.

Warbo

Thursday 7th June - 2018

Thursday 7th June - 2018

Day of arrival back onto mainland Britain

Departed IoM & arrived at London Luton Airport on time, my good UK friends, Andrew & his dad were there to meet me as planned.

Now what happened next is uncanny, Andrew suggested that on the way to Brian’s place we should go to this Krazy Horse motorcycling (Museum- Business) at Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk on the way to Brian’s place. 

I had no idea what to see or expect, when we arrived at this place there were loads & loads of people milling around this factory complex observing cars & bikes that were on display, as you know I am not a motorcycle fanatic so I did not realise that this business specialises in all sorts of Bike accessories & Bike modifications & is quite famous.

Another one of my newest best friends, made this trip
motorcycle rider turned author, Steve Parrish

Guest appearance at this exhibition was none other than Steve Parrish, the same guy that I went to see at the Gaiety Theatre on the IoM after watching the Red Arrows on Wednesday evening. I could not believe my eyes. To read that blog episode click HERE

Anyway to cut a long story short I went up & introduced my self again. He looked at me & recognises me from the Island because I purchased his latest book (My Life as a Racer) & had him personally autograph the book for me.

I said to him; "Are you following me around or am I following you around?" We started up a conversation as you do when you meet famous people, & as you can see by the photograph we are now friends. We spoke about his good friend Barry Sheene (two-times World 500 motorbike Champion) who I had met about 20-years ago. Barry has now been dead for 15 years.

Then I started telling him that I was a Model A Ford enthusiast & showed him photos of my Model As of which he was very interested, then he mentioned that he will be at Eastern Creek (Sydney) in March 2019 to compete in a bike event. He then said why don’t you bring one of your Model As to that meet so that I can check it out, to which I immediately agreed with. 

Champion Motorcycle rider turned author at the book signing
at Krazy Horse in Suffolk today

He is a really nice chap. I then asked him how he got here from the IoM to which he answered "I flew down here in my Cessna Rego No. G-MICI with my wife". Steve then hands me his Business card that reads like this:

Capt. S Parrish. N.L.A.M.N pHD.

Plummet Airways International. 
U.K.Hub - Top Farm. IoM Hub - Manx Flyers.

Apparently many years ago when Barry Sheene & himself were on the world stage riding bikes in every corner of the globe they were both BIG on practical jokes & creating havoc where ever they went together, they were famous for their behaviour & womanising.

So I looked at his business card and commented about the letters after his name, to which he answered with a big grin on his face. The initials mean: No Letters After My Name - Pizza Hut Delivers. Very clever I thought.

The Wortwell Pub on the High Road in Wortwell, Harleston
where we stopped for a pint and a bite to eat today

Once we had finished at the Krazy Horse exhibition, we then drove home to Brian’s place stopping off at The Wortwell Bell Pub for a pint & a bight to eat.

That just about brings us up to date with my rolling adventures.

Cheers
Warbo

Thursday - Isle of Man - Day #7

Thursday 7th June - 2018

My final day on the Isle of Man

Right now I am sitting in the departure lounge of Ronaldsway Airport waiting patiently for my EasyJet flight back to London Luton where my Model A Ford friend Andrew will fetch me. We will drive to the East Coast of Britain where he lives in Lowestoft near Norwich. 

I will spend the 4-days there playing with their Model A Fords until I then head back down to Goodwood Airport, set in glorious West Sussex countryside for my WWII Spitfire flight on Tuesday June 12th.

Me, taking in one final look over Douglas Bay here on the Isle of Man.
Anchored out in the bay is the cruise ship Seven Seas Explorer making a port visit.
The structure on the little island is The Tower of Refuge.

I could not resist one final look out over the magnificent Douglas Bay before driving the 20-minutes over to the Airport.

You could be anywhere in the world looking at this photo with great weather conditions like this, the weather has been like this all week. The Gods have looked after me here on the IoM.

Must fly as they are calling my flight.

Cheers
Ken