What's Included
• Flight in a vintage RAF de Havilland Devon alongside the St George Spitfire
• Experience close formation, wing to wing with the spitfire
• Ground viewing of the spitfire with plenty of photo opportunities
• Staff on hand to answer all your questions about the aircraft
• Free museum entry
• You will form part of a group of up to 8 participants for your flight, all with a window seat
• Experiences generally last 3-4 hours
Capel-le-Ferne Flight
• 30 Minute Flight
• Spectacular views of the Battle of Britain Memorial and coastline at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone
White Cliffs Spitfire Tour
• 40 Minute Flight
• Tour of the Battle of Britain White Cliffs and Dover Castle Coastline
• See the stunning Battle of Britain Memorial to the Few from the Air
What Can I Expect
Join in with these very special Spitfire flights from Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent, by flying right up there beside that glorious 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. These experiences focus on the Battle of Britain over the skies of Kent.
Both the plane you’ll be flying in and the Spitfire will be departing from Headcorn airfield. Formerly RAF Lashenden, this was where 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. It’s hugely significant that Headcorn is the base for these Spitfire flight experiences.
You will be boarding a de Havilland Devon for your flight. These were the people carriers of the sky in the post-war years, with the Devon ferrying military personnel, whilst civilian passengers flew in services operated by the Dove, which was the commercial version of this hugely popular aircraft. Flying in it today is quite a sensation - made all the more thrilling when you’re escorted in the air by a Spitfire!
Once airborne out of Headcorn, you’ll head towards the Kent coast. With the Spitfire joining you, the flight path takes you to the cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne. This is where the hugely emotive and provocative stone-carved Battle of Britain Memorial stands, with its contemplative airman looking out to sea. It really is remarkable to look down on this from air, especially with the Spitfire flying along with you. Don’t be surprised if you feel really emotional at this point…
Those on the extended 40-minute flights will continue to track the Spitfire towards the White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse, whilst the 30-minute flight turns back at this point. And as you head back to base, there’s time to reflect on the day you got to fly at the same time as these historic Spitfire flights out of Headcorn, literally side-by-side with this wonderful aircraft. Just magical.
Availability
• Selected weekend dates between April and August
• Dates and session times are subject to weather conditions and availability
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 I Need To Know?
• Free car parking, museum entry 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
Location
• Headcorn Aerodrome, near Ashford, Kent
