“915 clear to rejoin.”
Downwind checks completed it was time to concentrate on landing: a nice curved approach, more flap, reduce power.
“915 finals.”
“915 clear to land, wind light and variable.”
Wings level, lined up, power off, gently back on the stick, then the sweet ‘kiss kiss’ of the wheels as they touch the runway. Keep straight! Remember: “the landing is not over until the aircraft is safely parked!” (Instructor’s words!).
“915 clear of the runway.”
“Roger 915, well done!”
I taxied in and parked the aircraft and switched off. I just sat there.
“You all right Sir?” the ground crewman asked.
“I’m in heaven,” I replied.
I strolled back to my Flight Office. I believe I even had the top button of my best blue undone, the mark of a fighter pilot! A while later everyone returned from the church service and the C.O. came in.
“Anything to report?” he said.
“Nothing,” I replied, “all quiet.”
“George flew the Spitfire over the church. Nice touch,” he said. “Let’s go for a beer!”
Some time later before leaving the Squadron I filled in the space I had left in my flying log book:
‘16 September 1956. Spitfire PS915. First solo on type.’
