Looking for Tiger Moth flights in Berkshire? Book your slot flying out from White Waltham Airfield in a 1943 DeHavilland DH82 Tiger Moth. With a 20 or 30-minute flight time to choose between there’s lots to do and see in the air in this rather lovely vintage aircraft.
This particular Tiger Moth is a bit of a star. She can be seen soaring through the skies over White Waltham in episode 4 series 1 of the acclaimed Netflix show ‘The Crown’. Captain Peter Townsend the divorced suitor to Princess Margaret played by Ben Miles takes Prince Philip (played by Matt Smith) up for a lesson.
The rather swoonsome Group Captain Townsend did indeed steal Margaret’s heart but they never married. And Prince Philip did indeed have his pilot’s licence and he actually took lessons at White Waltham which is where you will also be flying in this wonderful show-stopper of a Tiger Moth.
Built by Morris Motors at Cowley in 1943 this Moth served for many years with the French Air Force before returning to England in 1970. Since then she has passed through the hands of several owners and is now the pride and joy of Robin Russell. Robin flew Phantoms in the RAF executive jets and commercial airliners for easyJet and also holds CAA display pilot accreditation.
Since retiring flying his Tiger Moth from White Waltham is his passion. And it is indeed Robin who is at the controls in ‘The Crown’ flying scene. He loves nothing better than climbing into the cockpit of his Moth DE992 resplendent in RAF camouflage colours to show his passenger just how special these planes are.
Light agile and lively they are a joy to fly. All the sensations of open-cockpit flying are there. As you soar at 2000ft you’re high even to get a superb elevated of the Berkshire countryside whilst still being able to make out all the swimming pools of the gardens around White Waltham’s airfield.
Fuel on stick back throttle set and contact! Before you know it you’re up and away in this stunning Tiger Moth. You get to wear a genuine Irvin leather flying jacket for these experiences and you even have the opportunity to take control of the aircraft once you’ve reached cruising height on these Tiger Moth flights over Berkshire.
