Visited 14 Historic British Airfields For Charity

While early morning fog prevented them from getting as early a start as hoped, pilots Steve Bridgewater and Louise Walker were still able to visit 14 out of the 24 airfields they'd hope to fly to within one 24 hour period.

Taking off from Oxford at 7:15 am local time Thursday morning, the two spent 10 hours in the air, and visited the historic Coventry, Blackpool, Coningsby, Wittering, Duxford, Cambridge, North Weald, Manston, Chichester (Goodwood), Lasham, Lyneham, Kemble and Little Rissington airfields.

Each was used by Supermarine Spitfire crews during WWII.

"The start was delayed by unexpected fog at Oxford and Coventry but once the weather cleared it was a fantastic day to fly," said Bridgewater. "We’re elated but very tired. We received a fantastic reception at all the airfields we visited and were delighted at all the support we received."

The team's Piper PA28 touched down in Oxford at about 9:00 pm Thursday night.

As Aero-News reported Wednesday, the Dawn to Dusk Spitfire Challenge was an attempt to fly to as many Spitfire airfields as possible in one day. Supported by a local brewery, the challenge marked the 70th anniversary of the Spitfire, and supported the charity Flying Scholarship for the Disabled.

The charity -- inspired by the spirit of wartime flying ace Douglas Bader, who served with valor and distinction in the RAF during WWII despite having lost both is legs in 1930 -- helps disabled people discover their true potential through the mental and physical stimulation of learning to fly a light aircraft.

FMI: www.spitfired2dchallenge.co.uk/