What Is A Spitfire Flying Experience?
Quite simply - unlike any other flying experience that you'll have been on before or indeed ever will again. Spitfires are so intrinsically woven into the history of military aviation - and that's primarily because of how crucial a role they played during the Battle of Britain as interceptor aircraft by the RAF in the UK and other allied countries during World War II.
Designed by R.J. Mitchell, then head of design at Supermarine Aviation Works in 1928, the Spitfire was in continuous production throughout the war efforts; over 20,000 planes, all with varying wing configurations, were made between 1938 and 1948.
Their superb speed of 582 km/h, high performance values and low attrition rate meant that they were undoubtedly the aircraft that, in most people's minds, symbolise the bravery, courage and sacrifice that the pilots who flew these single seater aircraft in WWII.
However, as the years have gone by, the numbers that still exist - currently 240 at time of writing in 2022 - are small, and the numbers which are actually airworthy (around 60) are even fewer. So when you are booking for a Spitfire Flying Experience package, then know that you are doing so whilst preparing yourself for a day that is sure to set off a large number of feelings. It's an incredibly emotive experience.
Where Can I Fly A Spitfire?
We have a number of locations from where you can fly in or alongside a Spitfire. This includes what is the mecca of most Vintage Flying enthusiasts, which is of course, the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, where you can fly next to a Spitfire in formation with a Harvard military plane.
Or you can take to the skies as the sole passenger in a dual seater Spitfire, charting the same flight path as fighter pilots in training took over the White Cliffs of Dover, which also flies over the Battle of Britain Memorial Centre in Capel-le-Ferne and is incredibly moving to witness from many thousands of feet up in the air.
Other Spitfire Experiences Available
Of course, as there are such a small number of Spitfires still flying today, the costs of keeping them airworthy and preserving them and their importance for future generations are very high. But even if flying a Spitfire for real is slightly out of your price range, you can still experience what it was like to fly in one with our Spitfire Flight Simulator packages.
For example, there's our custom built Spitfire simulator package to try out in Leicester, which is designed as closely as possible to that of the original cockpit, whilst using state of the art graphics and technology that replicates even a small bit of what those young pilots must have felt whilst in flight combat.
And if you want to help continue to preserve Spitfires for many years to come, then there are also our gift packs available to Adopt a Spitfire or gain membership to the RAF Memorial Flight Club, the donation of which not only helps towards continuing their preservation work, but also includes a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
And at under £50, they're a unique gift idea at great value for any special occasion for the military aviation fan in your life!
Booking a Spitfire Flight Experience
Most of our Spitfire Flight Experiences are available to buy through open Gift Vouchers. What that means is, when you come to redeem the voucher, you'll get in touch with our expert Customer Service team, who'll get in touch with the supplier for your experience to make all the necessary arrangements for you.
And whether you choose to get the voucher sent straight to your e-mail inbox, or sent out in the post with additional gift wrap options available at checkout for an additional fee, you have total flexibility in how you choose to surprise the Spitfire lover in your life with a gift they're sure to remember for years to come!