Aerial Collective Duxford
Aerial Collective Duxford
Aerial Collective Duxford
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Based at the historic RAF Duxford Airfield, Aerial Collective offer the finest warbird flight experiences in the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang, Lysander and Blenheim.
Book now and experience the adventure of a lifetime.
This is a Business
This supplier operates as a business.
Duxford, Cambridgeshire, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Aerial Collective Duxford
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
395 reviews
Excellent
395
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Steve S
7 contributions
Mar 2020
My family organised this for my 70th birthday last November but the weather kept us waiting until Friday13th March,! Not unlucky for me especially as it was just before lockdown.
Throughout all the delays Lisa was brilliant keeping in touch and updating on potential dates. She was great on the day as was Jack who hosted my family, he was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They were great ambassadors for Aerial Collective.
Whilst the star of the day was my Spitfire, Charlie Brown showed her off so well fully demonstrating what a wonderful aircraft it is. When I took control I couldn’t believe how responsive it was.
It was an experience I will never forget and one I would recommend to anybody with a love of aircraft., you won’t regret it. The “Spitfire smile” is still on my face!
Throughout all the delays Lisa was brilliant keeping in touch and updating on potential dates. She was great on the day as was Jack who hosted my family, he was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They were great ambassadors for Aerial Collective.
Whilst the star of the day was my Spitfire, Charlie Brown showed her off so well fully demonstrating what a wonderful aircraft it is. When I took control I couldn’t believe how responsive it was.
It was an experience I will never forget and one I would recommend to anybody with a love of aircraft., you won’t regret it. The “Spitfire smile” is still on my face!
Written 15 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katy d
Cambridge, UK5 contributions
Aug 2021
I was nervous about booking this for my husband, I was concerned about him physically getting into the aircraft due to his knee replacement, but when I called to make enquiries, Jack was SO helpful and so thoughtful, he reassured me and helped me to keep it as a surprise, and even managed to arrange for it to happen on hubby's actual birthday, despite the website showing no availability. That was just the start of a truly fabulous experience. Husband was VERY surprised, but absolutely LOVED it. It really is worth every penny, the lovely Brian was the pilot, and asked him if he had any particular areas he wanted to fly over, and as he grew up locally, they flew over the local villages before heading further out and performing some amazing flying. Brian actually let my husband take the controls during the flight, which was very unexpected and made it even more special. It took him forever to 'come down' and I am still basking in 'Best Wife Ever' status! Don't hesitate to book with these guys, the whole team are so friendly and really make it a wonderful experience.
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
Kidderminster, UK3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
On arrival at Duxford I was escorted by the IWM staff to the hangar, where I received a comprehensive safety briefing. Once the paperwork was completed and further instructions on emergency procedures were completed, I was suited up and introduced to my (very competent and extremely capable) pilot, Jon.
He talked me through the available flight options, and asked me what I wanted out of the flight. I opted for a more dynamic flight profile, with plenty of aerobatics, including a loop, half Cuban, wing-overs, barrel rolls and of course, the iconic victory roll!
The most memorable part of my flight was to hear those three magic words, “You have control”, and just like that, I was flying a spitfire.
If you’re considering flying in an iconic warbird, and you can’t make your mind up who to fly with, I would seriously recommend these guys!
He talked me through the available flight options, and asked me what I wanted out of the flight. I opted for a more dynamic flight profile, with plenty of aerobatics, including a loop, half Cuban, wing-overs, barrel rolls and of course, the iconic victory roll!
The most memorable part of my flight was to hear those three magic words, “You have control”, and just like that, I was flying a spitfire.
If you’re considering flying in an iconic warbird, and you can’t make your mind up who to fly with, I would seriously recommend these guys!
Written 11 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl F
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
My childhood dream was realised today and I cannot thank the whole team at Aerial Collective Duxford enough for making it so special and beyond my imagination of how amazing it would be. Everything from the booking system, the beautiful package that arrived with all my flight details and boarding card etc, the phone call the day before, the reception when I arrived, the friendliness and professionalism of all the team was absolutely first rate. And of course the flight itself was beyond my wildest dreams . I would highly recommend Aerial Collective if you are lucky enough to be able to do a Spitfire flight, it was worth every single penny 😍
Written 27 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dpadamsuk
Glasgow, UK7 contributions
Jul 2021
I have been addicted to aviation and military history since I was four years old. During the Second World War my Grandad served in the RAF as an aircraftman and my Papa worked for Rolls Royce assisting with the manufacture of Merlin engines. Going to airshows and seeing Second World War aircraft fly means so much to me as it is not just my passion but a link to my family.
To fly in a Spitfire and a Mustang was a lifelong dream. After a lot of research I decided to fly with Aerial Collective. I am so glad that I did. Their service was faultless from booking to touching down after the flights.
I undertook both a Spitfire formation flight with my best friend and a Mustang solo flight. I am still processing the excitement that I felt. They were moments that will last forever and are, in my view, the ultimate experience for anyone who has a passion for aviation, history or thrill seeking!
My friend and I were accompanied by our families as guests. I have two young children (3 and 1) and all the team at Aerial Collective made us feel so at ease, welcome and well looked after. We cannot thank them enough for making the day extra special.
The teams’ hospitality and professionalism made the experience and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of taking a flight in one of their iconic warbirds.
To fly in a Spitfire and a Mustang was a lifelong dream. After a lot of research I decided to fly with Aerial Collective. I am so glad that I did. Their service was faultless from booking to touching down after the flights.
I undertook both a Spitfire formation flight with my best friend and a Mustang solo flight. I am still processing the excitement that I felt. They were moments that will last forever and are, in my view, the ultimate experience for anyone who has a passion for aviation, history or thrill seeking!
My friend and I were accompanied by our families as guests. I have two young children (3 and 1) and all the team at Aerial Collective made us feel so at ease, welcome and well looked after. We cannot thank them enough for making the day extra special.
The teams’ hospitality and professionalism made the experience and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of taking a flight in one of their iconic warbirds.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee C
2 contributions
Dec 2021
We booked a Spitfire flight for my Father's 80th birthday present, and I cannot rate Aerial Collective highly enough.
Whilst a considerable amount of money should guarantee a good experience, it doesn't always, but on this occasion it most certainly did. The whole family were looked after really well by Jack McBride and the flight for my Dad was amazing.
Jon Gowdy flew the Spitfire, and his knowledge and calmness throughout the whole flight, meant my Father was completely at ease, and could therefore thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.
I would not hesitate to recommend Aerial Collective to anyone that asked, and did not think twice about giving 5 out of 5 on this review.
Top marks Aerial, and my thanks again to Jack & Jon
Whilst a considerable amount of money should guarantee a good experience, it doesn't always, but on this occasion it most certainly did. The whole family were looked after really well by Jack McBride and the flight for my Dad was amazing.
Jon Gowdy flew the Spitfire, and his knowledge and calmness throughout the whole flight, meant my Father was completely at ease, and could therefore thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.
I would not hesitate to recommend Aerial Collective to anyone that asked, and did not think twice about giving 5 out of 5 on this review.
Top marks Aerial, and my thanks again to Jack & Jon
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review Lee, we are really happy that your father enjoyed his flight experience with us at Duxford and that Jon (Pilot) was able to give him a flight to remember! - All the best, Jack (Aerial Collective Duxford)
Written 20 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sunnyday5
86 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
I wanted to treat my ex-husband on his 50th and to thank him for his amazing support during a recent illness. I knew he was mad about Spitfires so I spent a number of weeks researching into the flights. There are so many to choose from, all around the same price point however I went with this company as I liked the idea of visiting the museum after.
On arrival, we were ferried to the nearby hangar where birthday boy went off to receive his safety briefing. I was taken to the hospitality area where Holly chatted with me and explained the different aircrafts (I had little interest in planes so was clueless!). I also met Rats who is very charming - both he and Holly had great banter which proved very entertaining. There was a fridge full of bottled water, hot drinks machine and a beautiful cake. This was in a air conditioned summer house type of building. Outside, plenty of picnic benches and rocking chairs (very comfortable!). They even put out suncream - clearly a lot of thought has gone into the whole experience, not just for those flying.
When ol’ “Maverick” came out, he was already beaming. Quick safety recap and he and another lucky chap were strapped into their seats and off they went together, in formation. What a lovely sight!
They returned having done all sorts of moves and even took control of the plane. Lots of photos were taken, he said best experience ever. After getting out of the flight suit, we had refreshments and made our way to the museum. The team gave us a bag which included a flight log book. Little touches through just really made all the difference.
Honestly, this man is miserable at the best of times yet he couldn’t contain his excitement. It was as if he regressed into a young boy on Christmas morning. He was beaming all day!
Thank you to Jack, Holly, Rats and the team for your kindness and for making today so, so special. You’re all amazing!
On arrival, we were ferried to the nearby hangar where birthday boy went off to receive his safety briefing. I was taken to the hospitality area where Holly chatted with me and explained the different aircrafts (I had little interest in planes so was clueless!). I also met Rats who is very charming - both he and Holly had great banter which proved very entertaining. There was a fridge full of bottled water, hot drinks machine and a beautiful cake. This was in a air conditioned summer house type of building. Outside, plenty of picnic benches and rocking chairs (very comfortable!). They even put out suncream - clearly a lot of thought has gone into the whole experience, not just for those flying.
When ol’ “Maverick” came out, he was already beaming. Quick safety recap and he and another lucky chap were strapped into their seats and off they went together, in formation. What a lovely sight!
They returned having done all sorts of moves and even took control of the plane. Lots of photos were taken, he said best experience ever. After getting out of the flight suit, we had refreshments and made our way to the museum. The team gave us a bag which included a flight log book. Little touches through just really made all the difference.
Honestly, this man is miserable at the best of times yet he couldn’t contain his excitement. It was as if he regressed into a young boy on Christmas morning. He was beaming all day!
Thank you to Jack, Holly, Rats and the team for your kindness and for making today so, so special. You’re all amazing!
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunita, thank you so much for leaving the team such a wonderful review. It was great having you all with us, we could have chatted all day. Naresh really didn't stop smiling the whole time... just what we like to see! Pleased to hear you also liked the rocking chairs, they've been a firm favourite all summer ;) Best wishes from all the team at Duxford - Holly (Aerial Collective Ground Crew)
Written 25 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andy thomas
1 contribution
Jul 2021
I had a wonderful experience with the team at aerial collective and my pilot John.
Lisa and jack with John really made the day special, nothing was too much trouble.
jack made the booking easy even when it had to be rescheduled due to bad weather. Lisa worked very hard with Tom and Joe to make sure everyone was comfortable, even providing refreshments and sun cream.
The team were very friendly and professional and had a vast knowledge of the aircraft.
They made the experience very special and it will stay with me forever.
A special thankyou to Lisa for your hard work and to John the pilot, I had the most fantastic flight, especially when I got to take control of the spitfire and then when John performed some aerobatic manoeuvres.
I cannot recommend Lisa and her team enough, I had a fantastic time and would love to do it again.
Lisa and jack with John really made the day special, nothing was too much trouble.
jack made the booking easy even when it had to be rescheduled due to bad weather. Lisa worked very hard with Tom and Joe to make sure everyone was comfortable, even providing refreshments and sun cream.
The team were very friendly and professional and had a vast knowledge of the aircraft.
They made the experience very special and it will stay with me forever.
A special thankyou to Lisa for your hard work and to John the pilot, I had the most fantastic flight, especially when I got to take control of the spitfire and then when John performed some aerobatic manoeuvres.
I cannot recommend Lisa and her team enough, I had a fantastic time and would love to do it again.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We would absolutely love to have you fly with us again!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, we're super happy to read that you enjoyed your flight with John Dodd. The whole team really enjoyed having you with us and we were all so relieved that the weather finally allowed us to get you flying! - Jack (Aerial Collective Manager)
Written 2 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Voelser
London, UK190 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I was lucky enough to fulfil a lifelong dream of mine bu booking one of the Aerial Collectives flights in a Spitfire. The experience comes with complimentary tickets for the Duxford Imperial War Museum (I have posted a separate review for that) and from the moment I walked through the door of the museum I was given the VIP treatment. I spent the morning going around the museum and then joined the Aerial Collective for my pre-flight briefing and prep. After that you are strapped in and in the hands of the pilot. He talks you through every step of the flight and if you are lucky enough (I was) he will let you take control (at his discretion) and he then performs some aerobatics if you wish (make sure you have a string stomach) before setting you safely back on the ground. There is then the opportunity for plenty of photos and take home some videos. It is dear, but if you harbour this dream it is well worth the experience. From first contact when booking to helping me book a taxi to be able to catch my train staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended!
Written 16 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, we're super happy to read that you enjoyed your time at Duxford. We work very closely with the teams and staff of the Imperial War Museum to ensure our guests are looked after throughout their day. Thank you for flying with us! Best wishes - Jack (Aerial Collective Manager)
Written 20 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NickT
Wheathampstead, UK52 contributions
Nov 2020
Thank you to the brilliant team that looked after us on Wednesday; Jack, Lisa and Stu are the most welcoming, efficient, professional and friendly crew that really know how to look after you on what is probably going to be the single greatest experience you will ever have.
The flight itself was everything I’d dreamed of and more. From the moment the engine turned over and the fabulous soundtrack of the Merlin started, to how effortlessly and gracefully the plane danced across the sky, you can understand why this is so many pilots’ favourite aeroplane and why people revere it. I’d wanted to fly a Spitfire since I was a kid and I was grinning like one for the entire day. Stu gave me the controls either side of an aerobatic display and the memory of flying this wonderful aircraft will last forever – I went up for 30 minutes and I still haven’t come down. This is an incredible experience and I cannot highly recommend it enough.
The flight itself was everything I’d dreamed of and more. From the moment the engine turned over and the fabulous soundtrack of the Merlin started, to how effortlessly and gracefully the plane danced across the sky, you can understand why this is so many pilots’ favourite aeroplane and why people revere it. I’d wanted to fly a Spitfire since I was a kid and I was grinning like one for the entire day. Stu gave me the controls either side of an aerobatic display and the memory of flying this wonderful aircraft will last forever – I went up for 30 minutes and I still haven’t come down. This is an incredible experience and I cannot highly recommend it enough.
Written 10 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience