Experience the wonderful world of warbirds with these Harvard flights at White Waltham! This is your chance to take to the skies above Berkshire in a superlative example of these much-loved training aircraft from another era.
Whether you know it as the American T6 Texan or the Harvard (as it was called in the Commonwealth) this plane is pretty legendary. It served as a great war time trainer for young pilots who then went to on to fly fighter planes on daring missions. It’s an iconic warbird and anyone who’s into their classic aviation will want to fly in one.
No need to cross the Atlantic to fly in a Harvard though as this one is based in Berkshire. Operating out of White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead is certainly befitting as the airfield was used as an Air Transport Auxiliary base during WW2 from whence aircraft were dispatched and delivered to the forces.
Today White Waltham is home to one of the largest flying clubs in the country. With excellent on-site facilities including a clubhouse pilot briefing rooms and a restaurant it’s a great place to visit. And even better when the reason for your visit is a ride in a Harvard!
And what a fascinating history this particular Harvard flying out of White Waltham boasts. She was built in 1944 as a AT6D Texan destined for the USAF but ended up being sent to the US Navy. She was seconded to the Japanese Marine Defence Force in 1954 before returning for a last stint with the US Navy until 1977 when she was decommissioned.
Following various civilian ownerships in North America this beautifully restored Harvard came to the UK in 2012. Flying as G-CHIA in her very sporting Californian Naval Air Station paint scheme the Pratt & Whitney-powered warbird is ready for take-off. She’s just waiting for you to climb onboard too!
We are offering thrilling Harvard flights out of White Waltham Airfield as 20 30 or 40-minute flights. If you’re up for it you might even be treated to some aerobatics moves as part of your flight experience!
