Spending Day with BoB Spitfire Pilot - Questions Please

[Sutts]

I've had some time to think and here is a brain dump of things that have bugged me for some time! It would be brilliant if you could get an answer for any of these but the ones in bold would be most appreciated.


Was it common to climb directly into an enemy formation (due to lack of time) rather than secure an advantageous attack position first?

After the initial pass at the enemy, would you just haul it around and go after the nearest target or take time to climb again and position for a more advantageous diving pass?

On the forum I see lots of discussion regarding maintaining energy state through boom and zoom tactics in Spits and Hurris. I'm interested to know if that tactic was well known, understood and used widely at the time or was a straight furball more commonly seen with everyone just turning and chasing the nearest target?

Did the airframe make any noises (creaking, banging, rattling etc.) during heavy maneuvering?

What kind of workload did the Spit give the pilot...was it easy to fly and scan the sky or was systems management a constant concern requiring much time monitoring instruments and tweaking systems with your head in the cockpit?

Did an open radiator noticeably affect performance?
In combat was the radiator left on a fixed setting (fully open?) or managed according to engine temp?
In combat was a fixed power setting used or were you constantly adjusting throttle?
Was cooling a constant problem, especially while climbing....did it ever restrict the power settings you could use due to overheating?
What was the most commonly used radiator setting - was a fully open radiator required most of the time?

How long could a Spit last with a holed radiator?

What was the most common reason for an aircraft put out of action by the enemy:
- loss of coolant
- loss of oil
- fire
- damaged structure

Was the glow of tracer noticeable in the daytime or was it just the smoke trail?

How common was it for pieces of aircraft to fall off under .303 fire?
Were hundreds of small holes the most obvious damage to downed enemy aircraft, rather than large holes, torn skin and structure etc?

Could fire and smoke erupt instantly from an engine under .303 attack or did that usually take a little time to develop?

Was rudder input important while manoeuvring? Did the nose bob and weave noticeably while manoeuvring?
Was much aileron input required to keep a spit flying straight and level?


Thanks again PPP.

[Qpassa]

would be great if you record him