Spitfire 90th Anniversary Tour Continues with RAF Valley Departure

Bad weather grounded a planned coastal flight on Tuesday, April 14. The two-seat Spitfire was due to fly between RAF Valley and MOD St Athan.

Schedule and weather update

Organisers hope the aircraft can depart RAF Valley at about 14:00 on Wednesday, April 15. Forecast conditions on Tuesday forced a cancellation.

The flight is expected to climb and reach around 160 mph. It will then proceed south along the Welsh coast toward St Athan.

Operational notes

The training facility and flight provider warned the departure could be delayed further. Safety checks and weather monitoring remain ongoing.

Filmogaz.com posted the estimated takeoff time for April 15 as 14:00. Followers may monitor route updates through official channels.

Tour format and dates

The civilian-owned Spitfire is flying a nine-leg commemorative tour. Each flight represents one decade of the aircraft’s 90-year history.

The series runs from April 7 to April 17. The route visits RAF stations and airports tied to the Spitfire’s wartime and postwar past.

Recent movements

On Monday, April 13, the aircraft left Glasgow at 10:00. It flew over Blackpool and along the North Wales coast to Anglesey.

The trip to Anglesey took about 70 minutes. The aircraft then reached RAF Valley on Anglesey for the planned Welsh leg.

Passenger opportunities and support

The Royal Air Force is supporting the nationwide tour. A two-seat Spitfire, painted to evoke prototype K5054, is being used.

Members of the public can bid for a seat as the plane travels between airfields. The experience is offered at selected stops.

Historic context

The first Spitfire flight occurred on March 5, 1936. Test pilot Joseph “Mutt” Summers flew prototype K5054 from present-day Southampton Airport.

The maiden flight lasted about eight minutes. After landing, Summers reportedly advised not to alter the design.

The ongoing Spitfire 90th anniversary tour continues with RAF Valley departure plans under close weather scrutiny. Fans and bidders await final clearance for takeoff.