This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly with a Spitfire, allowing you to get up close and personal to the genuine Mk VB Supermarine Spitfire BM597, flying the camouflage colours of the Polish 317 Wilenski squadron, now kept by the Historic Aircraft Collection.

Your luxury fly with a Spitfire adventure departs from an East Kent location where you'll hop aboard an executive helicopter in the direction of Canterbury in Kent. Suddenly the inimitable rumble of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine will fill the sky and there she is! The most beautiful World War Two fighter aircraft designed by Reginald J Mitchell comes into view, chasing you over the Kent Countryside.

Enjoy an emotive moment as you land at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne. As you head past the White Cliffs coastline to South Foreland Lighthouse you'll climb to 1,000ft  and hover for the highlight of your activity - a breathtaking 360 degree aerobatic display with the Spitfire flying around, below and over your helicopter.

Then you'll be taken back to your departure location by helicopter, where you will be able to walk over to the Spitfire for a photocall and to meet the pilot. Usually expertly flown by Charlie Brown, this renowned pilot has many hours of Spitfire flying experience and can tell you what it's like to fly with this particular Spitfire.

Now registered G-MKVB, BM597 was built in 1942 and saw active service with 315 and 317 squadrons amongst other deployments. In 1945 she was transferred to St Athen as an instructional airframe, then to Bridgenorth and onto Church Fenton as gate guardian. BM597 was then used as a mould to cast fibre glass Spitfire replicas used in the making of the film Battle of Britain. The Historic Aircraft Collection bought BM597 in 1993 and she has been flying displays and memorial flights ever since. With our own roots at Biggin Hill, we are proud to be able to offer this chance for you to fly with a Spitfire.

Your experience lasts approximately two and a quarter hours and includes a helicopter tour accompanied by in flight displays and aerobatics from an authentic Spitfire aircraft. In total you will be airborne for approximately an hour and quarter. All guests will receive a mounted souvenir photograph signed by the pilot. The Helicopter seats six guests in comfort, your helicopter pilot will provide a running commentary through headphones. If guests are the right shape and size they may be able to climb into the Spitfire cockpit to be photographed (at pilots discretion). Also included is 1 years membership to the Spitfire Society. Alternative Spitfire flights are available from IntotheBlue as well as a great choice and variety of special occasion gift suggestions that are perfect for any birthday, or special family event.

• Board Luxury Helicopter in East Kent 
• Fly to Canterbury where you will be joined in the sky by the Spitfire
• Helicopter is 'chased' by the spitfire as it flies down to the coast
• Fly over Hell Fire Corner and Hawkinge - home of the Battle of Britain Museum,
• Spitfire aerobatic salute as you land at The Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne
• Fly along the White Cliffs of Dover as the Spitfire arcs around your helicopter
• Aircraft form at South Foreland Lighthouse for a Private Spitfire display  
• Helicopter flight back to your departure location
• Meet the Spitfire and Pilot for questions and photocall
• Presentation of signed mounted photographs to guests
• Optional visits to Spitfire and Hurricane memorial Museum and RAF Manston Museum when departing from Manston

Flights are scheduled to take place on selected weekends from March to October. The tours are subject to weather conditions and the serviceability of the aircraft; should there be a problem with the Spitfire a back up aircraft e.g. Hurricane, Mustang or Kittyhawk may be offered as an alternative. In this situation you will be offered the choice of taking the tour on your booked date or returning when the Spitfire is available. You may be able to reserve the front seat next to the pilot for an additional fee, payable on site.


Flights depart from helipads in East Kent.  Sites such as Hythe, Lydd, Rochester and Manston are used subject to the current location of the aircraft. During the tour you will fly over Canterbury, Hell Fire Corner, Hawkinge, Capel le Ferne, Dover Harbour, Dover Castle, South Foreland Lighthouse and the White Cliffs of Dover.


There are no age restrictions, maximum passenger weight is 95Kg (210lbs). Cameras are welcome on board however  bulky or heavy video equipment will need to be approved by the operator. The Museum visits are optional and do not form part of the scheduled experience. Guests will fly in a six seater helicopter - at no point do guests fly in the Spitfire.


As the tour covers such a large area it's not suitable for additional spectators. Friends and family are welcome to watch the displays from vantage points around the South coast - binoculars are recommended. If departing from Manston The RAF Manston and Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial museums are open to the public, spectators are welcome to visit (small donations for entry are requested) however opening times cannot be guaranteed to coincide with experience dates.