Watch Iconic Spitfires’ Flyby & Landing with a Boeing 747’s Majestic Takeoff

At Prestwick Airport in Scotland, what began as a quiet day turned into something special for aviation fans. A man who often parks near the airport during his breaks noticed a sudden crowd forming. Normally, the viewing area is peaceful, but on this day, people rushed in after hearing about two Spitfires and a Boeing 747 arriving. The man, a model aircraft builder, quickly grabbed his camera to film what turned out to be a rare and unplanned event.

He had built models for years, mostly in 1:72 and 1:48 scales, and now in retirement, he had more time to enjoy his hobby. He was surprised to see the Spitfires parked in plain sight, which isn’t typical. Someone nearby mentioned the planes might be heading to Oban, but they appeared to be staying overnight. It was too late for a display flight, so most people assumed they were done flying for the day.

Spitfire Flyby and Unannounced Arrival

The Spitfires had taken off earlier from Leeds and made a few stops before reaching Prestwick. Their arrival wasn’t advertised, which added to the excitement. As they flew in, the sound of their Merlin engines caught everyone’s attention. Before landing, they made a pass over the area—possibly to thrill the public. Around 100 people were there to witness it.

The 747 that took off soon after belonged to Cargolux, a regular visitor. Some of the planes, like the Spitfires, had come from Duxford, where there’s a museum known for airshows and restorations. Aircraft like the 1930s Chipmunk trainer also appeared. Still flying today, these older planes are used for training and preserved with care. Events like this aren’t planned, but that’s what makes them worth watching.

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