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F3 Tornado Experience

Hawarden Airfield, Cheshire
REF: SIMTR1
Rated Based On 16 Reviews

• Meet an ex-RAF F3 Tornado at this Heritage Centre
• A fascinating experience for fast jet fans
• Guided tour of the aircraft & sit in the cockpit
• Spend time in the Tornado Procedures Trainer/Sim
 
Easter Promo
 


What's Included

• Registration and safety briefing
• Tornado video presentation
• Lecture on flying clothing and ejection seat/survival equipment
• Introduction to the Tornado aircraft and its history
• Opportunity to look around the Tornado Heritage Centre
• Guided tour of the Tornado F3 ZE966
• Access to the cockpit of the Tornado (subject to weather conditions)
• Learn about navigation and flight planning and simulator instruction
• 25 minute session in the Tornado simulator with circuits and approaches at RAF Leuchars
• Simulator debrief
• Please allow between 3-3.5 hours on site for this experience
• Genuine RAF flying suits/gloves are provided for use (optional)
• Light refreshments are included

What Can I Expect

Sign up for this half day aircrew experience and try out the Tornado flight simulator too! Immerse yourself in the world of RAF fighter jets with this utterly fascinating visit to the unique Tornado Heritage Centre near Chester.

The Panavia Tornado was a German-Anglo-Italian collaboration and although production of these twin-engine combat aircraft ceased in 1998, there are still dozens in active service in air forces around the world, including our Royal Air Force. The 'Tonka', as it's affectionately known in the UK, is pretty much a living legend and this experience will see you meeting an ex-RAF Tornado and it's dedicated custodians.

The Tornado Heritage Centre team has completely renovated and rebuilt their Panavia F3 Tornado. ZE966 serial code VT was demobbed in 2007, having first flown in 1990. This particular RAF Tornado saw active service flying missions during the Gulf War. If you care to Google Tornado ZE966, you'll see some wonderful air-to-air photos of the very aircraft you'll be sitting in today, which is pretty cool by all accounts!

So yes, this is a proper Panavia Tornado. And to make your visit as authentic as possible, the heritage centre facility has been set up just like a typical RAF squadron building. What's more, you'll be wearing genuine RAF flying 'suits' (ever wondered what fighter pilots and navigators wear and why?) and you'll be hearing all about the history of the Tornado as you see the flight briefing and planning rooms.

As well looking around the Heritage Centre facility, you'll also get plenty of time with the star of the show. A cockpit visit of this ex-RAF Tornado is included - and it's amazing to have the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of this iconic aircraft. As if all that wasn't enough, you'll also get time on the Tornado flight simulator. These were used to practice SOPS (that's Standard Operating Procedures in aviator speak) and simulate conditions inside the Tornado cockpit. Once again, it's properly hands-on and totally engaging.

It's not every day you get the chance to step up to the task of being in a Tornado Procedures Trainer simulator - especially when it's the only working example of an F3 simulator in existence. Nor is it a regular thing for non-RAF types to be sitting in the cockpit of an actual Panavia RAF Tornado like ZE966. No wonder these Tornado experiences are so popular - and they operate on a limited number of days during the year too, so make sure you get booked up early!

Availability

• Selected Saturdays and Sundays between May and September
• Morning and afternoon sessions are generally available
• Due to popularity it is recommended you book well in advance

Location

• The Tornado Heritage Centre, Hawarden Airfield, Chester, Cheshire

Suitable For

• Minimum age 13
• Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating or spectating adult
• Participants must be able bodied to enter the cockpit/simulator and be able to operate the controls

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome to come along for an additional charge of £5 per person (maximum of three permitted), payable when booking your date

Anything Else

• Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the onsite 'Chocks Away Diner'

Reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Average Rating: 5
Total Reviews: 16

Find out what other customers think of the experience

Reviews

  based on 16 reviews

Rating: 5 stars
Les Shaw
6 Months ago
Absolutely great experience. The instructor (Stuart) at the Tornado Heritage site was brilliant (fr...
Rating: 5 stars
Lee Naylor
Had an absolutely fantastic day from start to finish. The guide, Stuart, a former navigator in the ...
Rating: 5 stars
Tim Flesher
A really great afternoon. Stuart an ex RAF navigator was an excellent guide, the heritage centre wa...
Rating: 5 stars
John Neve
What a privilege to get up close to such an amazing aircraft. Stuart was incredibly informative and...
Rating: 5 stars
David Law
A really memorable, informative and enjoyable experience.
Rating: 5 stars
Andrew hollander
Stuart who was showing my wife and i around was great to be with and very informative. He answered ...
Rating: 5 stars
Terry Rann
Very knowledgeable and experienced instructor. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone and was very en...
Rating: 5 stars
Paul Lawson
Amazing afternoon spent with Stuart. His friendliness, knowledge and enthusiasm absolutely exceptio...
Rating: 5 stars
Steve Moore
Amazing day, Stuart provided me with 1 to 1 information to enhance the experience and I would highl...
Rating: 5 stars
Rob Hooker
Absolutely first class experience. Great to meet an ex serviceman with so much passion and knowledg...
Rating: 5 stars
Steven Smith
Absolutely brilliant experience, very interesting and informative, tour around aircraft was amazing...
Rating: 5 stars
Alan Winters
Had a really great time, time literally flew past. My interest was kept at a high level from start ...
Rating: 5 stars
Neil
Absolutely superb afternoon out. Informative, fun and delivered by professional ex serviceman who c...
Rating: 5 stars
Stuart Barton
Stuart’s passion for the Tornado can only be achieved when you have lived and breathed the fast jet...
Rating: 5 stars
Robert
One to one experience tailored to the individual by enthusiastic and knowledgeable member of the te...
Rating: 5 stars
Geoff Shaw
Excellent hands on experience, guided by a professional who fully understands his product and can e...