Flying in a Spitfire at Duxford: An Experience of a Lifetime

For anyone who is a fan of flight and of warbirds in particular, flying in a Spitfire at Duxford is an opportunity not to be missed. At the Imperial War Museum Duxford you can enjoy flight experiences with some of the most iconic planes from World War II. You can fly wing to wing with these vintage aircrft or enjoy the full Spitfire experience with a flight in a two seater Spitfire, during which you’ll have the opportunity to take the controls yourself for an unforgettable experience.

Put on a flight suit and enjoy a very special flight in a two seater Spitfire, a Harvard, or a Tiger Moth. Alternatively, how about a window seat in a Dragon Rapide as you fly wing to wing with a Duxford Spitfire flying alongside?

After your pleasure flight you can round of the day with entry to IWM Duxford and marvel at the fascinating collection of famous aircraft where you can learn all about the aviation history of Britain, the USA, and elsewhere.

Flying in a Spitfire

Few aviation experiences are as exhilarating as flying in a Spitfire. These iconic WWII fighter aircraft that played such an important role in the Battle of Britain are still revered today for their sleek design and powerful Rolls Royce Merlin and Griffon engines. And what could be more exciting than taking the controls of one of these historic aircraft?

Fortunately, there are a few companies that offer the chance to fly in a two-seat Spitfire. These flights typically last around 30 minutes but they can last longer. They’re packed with adrenaline-pumping action. You’ll get to experience first-hand what it was like to fly one of these legendary aircraft. To fly in a Spitfire is one of those flying experiences that will put a grin on your face that will last for weeks.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to check out flight options in a two-seat Spitfire.

Harvard Flights

Harvard flights are an option at Duxford and elsewhere in the UK as I’ve explained in this post.

You step into the aircraft and are enveloped in the smell of leather, grease, and oil. You can feel the excitement in the air as you strap yourself in and prepare for takeoff. The engine roars to life, and the plane begins to vibrate as it accelerates down the runway. In a matter of moments, you are airborne, and the ground is falling away beneath you.

As you climb higher and higher, the world below seems to shrink until it is like a toy model. You can see for miles in every direction, and the sense of freedom is exhilarating. For a few brief moments, you forget all your cares and worries and simply enjoy the ride. That is the power of flight.

Tiger Moth Flights

You’ve always dreamed of flying, and there’s no better way to experience the joys of aviation than in a Tiger Moth biplane as I explained in this post.

As you take off in the two-seat open cockpit, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of the engine and the wind rushing through the wires on the wing. You’ll instantly feel a sense of freedom as you climb into the skies.

And as you soar over the landscape, you’ll have a unique perspective on the world below. Whether you’re taking in the sights of a cityscape or enjoying the tranquility of a rural setting, flight in a Tiger Moth biplane is an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Book your flight today and enjoy all that aviation has to offer.

Dragon Rapide Flights

You board the plane, take your window seat, and buckle your seatbelt. The two Gipsy Six engines roar to life and within minutes you’re airborne, soaring over the English countryside. The fields and hills look like a patchwork quilt from above, and you can see for miles in every direction.

As you fly, you spot landmarks in the distance or perhaps a river winding its way through the landscape. The ride is smooth and peaceful, and you can’t help but feel amazed at the beauty of it all. Before long, you’re reluctant to land back on solid ground.

This was air travel in the 1930s. Slow, elegant, and graceful.

Dragon Rapide & Tiger Moth Flights

If you can’t decide between the Tiger Moth or flights onboard the elegant flight in the Dragon Rapide then why not do both? You can select a date and time or buy a gift voucher for someone special.

Flights as a passenger aboard a de Havilland Rapide are more affordable than flights in the warbirds and you have the added advantage of the privileged position inside where you can make yourself comfortable, ready for the Duxford Spitfire flying alongside.

Formation Flights with a Spitfire

Another option for those who want the ultimate flight experience is to fly in formation with a Spitfire, either in the back of a Harvard or sitting in a passenger seat aboard a Dragon Rapide. With both options the two aircraft will fly side by side, wing tip to wing tip, giving you plenty of opportunities to take many memorable photos and create wonderful video clips.

Light Aircraft Flights

Learning to fly is an exhilarating experience, and it’s something that anyone can learn to do. It all begins with some trial flying lessons

During an introductory flying lesson, you’ll have the chance to take the controls of the aircraft and learn what it feels like to fly. You’ll learn about the basic principles of aerodynamics and how to control the aircraft in different conditions.

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to fly, a trial flying lesson is a must. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, and it could be the beginning of a whole new chapter in your life.

Imperial War Museum at Duxford

The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is the perfect place to learn about the history of military aviation. As you explore the museum, you’ll see countless examples of both American and British aviation aircraft that played such an important role both before and during the Second World War.

The museum houses a collection of over 300 aircraft, tanks and vehicles, as well as uniforms, medals and personal memorabilia. There are also interactive exhibits, films and audio guides available. The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is a unique and fascinating place to visit.

Duxford is a working airfield and plays host to a number of events during the year. It’s well known to Spitfire fans due to the airshows held there each year. The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is located on the site of the former RAF Duxford, a Second World War fighter base.

Spitfire Gift of Wings

The memory of a Spitfire flight experience will last a lifetime. To fly in a Spitfire will make you appreciate all kinds of things; from the courage displayed by the young men who went into battle in these aircraft, to the young women who delivered them from factories to airfields in all weathers, to the pilots of today like those in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight who fly with such precision.

Continue your journey of discovery and broaden your experience by visiting the Biggin Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill airfield in Surrey, North Weald airfield in Essex, and Headcorn aerodrome in Kent. Flights from some of these bases can reach the white cliffs of the southern coast and Beachy Head, providing the opportunity for the ultimate souvenir photograph of an iconic Spitfire set against the backdrop of the white cliffs – a timeless shot evoking the Battle of Britain.

Drop in to Solent Airport during weekdays in the summer to watch the two seater Spitfires taxi up as they take lucky passengers on flights around the Isle of Wight. These Spitfire flights begin at Spitfires.com based at Goodwood airfield. The passenger may be a very experienced pilot who is converting to the Spitfire and is undergoing training or simply someone who is enjoying a wonderful day and fulfilling a lifetime ambition to fly in a Spitfire and who knows, perhaps perform a Victory Roll somewhere over the Solent.

Points to note about Spitfire Experience & Spitfire Flying

• Duxford Spitfire flights and others in the vintage aircraft mentioned above are provided by Classic Wings.
• Included in the price is complimentary same day entry to the IWM Duxford.
• All flights weather dependent so be sure to check with the team before leaving home to travel to Duxford, particularly if you have a long journey. With the journey time, the pre flight briefing, the Supermarine Spitfire flight (or whichever flight you choose), and the visit the the museum itself, you’ll be kept busy for the whole day.
• Be sure to have enough power and memory in your phone or camera for all the video footage and breathtaking photos you will probably want to capture.
• Actual flight time on the day may vary slightly.
• All flights are preceded by a safety briefing.
• All information on this page is correct to the best of my knowledge so always check with the vendor for confirmation.

Conclusion

Even if you’re not an avgeek or aviation enthusiast, to see a Spitfire flying gladdens the heart. this iconic aircraft seems to reach out to people in a way that few other type can. To fly in a Spitfire is therefore a fantastic experience and Duxford airfield is one of several places in the UK where this is possible. With its heritage and history this airfield is a very appropriate venue.