Step back in time with an unforgettable Dakota experience and fast taxi ride at North Weald Airfield in Essex! Perfect for aviation enthusiasts and history lovers, this hands-on adventure brings the sights, sounds and excitement of one of World War Two's most iconic aircraft to life. Your experience begins with a guided tour of the Aero Legends hangar, home to some remarkable historic aircraft. Discover the important role North Weald played during the war as your guide shares fascinating stories about the airfield and its aviation history. One of the highlights is meeting the legendary 'Drag 'em Oot', a 1944 C-47 Skytrain Dakota with an extraordinary wartime history. This remarkable aircraft took part in the D-Day operations, dropping paratroopers over Normandy, and later served in Operation Market Garden. You will also discover a second Dakota, known as the DC-3, which helped pioneer commercial passenger aviation. Then comes the really exciting part! Climb aboard a vintage Dakota for an exhilarating fast taxi experience along the runway at North Weald. Feel the powerful engines roar into life as the pilots accelerate towards near-takeoff speed, pushing you back into your seat. With the noise, vibrations and excitement all around you, it's a thrilling taste of what travelling aboard these legendary aircraft was really like. After taxiing back and coming to a stop, you will have the opportunity to meet the pilots and take photos after you disembark (or similar but it does not take off)
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Overview
- Head to North Weald Airfield for the Dakota Tour and Fast Taxi Experience
- Enjoy a guided Dakota aircraft tour with the opportunity to climb inside the famous American aircraft
- Receive an introduction to the history of RAF North Weald
- Receive a C-47 Dakota fast taxi ride dash
- You will join a small group of other visitors
- This voucher is valid for One person
What's Included
Dakota Tour and Fast Taxi Experience
- Introduction to the history of RAF North Weald
- Guided Dakota aircraft tour with the opportunity to climb inside the famous American aircraft used to drop paratroopers on D-Day and at Arnhem
- Historical talk and insight into the Dakota's history
- Receive a C-47 Dakota fast taxi ride dash
- Experience the thrill of taxiing and accelerating to near take-off speed
- Please allow up to 2 hours for the tour experience, followed by up to 2 hours for completion of the taxi ride
- You will form part of a group of up to 15 participants for this experience
Suitable For
- Minimum age 16
- Maximum height 6ft 6ins (198 cms)
- Maximum weight 18 stone (115kg)
- Participants must be able to walk 50 meters unaided and be able to safely board and egress the aircraft themselves
Availability
- Selected Saturdays throughout the year with generally one date per month
- It is recommended you book well in advance to avoid disappointment
- All dates and time are subject to availability
Current Schedule
- Saturday 12th December
- Saturday 16th January
- Saturday 13th February
- Saturday 13th March
Location:
- North Weald Airfield, Essex
Restrictions
Minimum Age: 16 years
Maximum Height: 198.00 cm
Maximum Weight: 115.00 kg
Anything Else
- Friends and family are welcome to watch from from the paddock or original WW2 RAF ‘Scramble hut’
- Free parking and The Squadron Café facilities available on site
- Please note this is a taxi experience and the Dakota will not take-off and fly
Images courtesy of Rich Cooper
How the Voucher Works
- Purchase the voucher online
- Receive your e-voucher or gift pack
- Redeem online to select location and date
- Enjoy your experience
