Page 101 - Demo

99oleos have to be splayed out to give anything like a reasonable track for the wheels %u2013 which also have a degree of toe-in. With a small fin and rudder, which are little better than decoration at slower speeds, no rudder trim, and poor brakes ....result ....excitement! (Today our Buchons have modified modern brakes, which have transformed the aircraft). With the control column parked firmly forward and right, gently up with the power old son, catch the swing as the tail-wheel breaks ground and, in a crescendo of noise, we get airborne. John tucks in quickly, and I am not sure if his cheesy grin is because he is enjoying himself, or reflecting his recent close proximity to the blur of the control surfaces on my aircraft during take-off. Sion is about 1600 feet above sea level, and we then start a steady climb ENE up the Sion valley. Surreal does not really catch the moment, as I look along my wing, emblazoned with great black crosses, at a Spitfire bobbing gently in formation, with massive snow-capped mountains seemingly a few yards away.The Gotthard Pass is around 7000 feet above sea level, so we cross about 2000 feet above the pass, turn north, and then enjoy a %u2019yee haaa%u2019 run (technical term!) down the narrow and very scenic valley towards Altdorf. Still in very high ground, but not the main Alp massif, we strike off NE, and ease out of the mountains, to cross Lake Constance and into Germany. I then check in with Munich Radar, to ease our passage through this busy area towards Augsburg %u2013fuel OK, but not enough to hang around too much. %u201cGolf Oscar Lima formation, you are identified, and you are clear direct track to Augsburg, maintaining 4000 feet QNH9 1021%u201d came the clipped and professional instructions from Munich ATC. I read back, and then get the reply %u201cOscar Lima formation, that is correct, what are your aircraft types?%u201d I reply %u201cLead is a Messerschmitt 109, and my No 2 is a Spitfire.%u201d There is a definite pause...%u201d Ah so... are you armed?!%u201d Everyone is a comedian. %u201cNot today sir%u201d, I reply politely, more interested in my fuel gauge. Almost immediately, there is another unidentified transmission on the frequency %u201cAnt who is vinning today!%u201d German sense of humour, you can%u2019t beat it! The run towards Augsburg goes well, and I am beginning to relax about fuel.......error! An enthusiastic Augsburg ATC greets my joining call %u201cWelcome to Augsburg old timers%u201d (had my