Fly with a Spitfire

What Can I Expect

Get ready to fly with a Spitfire! On these spectacular passenger flights out of Headcorn and North Weald airfields, you will be  flying right up there, beside that glorious WW2 fighter plane. 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. 

We are offering 20, 30 or 40-minute flights for you to accompany the Spitfire in the air as a passenger in a plane or helicopter. This is certainly no ordinary passenger flight though, as you will be escorted in the air by stunning Spitfire. As the World War Two fighter plane 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 formidable 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 WW2 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 very first WW1 planes, 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 soaring in the very skies where endless dogfights took place during the Battle of Britain.  As fighter commands battled to defend the British shores, aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane were pitched against the Messerschmitts of the Luftwaffe. Thankfully, all is calm on the western front for these treasured sorties, but you can just imagine what it must have been like as a young RAF pilot in a Spitfire. Amazing stuff.

Availability

• Selected weekend dates
• Dates and session times are subject to weather conditions and availability at your chosen venue

Current Scheduled 2024 Dates:

• Essex  North Weald Aerodrome 18th May
• Essex  North Weald Aerodrome 19th May
• Kent  Headcorn Aerodrome 21st September
• Kent  Headcorn Aerodrome 22nd September

Suitable For

• Height restrictions: Minimum 4ft 6ins, maximum height 6ft 4ins
• Maximum weight 18 stone

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome, with excellent views of the runway and aircraft

Anything Else

• Free car parking and picnic area
• Onsite restaurants and childrens area
• All flights are 'chock to chock' so include taxi time
• At no point do you fly in the Spitfire
• 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
• Entry to the onsite museum is payable on the day if you wish to visit