Spitfire Flights & Flying Experiences
The Spitfire - an aviation icon still flying
The Supermarine Spitfire was designed by RJ Mitchell as a
formidable attacking weapon in the war torn skies. Prototypes first
flew in March 1936 and the aircraft went into full production in
1938. The last working Spitfire retired in 1961, but this plane has
never been forgotten and never will, thanks to the very deep
pockets and determination of classic and wartime aviation
fans.
Out of over 20,000 built, (many of which were assembled at the
Cowley Plant in West Bromwich), there are only around 50 airworthy
examples left today. And yes, every time one of these fabulous
World War Two fighters takes to the skies, those lucky enough to
see it by chance are bound to stop, stare in sheer admiration with
a proud smile on their face.
Even those too young to remember what it was like in wartime
Britain will know all about this famous aircraft. After all, you
don't have to be an RAF veteran to have a lump in your throat when
you hear the throaty purr of that finely tuned Rolls Royce Merlin
engine. Many agree she simply epitomises the bravery of those who
fought (with many paying the ultimate price) for freedom.
Click here to view our video about the Spitfire and what it's like to fly.
Military heritage alternatives
Of course, the Spitfire wasn't
alone. In military aviation there were also the Hurricanes, the
tough workhorses of the skies. Each plane played a vital role in
the Battle of Britain that raged over the British and French
coastline between July and October 1940. And this critical point in
World War Two is still remembered today with the BoB Memorial
Flight, which most commonly sees the trio of the Lancaster,
Hurricane and Spitfire fly regularly together.
We also offer a land military vehicle equivalent in
our tank
driving experiences, the Chieftain tank being the most popular
selection. However, there's no denying the one thing we all would
love to do is fly in a two seater Spitfire.
There are only a handful of these super rare two seaters around the
world (they are actually converted MkIXs). We are lucky enough to
exclusively offer tandem Spitfire flights and one of them is ready
and waiting at historic Biggin Hill Airport to take you on the most
amazing and evocative passenger ride ever.
But if this unique experience is out of your price range, you can
still get close to these wonderful aeroplanes, with Spitfire
flights and visits for all budgets. Book in to tour the Heritage
Hanger where the dedicated and quite frankly ridiculously talented
team strips down and lovingly restores warbirds, or go for the
full monty experience with a personal Spitfire flying display (how
cool is that!?). Whichever of our wonderful Spitfire
experiences you choose, we are sure you'll be captivated and moved
by the day you met the Spit.