High speed controls were light thus high speed turns and pull - outs were possible although the P - 39 had to be held in a dive since it tended to level out , reminiscent of the Spitfire .
High speed controls were light ; thus , high speed turns and pull - outs were possible . 
 However , the P - 39 had to be held in a dive since it tended to level out , reminiscent of the Spitfire .