Fly alongside a true icon of the skies, the Supermarine Spitfire a type famed for its role in the Battle of Britain during 1940. Taking off from Headcorn airfield, formerly RAF Lashenden and home to a
Spitfire squadron in 1943, you will fly with a Spitfire as you go on one of two tours which take you to Capel-le-Ferne or the White Cliffs. Also included is free entry to the museum based at Headcorn.
Location
Headcorn Aerodrome, near Ashford, Kent
Experience Details
Both the plane you’ll be flying in and the Spitfire will be departing from Headcorn airfield. Formerly RAF Lashenden, this was where hundreds of missions were flown by Spitfires and Mustangs at the
height of the war between 1942 and 1943. Even today, the vestiges of the WW2 squadrons based here remain and there's a fascinating wartime museum. It’s hugely significant that Headcorn is the base
for these Spitfire flight experiences.
You will be boarding a de Havilland Devon for your flight. These were the people carriers of the sky in the post-war years, with the Devon ferrying military personnel, whilst civilian passengers
flew in services operated by the Dove, which was the commercial version of this hugely popular aircraft. Flying in it today is quite a sensation - made all the more thrilling when you’re
escorted in the air by a Spitfire!
Once airborne out of Headcorn, you’ll head towards the Kent coast. With the Spitfire joining you, the flight path takes you to the cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne. This is where the hugely emotive and
provocative stone-carved Battle of Britain Memorial stands, with its contemplative airman looking out to sea. It really is remarkable to look down on this from air, especially with the Spitfire
flying along with you.
Those on the extended 40-minute flights will continue to track the Spitfire towards the White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse. And as you head back to base, there’s time to reflect on
the day you got to fly alongside the Spitfire out of Headcorn, literally side-by-side with this wonderful aircraft. Just magical.
Who is suitable for this experience?
Height restrictions: Minimum 4ft 6ins, maximum height 6ft 4ins.
Maximum weight 18 stone.
Availability
Selected weekend dates between April and August.
Dates and session times are subject to weather conditions and availability.
Spectators
Spectators are welcome, with excellent views of the runway and aircraft.
Itinerary
- 30 or 40 minute flight depending on tour booked.
- Flight in a vintage RAF de Havilland Devon alongside the St George Spitfire.
- Experience close formation, wing to wing with the Spitfire.
- Ground viewing of the Spitfire with plenty of photo opportunities. Opportunity to 'Sit in a Spit' The iconic Spitfire Mk IX (TD314) for an additional charge of £65 payable on the day.
- Staff on hand to answer all your questions about the aircraft.
- Free museum entry.
- You will form part of a group of up to 8 participants for your flight, all with a window seat.
- Experiences generally last 3-4 hours. Participants should allow for a whole day for the experience 9am-7pm, experiences generally last half a day and this is a precaution to allow for weather conditions.
- All flights are 'chock to chock' so include taxi time.
- At no point do you fly in the Spitfire.
