Fighter Jet Experiences

Yes! Of course, there are strict rules to adhere to and our North Weald operator is currently the only Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-approved operator in the UK permitted to offer ex-military jet experiences to members of the public - and, being the flying experience experts, we sell them!

You will fly in a BAC Strikemaster, which is a genuine military, weaponised jet fighter. This light attack plane is the real deal, featuring dual ejector seats, dual controls and (rather unusually) side-by-side seating. Under military operating procedures, the Strikemaster can reach speeds over 400 mph. 

The roster of pilots for these experiences includes ex-military fast-jet pilots, RAF instructors and former Red Arrows pilots, so you're in excellent hands! At the time of writing, the flight team is headed up by Sean Chiddention, a former Red Arrows Synchro Pair Leader and Jaguar pilot, along with RAF veteran Charlie Brown.

Before every flight, there's a comprehensive safety briefing. You will be kitted out with high-quality military flight gear and receive a detailed briefing on what to expect, including emergency procedures and the operation of the aircraft's live ejection seats.

Yes! During the flight your pilot instructor will offer you the chance to take the controls, get hands-on and fly the fast-jet! How awesome is that?!

On these fast-jet passenger rides you could be reaching speeds of up to 250 knots and pulling around 4.5G when performing aerobatic manoeuvres.

Yes. During the pre-flight briefing you can discuss with your pilot instructor your flight path and what to expect, including the type of combat and aerobatic moves you'd like to experience.

Yes you can! If you book two vouchers for the Red Arrows or the Formation Combat experiences, you will launch in two separate jet fighters simultaneously and undertake close formation flying moves in flight.

Currently, the only place you can fly as a passenger in a fighter jet is at North Weald Airfield in Essex, where flights are offered in a BAC Strikemaster. North Weald is a former Battle of Britain airfield with a 2000m tarmac runway and shortly after takeoff, you get fantastic London skyline views.

Yes! Friends and family are more than welcome to spectate at North Weald Airfield. There are dedicated viewing areas near 'The Squadron' basecamp, with access to take photos before and after the flights, as well as boasting views of you taxiing and taking off.