Looking for a flight in something interesting!

[Brutha]

Hi All,

I’m not quite sure if this is the right place to ask this - @mods, please feel free to move if not!

In the past I’ve been up in a Tiger Moth and Harvard from Duxford, both of which I enjoyed a lot. I fancy trying something a bit more exciting (and with some kind of historic / nostalgic / warbird link ideally, hence my posting here).

I’ve been looking at the Spitfire flights, and they are tempting! Just not sure about the fact it was never designed as a two seater, and it won’t be that authentic from that side of things. I’ve seen some websites offering Jet Provost flights, and that seemed quite interesting, but the websites seem to be a bit out of date, so not sure if they are still going.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Ideally I’m looking for something on Saturday 24th August that could be done as a day trip from London, but could sort out another trip at a later date.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Cheers

Brutha

[134brat]

Originally Posted by Brutha

Hi All,

I’m not quite sure if this is the right place to ask this - @mods, please feel free to move if not!

In the past I’ve been up in a Tiger Moth and Harvard from Duxford, both of which I enjoyed a lot. I fancy trying something a bit more exciting (and with some kind of historic / nostalgic / warbird link ideally, hence my posting here).

I’ve been looking at the Spitfire flights, and they are tempting! Just not sure about the fact it was never designed as a two seater, and it won’t be that authentic from that side of things. I’ve seen some websites offering Jet Provost flights, and that seemed quite interesting, but the websites seem to be a bit out of date, so not sure if they are still going.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Ideally I’m looking for something on Saturday 24th August that could be done as a day trip from London, but could sort out another trip at a later date.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Cheers

Brutha

How about a floatplane trip in the highlands of Scotland? Have a look online at Scotland on floats. Weather is a major issue but this summer has been ideal so far.

[Brutha]

Originally Posted by 134brat

How about a floatplane trip in the highlands of Scotland? Have a look online at Scotland on floats. Weather is a major issue but this summer has been ideal so far.

Thanks - it's an interesting idea! Perhaps they could give me a lift home after my trip south, I'm based pretty far out to the west of Scotland anyway

I have to admit, I did have something a bit more military in mind - but it's triggered me to consider other options, maybe helicopter or gliding etc - thanks!

[Jn14:6]

I think Flypast magazine a couple of issues back did a 'where to fly in a warbird' guide. Surprisingly lots to choose from!

[Brutha]

Originally Posted by Jn14:6

I think Flypast magazine a couple of issues back did a 'where to fly in a warbird' guide. Surprisingly lots to choose from!

Thanks, will try and track that down!

[India Four Two]

Brutha,

Don’t worry about the Spitfire not having been built as two-seater. Looking out at that elliptical wing as you manipulate the spade grip is unforgettable.

I had a 30 minute flight. Very expensive but worth every penny, not only for the memories but also the bragging rights!

[Brutha]

Originally Posted by India Four Two

Brutha,

Don’t worry about the Spitfire not having been built as two-seater. Looking out at that elliptical wing as you manipulate the spade grip is unforgettable.

I had a 30 minute flight. Very expensive but worth every penny, not only for the memories but also the bragging rights!

Hehe, it is *very* tempting (I have been looking to see if there is availability on the day I have free). Even if they've played up the historical aspects of some of the airframes a bit - some of them basically appear to be a flying version of

Triggers Broom

!

[scoobytopdog]

Duxford Aerial Collective also do Mustang and Sea Fury flights.

[tdracer]

You'll probably need to come over to this side of the pond to do it, but both the Commemorative Air Force (formerly the Confederate AF before the name become un-PC) and Collins Foundation offer flights in WWII vintage aircraft - B-17, B-25, B-29, and P-51 (that I know of, probably others are available) in return for a 'donation'. I flew on the Collins B-17 about ten years ago and loved every second. At the time it was about $450 for a 30 minute flight. It's not exactly a big money maker - I did the math and with the ten paying passengers they did little more than cover the operating costs.
Check their web sites for details, and where they are going to be over the summer.

[India Four Two]

Brutha,

Concerning Trigger's Broom, I think there is a lot of truth in that aspect of the warbird business - particularly the "original Mk. I" that was dug up from a beach in France:






I had my Spitfire flight in New Zealand about eight years ago. I'm not sure of current prices, but back then, I could have flown from the UK and flown the Spitfire, for a total cost, including the airfare, that was less than the price of a joyride in the UK!

I've had rides in several two-seat warbirds but in only one of them - a P-51D Mustang - was I strictly a passenger. Whilst it was a memorable flight, I wouldn't do that again, unless it was a TF-51. Being able to fly the aircraft, even briefly, was an important part of the experience.

[Brutha]

Thanks all!

Being able to fly the aircraft, even briefly, was an important part of the experience.

Yes, definitely a selection criteria for me, too!

Duxford Aerial Collective also do Mustang and Sea Fury flights.

Sea Fury does sound interesting I must admit!

[NutLoose]

There is a 109 ( Bucheon) used during the filming of the Battle of Britain at Sywell but it's just had a ground loop.

https://www.warbirdflights.co.uk/

https://www.aerolegends.co.uk/experi...in-a-spitfire/

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by NutLoose

There is a 109 ( Bucheon) used during the filming of the Battle of Britain at Sywell but it's just had a ground loop.

I doubt they'd have let the OP fly it anyway.

[Brutha]

Originally Posted by DaveReidUK

I doubt they'd have let the OP fly it anyway.

hehe, I’m always a bit surprised when anyone lets me near machinery of any kind to be honest

[NutLoose]

its a two seater

[treadigraph]

Just a ding to the left wingtip and aileron, judging by how quickly Spitfire G-CTIX was back in the air after a much more damaging undercarriage collapse earlier this year, I imagine it'll be back on the flight line tout suite...

The three (soon to be four) Spitfire two seaters at Biggin are substantially original airframes as far as I know although all have been repaired after landing accidents at some point in their history.

[Wander00]

Well starts doing flights in a Piston Provost give me a nudge - more than happy to pay a fair price!

[David Layne]

Huey Flight Experience - Fly in a Vietnam War Helicopter

[Brutha]

Originally Posted by David Layne

Huey Flight Experience - Fly in a Vietnam War Helicopter

That’s an interesting one, thanks! Not available on the days I can make it, but will keep in mind for future.

i wonder if they’ll let us dangle some speakers out of the door and play “flight of the Valkyrie” as we fly over Blackpool beach?

[India Four Two]

play “flight of the Valkyrie” as we fly over Blackpool beach?

Only on days when the surf's up!