Fly alongside the Spitfire on these spectacular passenger flights that take-off from Headcorn and North Weald airfields. After take-off, as the excitement mounts, your pilot will inform you whether
it'll be all eyes to the left or right, as the aircraft positions itself alongside you, and you fly with a Spitfire.
Location
North Weald Aerodrome, Essex
Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent
Experience Details
On these spectacular passenger flights out of Headcorn and North Weald airfields, you will be flying beside the Spitfire. Everyone loves the Spitfire. For many it's the symbol of the Second World War and a poignant reminder of
those who gave their lives for us.
Choose from a 20, 30 or 40 minute flight for you to accompany the Spitfire in the air as a passenger in a aircraft or helicopter. This is certainly no ordinary passenger flight though, as you will be escorted in the air by
the stunning Spitfire. As the Second World War fighter takes-off, you'll be ready and waiting, cruising over the skies of Essex or Kent.
As the tension mounts, your pilot will inform you whether it'll be all eyes to the left or the right, as the impressive Spitfire swoops alongside you. It'll catch your breath that very first moment you look directly across to
the Spitfire. It seems almost within touching distance. A couple of seconds to gather your composure and it's time to capture some of the finest air-to-air photos ever, as you take advantage of your unprecedented proximity to
this iconic aircraft in flight.
Both Headcorn (Lashenden) and North Weald are former RAF air bases. At Headcorn 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
Second World War squadrons based here remain and there's a fascinating wartime museum. North Weald has been resonating with the sound of aircraft since 1916. From the First World War, followed by Battle of Britain Hurricanes,
Spitfires and Blenheims in the Second World War, to the Cold War jet fighters, North Weald, with its amazing views of London, has seen it all.
When you fly with a Spitfire you’ll be in the very skies where endless dogfights took place during the Battle of Britain. As Fighter Command battled to defend Britain, aircraft
such as the Spitfire and Hurricane were pitched against the Messerschmitt Bf 109s of the Luftwaffe. You can just imagine what it must have been like as a young RAF pilot in a Spitfire.
Who is suitable for this experience?
Height restrictions: Minimum 4ft 6ins, maximum height 6ft 4ins.
Maximum weight 18 stone.
Availability
Selected weekend dates.
Dates and session times are subject to weather conditions and availability at your chosen venue.
Spectators
Spectators are welcome, with excellent views of the runway and aircraft.
Itinerary
- Fly alongside a Spitfire in close formation.
- Flights are taken in a multi-seat certified passenger aircraft or helicopter.
- Ground viewing of the Spitfire with plenty of photo opportunities.
- Staff on hand to answer all your questions about the aircraft.
- Experiences generally last 3-4 hours.
- All flights are 'chock to chock' so include taxi time.
- 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.
- Opportunity to 'Sit in a Spit' the iconic Spitfire Mk IX (TD314) for an additional charge of £65 payable on the day.
