[SlipBall]

Originally Posted by camber

Supermarine test pilot Alex Henshaw was once critised by a new manager for doing so much sustained inverted flying (i.e -1g) in Spitfire demonstrations. His reply was (in Sigh for a Merlin p79):

"Spitfires are not flown inverted on test. It is true they are rolled and in some cases an inverted glide takes place, but as the engine cuts immediately on negative 'G', there is no power in use. I have discussed this at some length with the Rolls-Royce technicians and they are happy no damage occurs."

He goes on to say at one stage he and Geoffrey Quill were asked to invert a Spit from 20000 ft and no engine damage ocurred.

Here is the only known footage of Henshaw doing his routine in the movie "Ferry pilot". This is a Spit Va, you can hear the engine cutting during the inverted glides. I wonder whether at this point it was necessary to cut throttle to avoid sustained inverted running as the motor was less susceptible to neg g cutout.

Keep in mind that possibly the oil pan had been changed out...anyone here having problems should observe their oil gauge as recommended, and learn to alter their flying style. Treat it like a car you just spent a bunch of money on.