Two Seater Spitfire Flight & Heritage Hangar Visit
Biggin Hill Airport in KentREF: SPTBIG
• Experience the thrill of flying in a Spitfire
• In-flight recording & souvenirs included
• Biggin Hill location exclusive to Into the Blue!
What's Included
- Unique flight experience in the rear seat of a combat veteran MKIX two-seater Spitfire
- Four exciting flight options to choose from:
- 30 minute flight (approximately 20 minutes airborne)
'Leeds Castle'
- 35 minute flight (approximately 25 minutes airborne)
- 45 minute flight (approximately 35 minutes airborne)
- 55 minute flight (approximately 45 minutes airborne)
(Click here for more in-depth information on the extended flights over Beachy Head and the White Cliffs of Dover).
- A detailed pre-flight briefing covering the aircraft, equipment and in flight safety procedures
- Approximately 10 minutes for preparation, taxiing and pre-flight safety checks
- Access to the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar for up to four guests
- Q+A session with the hangar team with close up access to the aircraft being restored
- Take off from Ex RAF Spitfire Station Biggin Hill and fly over Kent's 'Battle of Britain Country'
- Feel and experience the effects of your hands on the controls (at the pilot's discretion)
- All flights include the opportunity to do Victory Rolls and other manoeuvres
- Hear radio commentary from your pilot, air traffic control and ground crew
- In-flight video recording of the flight on SD card / USB stick
- Flight debrief and opportunity to take photographs with the aircraft
- Framed souvenir flight certificate, flight suit patch and pilot notes to take home
- Helmet, flight suit and parachute are provided for the flight
- Allow spending up to four hours at the venue
- Complimentary premium gift packaging from Into The Blue
Want to see the Battle of Britain Spitfires keep flying? Support the BBMF Memorial Flight with our exclusive membership gift packs available online.
What Can I Expect
Two-seater Spitfire flights are now a reality! Following changes in the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) rules, these Biggin Hill Spitfire flights mean the impossible is now possible. Thanks to the very special T9 Spitfires, tandem flights will be operating from this legendary airport that was one of the principal fighter bases in the Battle of Britain.
We are very proud to be able to offer these incredible experiences. We often talk of 'once in a lifetime' opportunities and these two seater Spitfire flights really do fall into that category. Of course, with high running and maintenance costs on these classic warbirds, our tandem Spitfire flights aren't cheap, but can you put a price on aviation heaven?
So what about the Spitfire you'll be flying in? Well, Spitfires with two seats are incredibly rare. Over 20,000 single seat Spitfires were built, with only a few dozen remaining airworthy today. Creators Supermarine did come up with the concept of a two seater training version of the plane, but none were ever ordered and only one was built.
But there followed several instances of 'unofficial' conversions so, after the Second World War, Supermarine launched the idea again and a handful of Mark IX Spitfires were converted into two seaters, called TR9s.
You could be flying in the two-seater G-BMSB (serial number MJ627, code Q-9G). Resplendent in her invasion stripes, G-BMSB (serial number MJ627, code Q-9G). This plane has an amazing log book, having flown numerous ground attack, bomber escort and patrol missions during the war including being credited with the downing of an enemy Messerschmitt Bf 109 on September 27th 1944.
After being damaged and put into storage, the aircraft was bought by Vickers Armstrong in 1950. MJ627 was one of the Spitfires converted to a tandem and sent to the Irish Air Corps, before retiring in 1960. The Bayliss family breathed life into the old girl when she was fully restored and took to the skies again in 1993, exactly 50 years since she first flew.
Imagine what it'll be like to sit under your bubble canopy in the rear cockpit, waiting with bated breath as the Merlin engine kicks into life. You can choose from a flight over the Weald of Kent, Leeds Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover, or Beachy Head. Whichever flight path you head out on, we're sure the day you got to fly in a TR9 Spitfire out of historic Biggin Hill and through the Kentish skies, will be indelibly inscribed in your mind and your heart forever.
Availability
• Sessions usually start at 08.00 and 12.00
• Other bespoke dates may be arranged but may be subject to an additional fee
• All Flights and routes are subject to weather conditions, aircraft serviceability and air traffic
• Aircraft MJ627 / G-BMSB is normally used for flights however the operator reserves the right to use other two seat Spitfires
Location
• The airport is easily reached from London and the M25
Suitable For
• Minimum age is 18
• There's no maximum age limit however you need to be healthy and agile enough to climb into the aircraft and safely experience the dynamic nature of the flight - if you have any concerns over your suitability you should consult your GP
• You should not participate if you are on prescription medication, suffering from a cold, are pregnant or suffering from any condition affecting your breathing or consciousness
• A maximum weight limit of 108 kilos (238 lb) applies and you will be weighed on the day
• The aircraft can usually accommodate passengers up to 6'6"
• Passengers dimensions must allow unrestricted movement of the control column
• The operator reserves the right to refuse the flight if for any reason they feel you are unsuitable to participate
• Please do not drink alcohol prior to the flight
Spectators
• Sorry - no pets allowed
Anything Else
• You may be able to extend the duration of your flight directly with the operator, additional charges will apply
• Hand held cameras are not permitted however on-board video recordings of the flight are taken (content of video recordings cannot be guaranteed). customers can usually attach their own 'go-pro' style cameras with appropriate mounts, subject to approval
• You and your guests may be joining a small group of other VIP visitors on the day
• Pre flight briefings are usually delivered as part of a small group, all flights are conducted exclusively 1:1
• You should wear clothing suitable for fitting beneath a flight suit and sturdy footwear e.g. boots or training shoes, leather soled shoes are not suitable
• Biggin Hill is also home to St Georges RAF Chapel of Remembrance, entrance is free and makes a fantastic addition to your day (opening times vary)
• Additional bespoke flight options can be arranged e.g another guest flying alongside in formation with the Spitfire or exclusive celebrations or corporate events. Please contact us with your requirements
Reviews
Total Reviews 172
Recommend to Friend 171
