After slipping on the iced-over port wing, Denchfield got in his Spitfire and switched on the cockpit light for pre-flight checks. ‘Check the reflector gunsight is set for 250-yard range and 60ft span – 60ft was about right for heavy stuff but I made sure that for 109s I’d be a lot closer than 250 yards. Helmet placed over gunsight, with the oxygen tube plugged into the socket. Check mixture lever right back, levers up to “off” and tail and rudder trims set for take-off. Align compass gridlines with needle, ensuring “red on red” so as not to fly in the opposite direction to that desired. Check
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