Pupils treated to a pilot's eye view

Eleven lucky Year 11 and Sixth Form pupils and three staff from Exeter School were offered the opportunity to see first-hand two lovingly restored Spitfires at Exeter Airport and experience the pilot's view from the cockpit.

They watched the Boultbee Flight Academy two seat Spitfire SM520 take off and land, piloted by past pupil Matt Jones (1987-1992), and were able to study closely the single seat Spitfire RR232 aptly named 'City of Exeter' built from a single rivet by Exeter based 'Tool Care Hire' owner Martin Philips.

During the tour, the pupils learnt about the significance of the aircraft and its design from pilots Mike and Tim and understood the complex engineering of the restoration process, which took fifteen years for each plane! At the end of the visit, the group of pupils, who are all RAF Section Cadets, met Matt and heard about his journey from Exeter School to flying Spitfires. It was an extremely fascinating visit, and one that was very much appreciated by all the pupils and staff.

Matt said: "Having been at school in Exeter, it's great to be able to bring the Spitfires down to the City this September especially given the airport's history as an operational Battle of Britain base. It's even more special to be flying the 'City of Exeter' Spitfire."

On Battle of Britain Memorial Day, Thursday 15 September, both Spitfires, with Matt at the controls of 'City of Exeter' staged a special flypast flying in formation over Exeter and down the Exe Estuary at 6pm offering people the once in a lifetime chance to see a Spitfire formation.

Matt Jones was a member of the RAF Section at Exeter School. Dr Simon Smale, the current Officer Commanding RAF Section, accompanied the pupils, together with Director of Alumni John Davidson who remembered teaching Matt and the air experience flights in Chipmunks at Exeter Airfield which gave Matt his initial love of flying.