Ultimate Warbird Flights
Ultimate Warbird Flights
Ultimate Warbird Flights
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Ultimate Warbird Flights are the longest standing provider of Spitfire flights, having been in continued operation since 1985.
We are also the only UK operator of a two-seat, dual-control, P-51 Mustang and the worlds only operator of a two-seat, dual-control, ME109 (Hispano Buchon).
This is a Business
This supplier operates as a business.
Sywell, Northamptonshire, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
312 reviews
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Duncan
Oakham, UK16 contributions
Jun 2021
It would be so easy to write pages about today. As soon as you arrive you are made to feel so welcome and it is obvious the flight team want to make this day as memorable and enjoyable , not just for the flyer, but also for those accompanying. After a brief safety video largely going over the points made in the beautifully prepared booklet you receive once booked, you are fitted out with a fabulous flying suit and helmet . All the kit is great quality and they can comfortable kit out any size, including 6ft 3 inch giants like me. I have to add that to realise this dream I had to lose a stone to get to 16 stone which was quite an achievement in one month.
After being introduced to the pilot you are invited to propose your wish list for the flight ( within reason) . After being fitted with the parachute and strapped in by a delightful gentlemen who I later realised was Richard Grace, the owner of this amazing bird, we started up and taxied out. The sound and the feeling of the Merlin engine is indescribable as you sit cocooned in this beautiful living machine. The pilot, Jon Gowdy climbed us out and away from the airfield where he then showed me how responsive and sensitive the craft is in pitch and bank. He then invited me to take the controls and the joy of feeling her respond to the slightest input and almost follow my thoughts was incredible. As we popped up through light cloud on a beautiful blue sky day you really could imagine for a moment what it was like to be flying this ultimate flying machine on a mission during conflict. Then, as if things couldn’t get much better, Jon then performed a beautiful aerobatic experience of a loop and half Cuban followed by a nice roll or two. The gracefulness of this powerful bird makes the aerobatic experience like poetry with the fabulous cockpit visibility giving you the most wondrous views of the countryside as the world comes back into view. So much is squeezed into the 35 minute experience that your senses are almost overwhelmed . A sedate let down and landing and you taxi up, savouring the last minute or two of the engine rhythm and exhaust as the pilot takes the canopy back. The crew againI unclip you and help you out. There is nothing hurried and you can spend time discussing the flight with the pilot and the crew, having yet more photos taken of this day you will never forget.
My message to you is if you have ever hankered after experiencing the ultimate warbirds, unlike any aircraft you are ever likely to fly in, just got for it. Remember, there are no pockets in shrouds!!! Thanks again to all the team who made us feel so special, ever Tilly our happy Border Terrier! To conclude, it was worth foregoing all those cream cakes, pies ans pints to realise this dream.
After being introduced to the pilot you are invited to propose your wish list for the flight ( within reason) . After being fitted with the parachute and strapped in by a delightful gentlemen who I later realised was Richard Grace, the owner of this amazing bird, we started up and taxied out. The sound and the feeling of the Merlin engine is indescribable as you sit cocooned in this beautiful living machine. The pilot, Jon Gowdy climbed us out and away from the airfield where he then showed me how responsive and sensitive the craft is in pitch and bank. He then invited me to take the controls and the joy of feeling her respond to the slightest input and almost follow my thoughts was incredible. As we popped up through light cloud on a beautiful blue sky day you really could imagine for a moment what it was like to be flying this ultimate flying machine on a mission during conflict. Then, as if things couldn’t get much better, Jon then performed a beautiful aerobatic experience of a loop and half Cuban followed by a nice roll or two. The gracefulness of this powerful bird makes the aerobatic experience like poetry with the fabulous cockpit visibility giving you the most wondrous views of the countryside as the world comes back into view. So much is squeezed into the 35 minute experience that your senses are almost overwhelmed . A sedate let down and landing and you taxi up, savouring the last minute or two of the engine rhythm and exhaust as the pilot takes the canopy back. The crew againI unclip you and help you out. There is nothing hurried and you can spend time discussing the flight with the pilot and the crew, having yet more photos taken of this day you will never forget.
My message to you is if you have ever hankered after experiencing the ultimate warbirds, unlike any aircraft you are ever likely to fly in, just got for it. Remember, there are no pockets in shrouds!!! Thanks again to all the team who made us feel so special, ever Tilly our happy Border Terrier! To conclude, it was worth foregoing all those cream cakes, pies ans pints to realise this dream.
Written 8 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.
Jon E
Northamptonshire, UK28 contributions
Sept 2020
It is now two weeks since my Ultimate Warbird experience in ML407, The Grace Spitfire and I am still glowing. I have been aware of this famous aircraft for many years but never for one moment ever dreamed that I would take to the air and far less to take the controls.
From engine start to shutdown the day was brilliantly organised with comprehensive pre-flight documentation and a confirmation telephone call a couple of days before to confirm the weather and aircraft serviceability.
A great welcome on arrival at Sywell from Daisy and Dave with the comprehensive pre-flight briefing and safety instructions followed by the fitting of the flying gear. Then airside to be introduced to Gabriel, my pilot for the day and ML407. The aircraft is in pristine condition even though it is six years older than me and being close up generated a very natural emotion.
I then strapped on the parachute and was installed into the rear cockpit by Dave who made sure that I was comfortable and secure. A comms check with Gabriel and a short briefing on the flight and to ask if I had any special requests. One was to fly over my home (local) and the other was for some aerobatics. Gabriel then went through his checks, engine start and taxi to the runway hold position. We were then cleared for take off, entered the runway and within moments the tail was in the air and then we were off the ground. The climb was to 2000 ft by which time we were over my home and then on over Raunds at which point Gabriel invited me to take control which I had great pleasure in accepting. The controls were sublime with minimal inputs to keep the aircraft straight and level with no sense of needing to correct. Then some very gradual turns and a climb to 3500 ft towards Grafham Water and which point I handed control back to Gabriel in preparation for the aerobatics. What followed was absolutely stunning with two loops and a roll in perfect conditions. The return to Sywell was over Rushden and Irchester and ended with a fast run along the runway axis at 500 ft before entering a left hand circuit for approach and landing. Back to earth with not so much as a bump and then the taxi back for shutdown.
During the post flight my family were invited airside to join me and we were given ample time for photographs and for them to view the aircraft at close quarters. Our Grandson who is a Total Aviation Person and aspiring easyJet Captain joined me on the wing root and was allowed to take a seat in the cockpit to experience the controls. He was in heaven as well.
A huge thank you to Daisy, Dave and Gabriel and all of the backroom team that I did not meet on the day but above all to my wife, Jenny, who presented me with this once in a lifetime experience as a total birthday surprise.
From engine start to shutdown the day was brilliantly organised with comprehensive pre-flight documentation and a confirmation telephone call a couple of days before to confirm the weather and aircraft serviceability.
A great welcome on arrival at Sywell from Daisy and Dave with the comprehensive pre-flight briefing and safety instructions followed by the fitting of the flying gear. Then airside to be introduced to Gabriel, my pilot for the day and ML407. The aircraft is in pristine condition even though it is six years older than me and being close up generated a very natural emotion.
I then strapped on the parachute and was installed into the rear cockpit by Dave who made sure that I was comfortable and secure. A comms check with Gabriel and a short briefing on the flight and to ask if I had any special requests. One was to fly over my home (local) and the other was for some aerobatics. Gabriel then went through his checks, engine start and taxi to the runway hold position. We were then cleared for take off, entered the runway and within moments the tail was in the air and then we were off the ground. The climb was to 2000 ft by which time we were over my home and then on over Raunds at which point Gabriel invited me to take control which I had great pleasure in accepting. The controls were sublime with minimal inputs to keep the aircraft straight and level with no sense of needing to correct. Then some very gradual turns and a climb to 3500 ft towards Grafham Water and which point I handed control back to Gabriel in preparation for the aerobatics. What followed was absolutely stunning with two loops and a roll in perfect conditions. The return to Sywell was over Rushden and Irchester and ended with a fast run along the runway axis at 500 ft before entering a left hand circuit for approach and landing. Back to earth with not so much as a bump and then the taxi back for shutdown.
During the post flight my family were invited airside to join me and we were given ample time for photographs and for them to view the aircraft at close quarters. Our Grandson who is a Total Aviation Person and aspiring easyJet Captain joined me on the wing root and was allowed to take a seat in the cockpit to experience the controls. He was in heaven as well.
A huge thank you to Daisy, Dave and Gabriel and all of the backroom team that I did not meet on the day but above all to my wife, Jenny, who presented me with this once in a lifetime experience as a total birthday surprise.
Written 24 September 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.
Malc B
2 contributions
Sept 2021
Flying the The Grace Spitfire has been on my “must do” list for quite a while. On September 28th I was finally able to realise that ambition and experience the thrill of being in the air in such a charismatic machine.
If such a flight is on your “bucket list” then don't hesitate, book it and look forward to the day you arrive at Sywell. The Ultimate Warbirds team will make you feel like a friend from start to finish. Your anticipation will build as you put on your flying suit, watch the safety briefing video, try out your helmet for size, and discuss the flight with your pilot.
With your heart beating it's time for you to climb aboard ML407, belts tightened, canopy closed, and the intercom comes alive. It's then just you, your pilot, and the Grace Spitfire. You are about to be transported back 80 years to a very different era of flight and an understanding of those brave young pilots who flew these aircraft in combat. The Merlin V-12 engine fires up and your senses are initially overcome with a myriad of treats be they sound, smell, or visual. My advice - take them all in and enjoy. Take a moment also to look at the onlookers, be they family, friends, or unknown visitors, all transfixed by the beauty of this incredible aircraft.
My thanks to all the team for making me so welcome; Sophie, Daisy, Amanda, Tom, and my pilot on the day Mike Ling. Thanks also to the Grace family for making ML407 available to someone such as myself, a 70 year old who then flew the ultimate warbird.
If such a flight is on your “bucket list” then don't hesitate, book it and look forward to the day you arrive at Sywell. The Ultimate Warbirds team will make you feel like a friend from start to finish. Your anticipation will build as you put on your flying suit, watch the safety briefing video, try out your helmet for size, and discuss the flight with your pilot.
With your heart beating it's time for you to climb aboard ML407, belts tightened, canopy closed, and the intercom comes alive. It's then just you, your pilot, and the Grace Spitfire. You are about to be transported back 80 years to a very different era of flight and an understanding of those brave young pilots who flew these aircraft in combat. The Merlin V-12 engine fires up and your senses are initially overcome with a myriad of treats be they sound, smell, or visual. My advice - take them all in and enjoy. Take a moment also to look at the onlookers, be they family, friends, or unknown visitors, all transfixed by the beauty of this incredible aircraft.
My thanks to all the team for making me so welcome; Sophie, Daisy, Amanda, Tom, and my pilot on the day Mike Ling. Thanks also to the Grace family for making ML407 available to someone such as myself, a 70 year old who then flew the ultimate warbird.
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.
apsank
Tur Langton, UK13 contributions
Oct 2021
My wife booked the Ultimate Warbirds Spitfire experience for me as a birthday present.
After longing for many years to fly in a spitfire, we were at a firework competition coming out of the second Covid Lockdown and the Grace Spitfire was booked to fill a vacant slot that should have been occupied by one of the displays. The narrator told the ‘Grace Spitfire Story’ that was captivating to say the least, unbeknown to me my wife was equally captivated and took the plunge.
All things about experience were conducted to an exceptionally high level by a really knowledgeable, thoughtful, eager-to-please and dedicated team who made everything run smoothly.
I had to be rescheduled once, as being late in the season, the weather is less predictable than in the summer and we fell foul of it; they couldn’t have been more apologetic, equally keen to reorganise and always with a smile.
You are the centre of attention on the day, the briefings are conducted very well and once in the air the experience is amazing. I was flown through a phenomenal sequence of aerobatic manoeuvres by Mark, my pilot on the day who just inspired and instilled confidence and I was encouraged to make the controls a fair bit too, and not just for the straight and level stuff! Within reason you can do what you (and your pilot) is happy for you to do safely, alternatively they are more than happy to do all of the flying.
You are talked through every step of the way both on the ground and in the air and your face will ache from the smiling when you’ve finished.
Memories to be savoured and re-lived, and no doubt bore others with for many years to come.
Thank you to the amazing team at Ultimate Warbirds!
(Ps P51 next Darling??)
After longing for many years to fly in a spitfire, we were at a firework competition coming out of the second Covid Lockdown and the Grace Spitfire was booked to fill a vacant slot that should have been occupied by one of the displays. The narrator told the ‘Grace Spitfire Story’ that was captivating to say the least, unbeknown to me my wife was equally captivated and took the plunge.
All things about experience were conducted to an exceptionally high level by a really knowledgeable, thoughtful, eager-to-please and dedicated team who made everything run smoothly.
I had to be rescheduled once, as being late in the season, the weather is less predictable than in the summer and we fell foul of it; they couldn’t have been more apologetic, equally keen to reorganise and always with a smile.
You are the centre of attention on the day, the briefings are conducted very well and once in the air the experience is amazing. I was flown through a phenomenal sequence of aerobatic manoeuvres by Mark, my pilot on the day who just inspired and instilled confidence and I was encouraged to make the controls a fair bit too, and not just for the straight and level stuff! Within reason you can do what you (and your pilot) is happy for you to do safely, alternatively they are more than happy to do all of the flying.
You are talked through every step of the way both on the ground and in the air and your face will ache from the smiling when you’ve finished.
Memories to be savoured and re-lived, and no doubt bore others with for many years to come.
Thank you to the amazing team at Ultimate Warbirds!
(Ps P51 next Darling??)
Written 23 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.
Dolphin348
Hinckley, United Kingdom3 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
Wow what a fantastic, memorable and emotional day. From start to finish the customer service, the booking, the experience was 100%. I cannot fault this at all.
I had this spitfire experience as my 60th birthday present. I have wanted to fly in one of these for years, never thought I would but now I have and can't totally put into words the emotions and feelings that this experience brought to me, I was totally choked by it. Thinking of the men who flew these incredible machines in the war and the adrenalin that they would have had going through their bodies.
Yes it's a considerable purchase but well worth it and one you will never forget or experience anything like it. I want to do it again and have already started to save.
You would probably spend this amount going on a normal plane to somewhere like Spain on holiday but you wouldn't get the thrill. passion, excitement or a memory like this fantastic day.
Without these experiences these fantastic beautiful machines wouldn't still be in the air.
Thanks to all the team Sophie, Amanda, Tom who all had lots of knowledge and were so helpful with my booking. Many thanks to Mark Levy who is a fantastic well experienced and talented pilot who did some fantastic barrel rolls and Manoeuvres on the day, a day which I shall never forget.
I would also like to thank the maintenance crew because without them these machines wouldn't be operational and would just be sat in a museum.
If your thinking of booking one of these experiences, do it you won't regret it.
When you complete the booking form don't lie about your weight, we all want to be lighter than what the scales say BUT if you exceed the maximum weight you may not be able to fly as this would put yours and everyone else's lives at risk. I had to lose a bit beforehand as I didn't want to not go. You WILL be weighed on the day of your arrival and YOU will be disappointed if your unable to fly due to this. This would be embarrassing for you and also for the staff if they have to turn you away, So get on your diets now!!!!
I had this spitfire experience as my 60th birthday present. I have wanted to fly in one of these for years, never thought I would but now I have and can't totally put into words the emotions and feelings that this experience brought to me, I was totally choked by it. Thinking of the men who flew these incredible machines in the war and the adrenalin that they would have had going through their bodies.
Yes it's a considerable purchase but well worth it and one you will never forget or experience anything like it. I want to do it again and have already started to save.
You would probably spend this amount going on a normal plane to somewhere like Spain on holiday but you wouldn't get the thrill. passion, excitement or a memory like this fantastic day.
Without these experiences these fantastic beautiful machines wouldn't still be in the air.
Thanks to all the team Sophie, Amanda, Tom who all had lots of knowledge and were so helpful with my booking. Many thanks to Mark Levy who is a fantastic well experienced and talented pilot who did some fantastic barrel rolls and Manoeuvres on the day, a day which I shall never forget.
I would also like to thank the maintenance crew because without them these machines wouldn't be operational and would just be sat in a museum.
If your thinking of booking one of these experiences, do it you won't regret it.
When you complete the booking form don't lie about your weight, we all want to be lighter than what the scales say BUT if you exceed the maximum weight you may not be able to fly as this would put yours and everyone else's lives at risk. I had to lose a bit beforehand as I didn't want to not go. You WILL be weighed on the day of your arrival and YOU will be disappointed if your unable to fly due to this. This would be embarrassing for you and also for the staff if they have to turn you away, So get on your diets now!!!!
Written 24 September 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.
quinnkk
newcastle upon tyne159 contributions
Aug 2021
My wife treated me to a flight in the Grace Spitfire at Sywell. I have been in love with planes since I watched the Battle of Britain being filmed close to my East London school and saw a Concord test flight fly over London in the 1960s.
After staying the night before at the Aviator Hotel (see separate review) we started the day with a quick visit to some of the views of the location of the Battle of Naseby. Returning to the aerodrome at Sywell we were treated to the sight of the P51 Mustang returning from a flight and then saw the Spitfire warming up before taking to the air.
My flight was to be the last in the afternoon so we spent the day (along with hundreds of sightseers and picnickers) watching the comings and goings on the airfield. I made myself known to Amanda early in the day and she kept us up to date with events through the day. What struck us was there was no rush and everyone who flew was allowed plenty of time for photographs and to take in this experience of a lifetime.
My flight was delayed due to gusting crosswinds but eventually got the go ahead. The briefing was thoroughly professional and I was kitted out in my flying suit and helmet. Before I got into the plane I had a chance for a good conversation with my pilot, Jon Goudy. whilst the plane was refuelled. He exuded calmness and confidence and made me feel so much at ease. Dave then talked me through getting in the cockpit and showed me how things worked. He is so laid back and calm.
The flight was the stuff of dreams. Some time behind the controls was just fantastic and then Jon put the Spitfire through its paces and we twisted and turned our way to total bliss. My stomach never moved throughout and I credit this to Jon for the totally assured way he handled the Spitfire and me! He answered all of my questions and was keen that the experience would be memorable. Sadly all things come to an end and after close to 30 minutes in the air we landed.
The team on the ground made sure we had time for all our photographs, with time to look around the Spitfire on the ground as well.
I would like to give more than 5 stars if I could. The whole team are total professionals. They love their aircraft and they also love giving you the best of experiences. We loved Sywell and were grateful for the way Amanda and Dave made sure my wife was included as much as possible.
The DVD of my flight experience arrived a few days ago. It is well produced and is a great memento of the day. Well worth the extra money.
Thank you Amanda, Dave, Jon and the Ultimate Warbird Flights team (and my wife) for making a dream come true. If you are thinking you would like to do the same, just do it and make your dreams come true as well! You will never forget the day.
After staying the night before at the Aviator Hotel (see separate review) we started the day with a quick visit to some of the views of the location of the Battle of Naseby. Returning to the aerodrome at Sywell we were treated to the sight of the P51 Mustang returning from a flight and then saw the Spitfire warming up before taking to the air.
My flight was to be the last in the afternoon so we spent the day (along with hundreds of sightseers and picnickers) watching the comings and goings on the airfield. I made myself known to Amanda early in the day and she kept us up to date with events through the day. What struck us was there was no rush and everyone who flew was allowed plenty of time for photographs and to take in this experience of a lifetime.
My flight was delayed due to gusting crosswinds but eventually got the go ahead. The briefing was thoroughly professional and I was kitted out in my flying suit and helmet. Before I got into the plane I had a chance for a good conversation with my pilot, Jon Goudy. whilst the plane was refuelled. He exuded calmness and confidence and made me feel so much at ease. Dave then talked me through getting in the cockpit and showed me how things worked. He is so laid back and calm.
The flight was the stuff of dreams. Some time behind the controls was just fantastic and then Jon put the Spitfire through its paces and we twisted and turned our way to total bliss. My stomach never moved throughout and I credit this to Jon for the totally assured way he handled the Spitfire and me! He answered all of my questions and was keen that the experience would be memorable. Sadly all things come to an end and after close to 30 minutes in the air we landed.
The team on the ground made sure we had time for all our photographs, with time to look around the Spitfire on the ground as well.
I would like to give more than 5 stars if I could. The whole team are total professionals. They love their aircraft and they also love giving you the best of experiences. We loved Sywell and were grateful for the way Amanda and Dave made sure my wife was included as much as possible.
The DVD of my flight experience arrived a few days ago. It is well produced and is a great memento of the day. Well worth the extra money.
Thank you Amanda, Dave, Jon and the Ultimate Warbird Flights team (and my wife) for making a dream come true. If you are thinking you would like to do the same, just do it and make your dreams come true as well! You will never forget the day.
Written 12 September 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.
Phil A
3 contributions
Oct 2021
From a very young age I had thought about flying in a Spitfire but thought it was impossible. It was only recently that I saw an item on the news and discovered I could, so started looking into it.
Booked online, the 'Pilots pack' arrived next day explaining what would happen in advance and on the big day. Very comprehensive and useful to learn the instruments, boarding procedure and safety/emergency procedures in advance. Loved the bit about the guns having been disabled for 'health and safety reasons'.
My flight had been delayed a month due to bad weather, and I thought would be again but thankfully it cleared up on the afternoon and I am so glad it did. This was something not to be missed.
Accompanied by my brother, we were treated like V.I.P.s, yet also part of the family on the day. Met by Ground Crew Amanda and Dave who explained where everything was on the airfield - hotel, cafe, toilets and the museum etc., while awaiting my turn. We were also able to watch the prior flights.
After the briefing and kitting out with flight suit, gloves and helmet, we were taken to the Spitfire and introduced to Pilot Mark. He and Dave (who is also a warbird pilot) answered any questions and I was then kitted out in the parachute and helped into the rear cockpit.
All the time while taxiing, Mark was explaining what he was doing, the instruments and controls etc. Then came the run up to full power followed by takeoff.
Feeling the power was amazing, as was the rest of the flight, for much of which I was able to have control, through Mark did the clever stuff like barrel roll, steep turns and the landing - which is where the skill comes in!
The Spitfire flight is a fantastic if once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed.
Thank you to the whole team - Sophie who dealt with the admin by email and telephone, but who sadly I didn't get to meet, Amanda, Dave and Mark.
Booked online, the 'Pilots pack' arrived next day explaining what would happen in advance and on the big day. Very comprehensive and useful to learn the instruments, boarding procedure and safety/emergency procedures in advance. Loved the bit about the guns having been disabled for 'health and safety reasons'.
My flight had been delayed a month due to bad weather, and I thought would be again but thankfully it cleared up on the afternoon and I am so glad it did. This was something not to be missed.
Accompanied by my brother, we were treated like V.I.P.s, yet also part of the family on the day. Met by Ground Crew Amanda and Dave who explained where everything was on the airfield - hotel, cafe, toilets and the museum etc., while awaiting my turn. We were also able to watch the prior flights.
After the briefing and kitting out with flight suit, gloves and helmet, we were taken to the Spitfire and introduced to Pilot Mark. He and Dave (who is also a warbird pilot) answered any questions and I was then kitted out in the parachute and helped into the rear cockpit.
All the time while taxiing, Mark was explaining what he was doing, the instruments and controls etc. Then came the run up to full power followed by takeoff.
Feeling the power was amazing, as was the rest of the flight, for much of which I was able to have control, through Mark did the clever stuff like barrel roll, steep turns and the landing - which is where the skill comes in!
The Spitfire flight is a fantastic if once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed.
Thank you to the whole team - Sophie who dealt with the admin by email and telephone, but who sadly I didn't get to meet, Amanda, Dave and Mark.
Written 25 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.
zathura2016
Leicester, UK31 contributions
Oct 2020
A fabulous opportunity to fly in the historic Grace Spitfire is not one to be missed.
The whole thing from booking through to the day was smooth and without fault. The team were accommodating flexible and very friendly. I chose to fly in the Tiger Moth before the Spitfire and that was an experience in itself. But to take the Spitfire with Alex Smee over my home and then perform some aerobatics was the icing on the cake of course.
Thoroughly well organised and a pleasure for those who came to watch too.
Thank you all - fully recommend the experience - living history left with with a mixture of emotions - for the pilots who flew these aircraft in a fight for their and our lives...and the privilege of being able to control the aircraft myself. Awesome.
The whole thing from booking through to the day was smooth and without fault. The team were accommodating flexible and very friendly. I chose to fly in the Tiger Moth before the Spitfire and that was an experience in itself. But to take the Spitfire with Alex Smee over my home and then perform some aerobatics was the icing on the cake of course.
Thoroughly well organised and a pleasure for those who came to watch too.
Thank you all - fully recommend the experience - living history left with with a mixture of emotions - for the pilots who flew these aircraft in a fight for their and our lives...and the privilege of being able to control the aircraft myself. Awesome.
Written 14 October 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.
Richard Ball
2 contributions
Jun 2021
UWF personnel were excellent. Despite challenging weather on the day, they made every effort, and succeeded, in making the flight possible - keeping us informed every step of the way. The flight itself was in the Tiger Moth, with the pilot, Dave Puleston, being brilliant - friendly, professional, empathetic and informative. It was a great follow-up to a previous Spitfire experience and I highly recommend it and the personnel.
Written 6 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.
hypnomick
Edmonton, UK335 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
After a year and a half of saving I was finally here at Sywell Aerodrome and ready for my flight.
While the weather was warm and sunny the wind was gusty and was delaying the Spitfire flights due to cross winds. This gave me time to chat to the crew about the day, the plane and what to expect. What a lovely group of people. Friendly, knowledgeable and totally engaging. They want to make your day an experience you will never forget; not just a ride.
When my time came, I was fully briefed with a chat, a video which went over all the pre-flight pilot/safety manual stuff I had already been sent and the fitting of the flight suit and helmet. Then off to the plane. I was ready to burst with excitement.
I was fitted with my parachute, and guided into the plane. It all looked strangely familiar due to the Spitfire Pilot Manual I had been sent a few weeks before, I knew what everything was and what it did. It all added to the experience. I was to become a Spitfire Pilot!
As I had paid for an extra ten minutes, my pilot Jon suggested we fly to Duxford. He said we had plenty of time to fly past, to do some aerobatics and for me to fly the plane. Sounded good to me!
Ignition started and that wonderful Merlin engine sprang into life, the noise and vibration and we taxied off to the runway. In no time at all we were in the air, so smooth and responsive, an absolute delight.
After a few minutes and a bit more instruction I had control. I was flying a Spitfire…OMG. I flew it for about four legs of my flight, after take-off, on the way to Duxford, before and after the aerobatics, which included barrel rolls, loop the loops and flying past the runway before landing. Even the landing was a delight.
After photos with the plane, expressing my thanks to all the crew I was out of my flight suit and presented with my goody bag by Amanda. Certificate, mug, poster and flight badge. Of course I had to buy a T shirt and my DVD of my flight will arrive soon in the post.
To me, it doesn’t feel as though the day has ended whilst I’m sitting her typing this, wearing my Spitfire T shirt and drinking coffee out of my new Spitfire mug.
Thanks again guys for making my dream come true.
Regards
Michael Pond
While the weather was warm and sunny the wind was gusty and was delaying the Spitfire flights due to cross winds. This gave me time to chat to the crew about the day, the plane and what to expect. What a lovely group of people. Friendly, knowledgeable and totally engaging. They want to make your day an experience you will never forget; not just a ride.
When my time came, I was fully briefed with a chat, a video which went over all the pre-flight pilot/safety manual stuff I had already been sent and the fitting of the flight suit and helmet. Then off to the plane. I was ready to burst with excitement.
I was fitted with my parachute, and guided into the plane. It all looked strangely familiar due to the Spitfire Pilot Manual I had been sent a few weeks before, I knew what everything was and what it did. It all added to the experience. I was to become a Spitfire Pilot!
As I had paid for an extra ten minutes, my pilot Jon suggested we fly to Duxford. He said we had plenty of time to fly past, to do some aerobatics and for me to fly the plane. Sounded good to me!
Ignition started and that wonderful Merlin engine sprang into life, the noise and vibration and we taxied off to the runway. In no time at all we were in the air, so smooth and responsive, an absolute delight.
After a few minutes and a bit more instruction I had control. I was flying a Spitfire…OMG. I flew it for about four legs of my flight, after take-off, on the way to Duxford, before and after the aerobatics, which included barrel rolls, loop the loops and flying past the runway before landing. Even the landing was a delight.
After photos with the plane, expressing my thanks to all the crew I was out of my flight suit and presented with my goody bag by Amanda. Certificate, mug, poster and flight badge. Of course I had to buy a T shirt and my DVD of my flight will arrive soon in the post.
To me, it doesn’t feel as though the day has ended whilst I’m sitting her typing this, wearing my Spitfire T shirt and drinking coffee out of my new Spitfire mug.
Thanks again guys for making my dream come true.
Regards
Michael Pond
Written 19 August 2021
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.