INTERNATIONAL NORTON

I WAS LOST IN A DAYDREAM. SUDDENLY THE COCKPIT radio crackled (a text on my mobile) ‘What’s the plan old boy – over?’ probed Squadron Leader. ‘Leaving at 9am Squadron Leader,’ I replied, ’... should rendezvous with you around 10.30am, given a fair wind and no bogies... I’ll be flying the old girl today sir, in the off-chance of some terrif pics alongside the old Spit – over.’ The radio crackles mechanically once again: ‘Tally-ho old bean, will have the kettle on, all’s quiet here... the Spitfire and Tiger Moth await your arrival – have a good flight, over and out.’ The radio went silent (mobile text concludes as Mr Smiley pops up). I instinctively smiled back and flicked off my radio (phone)... the daydream ended.

DAY’S FORECAST: BLUE SKIES

I was tingling with excitement – this was shaping up to be a blue skies day and one never to be repeated. Soon I’m thudding along the Tay Estuary on the old girl, a 1938 Ariel Red Hunter, and I’m reminded of my last visit to the Scottish Aero Club’s open gathering. Back then we were buzzed by a Spitfire that suddenly crested a forested hill, banked swiftly to my right, and then held a level course several metres above the silvery Tay. I recall I could clearly see the pilot’s face, fixated on my Ariel as we snaked along the narrow road in almost perfect formation. I stopped at the roadside as the Spitfire roared vertically into the sky and I fumbled hurriedly for