Berkshire near Maidenhead
Fly inverted along the River Thames with our upside down Thames tour! It's an ever-so-slightly madcap idea, but the expert aerobatics pilots have come up with this totally unique way to see the sights of the River Thames as you fly upside down, following the winding river upstream. Imagine looking directly down and seeing trees, cows, ducks from your topsy-turvy point of view from the cockpit!
You'll take off from the airfield near Maidenhead in a powerful private plane, designed and built specifically for performing tricks. In fact, if you want to know just how you can fly upside down when really the plane's engine should be starved of fuel and cut out, it's a complicated mix of engineering and aviation design; the wings are symmetrical and have header fuel tanks which work with injectors and gravity, there are special propellers and ailerons all combining so that the plane flies just as well upside down as it does upright.
Now you know the clever bit, all you have to do is concentrate on taking in the upside down view of the Berkshire countryside as you meet up with the River Thames at Marlow and fly looking directly down at the water. You'll pass over Medmenham, Henly, Goring and Reading before heading back to land at the airfield and back to world that's the right way up after your upside down Thames tour.
Experience Summary: You'll enjoy a pre-flight briefing followed by a high speed 20 minute aerial Thames Tour - mostly upside down! As well as a running commentary from the pilot as you travel down the Thames, you will also be handed control of the high performance aircraft so you can try your hand at inverted sight seeing, as well as flying a loop or roll yourself.
Availability: Upside down sightseeing flights are usually available from March to October.
Location: Flights Depart from a picturesque airfield just outside Maidenhead, your pilot will then pick up the Thames River at Marlow following it's path through Medmenham, Henley on Thames, Goring and Reading.
Requirements: Maximum height 6'2". Maximum weight 16 stone. Minimum age is 16 years. You must be physically fit and in good health to fly.
Spectators and Facilities: Spectators are welcome to wave you off on your adventure. The airfield has a friendly clubhouse with outside seating offering views across the runways. There is plenty of free parking on site. The aircraft is equipped with on board recording equipment, you can purchase a DVD recording of your flight for an additional fee of £45.