What's Included
• Enjoy the experience of wing walking
• Full pre-flight briefing and training with detailed instructions on use of the rig and belts, breathing techniques and hand signals
• Stand on the wing of an authentic Boeing Stearman Biplane as a highly qualified pilot completes a variety of flypasts and manoeuvres
• Receive a personalised Wing Walk Experience certificate
• Allow spending up to an hour on site, the flight itself will last 10 minutes
• Invite up to 50 friends or family to watch your wingwalk experience
• A recording of your flight is available for an additional charge (currently £30 but subject to change in 2021). Two high resolution cameras fitted to the aircraft creating a two picture split screen video including pilot commentary, airspeed and altitude
Please note that it is a condition of CAA approval that you must be fully aware that Wing Walking carries a higher risk than a normal commercial flight (e.g when you fly on holiday). The operator of these experiences will brief you clearly on the risks that have been identified and how they have been mitigated to make the experiences as safe as possible. You will receive an in depth briefing on the day of your flight and have the opportunity to ask any questions before signing a disclaimer, confirmation of briefing and risk acceptance.
What Can I Expect
It’s going to be a proper barnstormer of an experience when you go wing walking in Kent! You will be learning the art of walking on the wing at Headcorn Aerodrome, one of the busiest general aviation airfields in the south east. This is brilliant bucket list stuff right in the middle of the Garden of England.
Headcorn, formerly known as RAF Lashenden, is a fabulous place. It’s a hub for all things entertainment and aerial, from parachutists and vintage pleasure flights to this, the chance to scare yourself silly by doing a wing walk. You will be standing on the top wing of a Boeing Stearman biplane, whilst flying at speeds of up to 120mph over the Kentish countryside.
Of course, it’s not just a case of turn up and go. The ground crew team conducts a thorough briefing, where everything is explained to you and where you’ll be shown how to climb into and out of the harness on the plane. You’ll need to be fairly agile for this, as it does require you to climb up onto the top wing of the plane.
Once you’re up there, it’s going to feel pretty mad. It’s not every day you find yourself standing attached to a biplane gazing out at the runway and beyond. As anticipation grows, it’s time to be brave and get ready for that once in a lifetime moment. Now the Stearman is gathering speed…and suddenly you’re airborne. And that means you are wing walking!
As you swoop over the Kent countryside, don’t forget your invited friends and family who are all gathered on the ground at Headcorn’s viewing area. Give them a wave, shout a bit, grin like a Cheshire cat. Show them you are having the time of your life up there! In reality, any movement is pretty tricky, due to the wind pressure, but we’re sure you’ll be giving it a go anyway.
It’s that kind of experience. The one where you kind of dare yourself to do it and yet can’t quite believe you agreed to it. Going wing walking in Kent is a totally epic thing to do and all the team at Headcorn will be encouraging you every step of the way to conquer the wing of the Stearman.
Availability
• Selected dates between April and October
• Choose from a weekday only voucher or to include weekend availability opt for the anytime voucher
• Weekday sessions generally take place on Mondays and Thursdays
• Displays can be scheduled to take place between 10am and 4pm
• Numbers for each date are limited and operate on a first come first serve basis
• All flights are weather dependant, if your display is cancelled due to poor weather an alternative date will be arranged
*Flights resuming from Tuesday 16th June 2020*
Suitable For
Please be aware that wing walking carries a higher risk than a 'normal' airline flight and these risks will be clearly explained to you on the day
• Wing walkers must be between 18 and 80 years old
• You must be over 5ft tall (152cm)
• You must weigh less than 13 stone 4 lb (85kg)
• Participants will be weighed on the day. If over the weight limit you will forfeit your experience
• You need to be able to climb up to the top wing of the aircraft (around 10 feet)
• You cannot take part if you have or are suffering from Epilepsy, fits, severe head injury, blackouts, fainting or giddiness, disease of the brain or nervous system, high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, recurrent weakness or dislocation of any limb, diabetes, mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction although if managed by diet or medication you may be able to participate and should contact your GP/Consultant
• If you have any pre existing medical conditions which you feel may prevent you from taking part you should consult your doctor
• You cannot fly if you are pregnant
• All wingwalkers will be required to sign a disclaimer prior to taking part
• You will be securely attached to the aircraft at all times using a purpose built CAA approved harness and rig
• You should wear a couple of layers of close fitting comfortable clothing and flat soled lace up footwear
• Earplugs and goggles are provided
• Jewellery will need to be removed for the display
• Pets are not allowed on the airfield
• You cannot consume alcohol or drugs before a flight, tests my be applied if you are suspected of breaking these rules
Accessibility
• Individuals with additional needs or requirements CAN WING WALK!
• If you find it difficult to participate in able-bodied activities but still want to be challenged and push your limits, Wingwalking may be perfect
• Triple amputees along with deaf and blind individuals have experienced wing walking
• Please check with our customer services team to discuss individual requirements
Spectators
• You can invite up to 50 guests to watch
• Great opportunities for photographs and video recordings to be taken
• The airfield has a club house with an outside spectator area providing
• Car parking, toilets and catering facilities are located on site
Anything Else I Need To Know?
• This experience is approved by the CAA and you are permitted to raise money or be sponsored whilst Wing Walking at this location
• Team Wing Walk events provide 5 individual flights - why not challenge your friends to a Wing Walking Challenge
• Groups of 10+ can also be accommodated and include a free lunch - please call us for details
Location
• Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent
