This is a magnificent video! I’ve only heard the Merlin from outside the aircraft. To hear it in the cockpit, particularly on take-off, is pure music. Excellent commentary too.
On another note, what is the instrument on the extreme left of the panel? It looks like it’s sticking out, but clearly has a function.
That is a g-meter. The main needle indicates the current g-load, and there are also limit needles showing the highest and lowest g-reading since the meter was last reset.
Cool video! I especially liked the section about how to start the big Merlin engine. Movies of the Spitfire and Mustang make it look like one just hopped in, pressed the start button and flew off.
Super cool! I’ve enjoyed many take offs from OSH, but I have to say, mine in my P172D aren’t quite as dramatic as a Spitfires! Thanks—great video.
FYI, Dave Hadfield, the “producer” of this video, is the brother of Commander Chris Hadfield of ISS fame. Dave is a 777 pilot, so the family is pretty “high flying” but then, he drives warbirds for fun. How cool is that?