Vintage Plane Flights
Calling all plane enthusiasts! Here is an experience you will not forget as you take to the skies in some of the world’s most exciting and rare vintage planes. Any history buffs, particularly enthusiasts of Wartime history, will be fascinated by this experience as it offers a chance to enter some of the most popular and important planes in history.
This experience gives you the chance to ride across the skies, guided by the safe hands of a trained pilot. Alternatively, for the most adventurous, take control of the plane as your pilot becomes your instructor to give you a taste of what it was really like to fly one of these iconic aircrafts. The experience is tailored to taste and you can be as adventurous as you want. Sit back and relax, enjoying the ride in this historic plane.
Alternatively, step into the shoes of some of World War II’s most gifted pilots as you fly the planes that were used during the war. Feel the weight of the plane in your hands as you become the pilot in this unique package.
As you fly, be sure to take some time to look to the ground where you will also be able to view some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside, quaint villages, famous landmarks and bustling cities. It is a perfect chance to see some of the country’s past and present as you fly across the UK skies.
The planes!
There are a variety of aircraft to choose from for your vintage plane flight experience and the plane or planes on offer will depend on the location you pick. Here are some examples of the classic planes on offer:
- Piper Cub Plane – The Piper J-3 Cub plane was built in the 1930’s and 1940’s and was originally designed as a training plane. The plane can reach speeds of up to 87mph and was adopted by the military during World War II, where it was transformed from its traditional bright yellow into an olive colour and was used to patrol American seaboards in search of German U-Boats. Some were even fitted with makeshift weaponry and sent out as fighter planes. A ride in the Piper Cub plane is a once in a lifetime opportunity, as the planes are becoming rarer and the trip will give you a wonderful glimpse into the history of this magnificent plane.
- de Havilland Tiger Moth Plane – The Tiger Moth is one of Britain’s most iconic and popular planes. Created in the 1930’s and used by the RAF right up until 1952, the Tiger Moth had a vital role to play in World War II where thousands of pilots received training at the lever of the Tiger Moth. Up to 350 Tiger Moth planes were fitted with bomb racks in order to be used to help fight during the war. The two-seater plane could reach speeds of up to 109mph and most Commonwealth countries have, at one stage or another, used the Tiger Moth as an integral part of military preparation and reconnaissance. The Tiger Moth had a huge part to play in Britain’s history and a chance for a ride in this historic monument should not be missed.
- DHC Chipmunk Plane – The DHC Chipmunk was the Tiger Moth’s RAF successor in 1952, although it was developed six years earlier as another form of training plane. The Chipmunk’s success is in its adaptability and many of these aircraft are still used today in aerobatics and crop dusting. The Chipmunk was well used by the RAF as well as the Canadian Air Force as a training plane, as it was easy to control and reached high speeds of 140mph. These machines are not just a thing of the past, some were still in military use into the 1990’s and their aerobatic capability will ensure a thrilling and nostalgic flying experience.
Your experience may not be limited to these three choices as new planes are being added to the roster all the time, so it is worth calling ahead to check which one of the timeless aircrafts you will be flying in.
What can I expect from the experience?
When you arrive at your chosen location, you will go through a safety briefing, ensuring that the instructions are carried out for the safety of you and the pilot - a disclaimer will usually need to be signed.
Once the formalities are out the way, jump into your chosen plane and take off as your adventure begins. From here on out the experience will be whatever you want it to be. Go slow and enjoy the scenery, put the plane through its paces in a fast paced, adrenaline-soaked ride or take a turn at the controls as you get into the cockpit of a real military plane. It is all up to you.
Vintage plane flying experiences are available across the country, from Peterborough to Shoreham; Redhill (Surrey) to Rochester (Kent) and Staverton (Gloucestershire) to Sywell (Northamptonshire). You will never be far away from a vintage plane experience.
Not every plane is available at every location, so it is worth asking which aircraft are in service at your chosen site. Locations are not restricted to those listed above, as many flight centres and airports across the UK begin to offer this experience, meaning that many can enjoy a ride in a vintage plane.
Prices are reasonable and you should expect to pay between £100 and £300, depending on the length of your experience. You can choose from a shorter 20-minute flight right up to a one-hour adventure, where you will really get a feel for the flying machine in all its glory.
Verdict
This is an experience like no other, as you get the chance to set foot in a genuine piece of British engineering history. Even better is the fact that you may even get to fly these magnificent machines, having the chance to see what it was like for a real World War II pilot. Treat yourself to a slice of British history with this thrilling and awe-inspiring experience.
Location Information
East: Cambridgeshire (Duxford, Peterborough Sibson), Hertfordshire (Welwyn Garden City - Panshanger)
Midlands: Northamptonshire (Northampton)
South East: Kent (Manston, Rochester), Surrey (Redhill), West Sussex (Shoreham)
South West: Devon (Umberleigh - Eaglescott Airfield), Gloucestershire (Staverton), Wiltshire (Old Sarum)
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