Wings fit for a racer
After the Battle of Britain focus of the 2015 Freddie March Spirit of Aviation, the diverse group this year featured a superb display of civilian aircraft. Highlights included a beautiful 1936 Miles Whitney Straight entered by Peter Bishop. After the American ace retired from motor racing, he focused on aviation with a series of flying clubs around England. In the mid- 1930s Straight collaborated with FG Miles to develop a modern light aircraft. The result was the M11A, an all wooden construction with comfortable, fully enclosed cockpit. Powered by a 130hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engine, it had a top speed of 145mph and was easy to fly. Other star aircraft being shown next to the new Aero Club included film director Peter Jackson’s superb 1917 Albatros DVa fighter.