There’s Spitfire training and then there’s the ultimate in Spitfire training. This amazing aviation package is most definitely the latter as you will realise that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take to the skies in a Spitfire a Harvard and a Tiger Moth all on the same very magical day.
Back in the day young pilots being put through flight training would often take their very first flights in a Tiger Moth. Many then progressed to handling more power by flying an aircraft such as the Harvard T6. All this training was leading to the ultimate in flying machines – the Spitfire. Already a legend in its own lifetime this was the pinnacle for many a pilot and remains so today. This incredible experience allows you to follow that same pilot training pattern.
Flight Lieutenant Charlie Brown is Head of Training for this specialist flight school. He has gathered a select band of pilots to provide the ultimate in Spitfire training. His team has many many hours of experience on a huge roster of aircraft from fast jets in the Forces to commercial airline work. Charlie himself passed 1000 hours in a Spitfire back in 2014. Put simply these are the instructors who train instructors and pilots on the Spitfire.
These ultimate Spitfire training days are offered at Headcorn in Kent and Sywell in Northamptonshire. Both are exceptional locations offering the freedom of uncontrolled airspace. Headcorn boasts direct access to all the famous Battle of Britain locations from Capel-le-Ferne to the White Cliffs. As for Sywell the saying goes ‘you can always fly well at Sywell’. This private aerodrome saw many an RAF pilot train here in the run up to and during WW2.
And those young bucks would have been flying the exact same types of aircraft you will be on this incredible experience. Tail-dragging fun is the order of the day with the much-loved Tiger Moth. Then there’s the brilliant Harvard. Both sessions in these planes are trial lessons so as soon as take off is dispensed with it’s over to you to take control.
Then it’s time for the big event. The moment you get to fly in the back seat of a Spitfire. Training done you’ll be brimming with confidence and wide-eyed with anticipation as you clamber into the cockpit of Mk TIX Spitfire NH341. Elizabeth as she’s known served with the famous 411 Grizzly Bear squadron and flew many a successful mission over Normandy in 1944. Several decades later and it’s time for you to take up the challenge in this beautifully restored plane.
