{"product_id":"how-to-fly-a-spitfire-a-nut-and-bolt-guide-to-the-world-s-greatest-air","title":"How To Fly A Spitfire: A Nut-and-Bolt Guide to the World's Greatest Aircraft","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst flown in March 1936 and operated decisively throughout the Second World War and beyond, the Spitfire is considered a mechanical work of art. Its elegant elliptical wings, powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and pivotal role in the Battle of Britain have secured its place in history, and in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow to Fly a Spitfire takes you on a fascinating, hands-on tour of this remarkable machine. Much more fun than an overly technical manual, it offers a readable, richly illustrated and step-by-step walkthrough of the Spitfire’s controls and systems, giving a unique impression of what it was like to actually pilot one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor example, you’ll discover: Pre-flight essentials, including how to prime the Merlin engine, set trim and complete cockpit checks. Flying techniques such as taxiing with limited visibility, mastering take-off and landing and understanding the four forces of flight. Navigation and communication methods, from dead reckoning and gyrocompass use to altimeter readings and WWII radio protocol. Combat skills that cover dogfighting tactics, precision gunnery and aerobatic manoeuvres like barrel rolls, loops and Split-S. Practical maintenance know-how for keeping a Spitfire airworthy, including oil changes and undercarriage fixes. The history and legacy of the Spitfire, with stories from the Battle of Britain, its global service and post-war restoration projects. Packed with detailed diagrams and practical know-how, this book brings the Spitfire to life for aviation fans everywhere. Marking 90 years of the plane’s invention, it invites you to experience the thrill of flight and discover what makes this legendary aircraft so unforgettable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBook details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 192 pages, illustrations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frances Lincoln\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublished:\u003c\/strong\u003e 09 April 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 237 x 178 x 23 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eISBN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9781836009795\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Quarto Publishing PLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57078686024004,"sku":"9781836009795","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/8018\/7972\/files\/9781836009795.jpg?v=1786022527","url":"https:\/\/thehistoryshop.co.uk\/products\/how-to-fly-a-spitfire-a-nut-and-bolt-guide-to-the-world-s-greatest-air","provider":"The History Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}