He was just asked to fly for the camera

In 1996, Americans in Duxford, England, filmed a film about Supermarine Spitfire fighters in honor of the 60th anniversary of their appearance. Pilot Ray Hanna, a former leader of the Red Arrows, who worked at the Old flying machine company based there, was invited for demonstration flights.

For the intro of the documentary, they wanted to make a spectacular scene with an opening speech and an airplane flying over to the camera. We agreed on a time and arrived at the appointed place. The radio said that the plane was taking off. The film crew began to calmly film the introduction with the presenter, expecting that the Spitfire would gain altitude and pass over them later. It turned out that the plane immediately after takeoff was at an extreme low level, merging with the ground so that it was not immediately noticed. His appearance had to be done precisely in such a way that it was not necessary to stop the camera motor, everything was filmed in one take.

When the scene was filmed, the film crew poked their faces into the ground from a powerful flow of air and then, desperately swearing, ran to change diapers. Naturally, the pilot would never have done this in a 60-year-old car if he had not been confident that his trick would work. As one of the participants in the filming said: “I have no doubt, he laughed in anticipation all the way…”

Ray Hanna was one of the best aces of our time. His spectacular flights and stunts on old combat aircraft can be seen in many famous films, such as “Saving Private Ryan”, “A Pair of Pieces”, “Empire of the Sun”, “Memphis Belle” and “Tomorrow Never Dies” (18th Bond film) .

Died December 1, 2005.