Fly with a Spitfire at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, home to the very first Spitfire squadron in 1938. These Duxford Spitfire flights see you take to the skies in a de
Havilland Dragon Rapide, then that iconic shape will come into view, giving you a unique perspective of this famous aircraft. Included with your Duxford Spitfire experience is
free entry to the IWM Duxford, home to a number of historic aircraft.
Location
Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Experience Details
Calling all Spitfire fans - prepare to take part in these flights with a difference! This experience takes place at the Imperial War Museum Duxford which was a Royal Air Force aerodrome and home
to No. 19 Squadron who received the very first Spitfires during 1938. A very appropriate venue for getting up close with a Spitfire on a very special flight out of Duxford.
Your experience starts with a meet and greet in the operator's booking office on the flightline. You may find it hard to concentrate though, as Duxford is a working airfield, with many flights
coming in and out each day. It’s a dream location for aviation fans.
Now it’s time for your departure from Duxford. Flights onboard the de Havilland Dragon Rapide to track your Spitfire are like stepping back in time to the birth of commercial aviation. The Dragon Rapide
was the first airliner of its type.
Before pleasure and business flying really took off, this short-haul biplane, first built in the 1930s, also had a role in the Second World War. These aircraft carried out passenger and communication
duties, making it the perfect choice of aircraft.
And so, as you climb above Duxford airfield on your 30 minute flight, the moment you have been waiting for, the Spitfire arrives. You will be in flight with a Duxford Spitfire flying
alongside you for around 10 glorious minutes. From your truly privileged position inside the main cabin, you will be able to watch, listen and photograph the Spitfire in elegant flight right next
to you.
The cabin configuration of the Dragon Rapide means that every passenger gets a window seat. And that means plenty of opportunities to take some breathtaking photos of this iconic aircraft that, along with RAF
Duxford, played such an important role in the Second World War.
After your Spitfire flight, you have the rest of the day to enjoy the IWM Duxford and the many aircraft on display. Complimentary same-day entry to the museum is offered to all those who have been
on these very special Duxford flights.
Who is suitable for this experience?
Minimum age 14.
Maximum weight 18 stone.
Maximum height 6'6".
Under 16s must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult.
You may be in a small group of up to 8 people.
Availability
Flights take place on selected weekends each month from April through to October.
All flights are weather dependent but don't worry if your flight is cancelled you can rebook for a convenient time.
Spectators
You are welcome to bring family and friends along, however, they will need to enter the museum to view the flight.
Entry to IWM Duxford is compulsory for participants and accompanying guests. Guests will enjoy half price entry to the site, children under 5 go free.
There's a cafe on site.
Itinerary
- Introduction and safety briefing.
- Fly wing to wing with the Spitfire in a de Havilland Dragon Rapide.
- Souvenir photograph alongside the Spitfire.
- View the Imperial War Museum, Duxford and its historic and rare aviation collection.
- Actual flight time in the Dragon Rapide is approx 30 minutes with the Spitfire flying alongside for approx 10 minutes. All quoted flight times are chock to chock.
- Allow three hours for this experience, plus time to view the rest of the museum.
