Spitfires.com "The Spitfire Academy"
Spitfires.com "The Spitfire Academy"
Spitfires.com "The Spitfire Academy"
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
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Spitfires.com (formerly Boultbee Flight Academy) is the world's first Spitfire training school and approved Spitfire flight provider. Spitfires must continue to grace the skies of the UK and whilst stunning on the ground, they cannot be truly understood until they are experienced in the air. Our aim at Spitfires.com is to keep these beautiful and highly significant aircraft airworthy and to open the doors of the Spitfire world to the public. We offer Spitfire experience flights to non-pilots and bespoke Spitfire training to licenced pilots. A flight in a Spitfire is an incredible experience whether you are a pilot or not and we believe that these aircraft should be accessible to everyone with an interest. A Spitfire really is everything you will hope it to be and more. Please carry on reading for details of the products and experiences we have on offer.
Chichester, West Sussex, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Spitfires.com "The Spitfire Academy"
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5.0
1,012 reviews
Excellent
1,009
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Explore06598166306
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Fantastic 30 minute Spitfire flight to the Needles and back from Lee on Solent. My wife took amazing photos from the Airvan alongside us, 4 metres wing tip to wing tip! Very professional and friendly staff. Excellent safety briefing online and at the the airfield. Flew the plane back from the Needles myself..... what an experience. Finished off with a final fast flypast the Airvan followed by a Victory Roll and a Barrel Roll before returning to the Airfield. There is no pressure to carry out any aerobatics, but I am so glad I did! Whole experience was first rate and with all the photos taken from the Airvan and from the ground crew using my i-phone, the memories will be there forever. You will not be disappointed!
Written 30 November 2023
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.
Lawrence D
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Really fantastic. Simulator cockpit was an actual spitfire cockpit which made the whole experience very, very realistic. Nigel, the trainer, was excellent and was an absolute gent being both very welcoming and very professional. I would highly recommend.
Written 29 November 2023
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.
fil319
Reigate, UK7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
A superb day! Nigel was an excellent instructor and was able to show me how to try things that would not be possible for a non-pilot on the two-seater flights I have done in a Spitfire and a Hurricane. I was totally enamoured with the experience and hope to revisit. Terrific.
Written 25 November 2023
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.
Mendipbod
Winscombe, UK2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Since watching the film Battle of Britain as a boy I have always wanted to do this. It didn't disappoint. It was fabulous and I had a massive grin on my face for ages.
Written 24 November 2023
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.
JJ
Cardiff, UK7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I don't think any words can do this justice. The team are very passionate and this oozes from the moment you walk in. Tim was an incredible pilot, Sam thanks again for being my 'official' photographer - Steve and Jack appreciate your kindness too. This really has been a dream come true and look forward to making a return again in the future.
Written 17 November 2023
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.
Ricardo H
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Absolutely outstanding experience. Many thanks to Tim, Steve, Mark and all the crew at Lee yesterday for your very knowledgeable and friendly support, you made the day an absolutely marvellous one. The flight was out of this world, best weather, formation flying, hands on and a couple of aeros....Can't recommend you guys enough! Just fabulous
Written 16 November 2023
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.
Graham B
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
If you want to experience history then take a flight with these guys: - you will get an insight of how awesome the Spitfire was and still is. To see how a tiny movement of an aileron results in an instant reaction on the plane, you then have to reflect on how the plane manoeuvred when under combat. And that engine noise!
Also, I am so lucky to have a perfect weather on the day
To say “Thank You” is not enough!
Also, I am so lucky to have a perfect weather on the day
To say “Thank You” is not enough!
Written 15 November 2023
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.
Nigel A
Hartfield, UK10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Like many people I have always loved watching Spitfires flying and hearing the sound of that wonderful Merlin engine. I never thought that I would get the chance to actually fly in one. When I heard about Spitfires.com, I knew that I must book to make my dreams come true and fly in a genuine Spitfire.
When we arrived at Solent Airport, I was given a briefing and was then being fitted into my flying suit, when it was suggested to my wife that she could come up in another (modern) aircraft which they call "the Van" and fly alongside for part of my flight. I was not aware that this was an option, but immediately agreed, which delighted her, and she was then given a briefing and prepared for her own flight.
My wife took off first and then I was taken to the Spitfire, seated in the flying seat, strapped in and given a further briefing. We then taxied and took off and flew to the east and over Gosport, before rendezvousing with the Van. My wife flew alongside for about 5 minutes and took some amazing pictures (see pic) and video, before we headed for Bembridge where we completed a loop and a couple of rolls then turned to the west and headed for the Needles. As a yachtsman, I have sailed past the Needles many times, but to fly over them in a Spitfire was a truly memorable experience. We did one more roll over Cowes, before banking hard to port and heading back to Solent Airport for a very gentle landing.
Although I had very high expectations for the day, I can honestly say that they were exceeded. My pilot, Will, was amazing, making sure that I was comfortable and happy throughout the flight and checking that I wanted to do the aerobatics, which I did and really enjoyed. All of the groundcrew and the pilot and crew of the Van were also fantastic. I cannot think of anything that could have been better to improve the enjoyment for both of us. Even the weather was perfect.
I paid for the 360 degree video of the flight, which I received about a week later as a Youtube link. This is a truly remarkable piece of technology enabling the viewer to look in any direction through 360 degrees and up and down whilst watching it. It is like being in the Spitfire all over again. In fact it is different every time you look at it, because you will be looking out of a different side of the aircraft or looking forward or backwards at your own expressions. I would highly recommend paying the extra for the video.
When we arrived at Solent Airport, I was given a briefing and was then being fitted into my flying suit, when it was suggested to my wife that she could come up in another (modern) aircraft which they call "the Van" and fly alongside for part of my flight. I was not aware that this was an option, but immediately agreed, which delighted her, and she was then given a briefing and prepared for her own flight.
My wife took off first and then I was taken to the Spitfire, seated in the flying seat, strapped in and given a further briefing. We then taxied and took off and flew to the east and over Gosport, before rendezvousing with the Van. My wife flew alongside for about 5 minutes and took some amazing pictures (see pic) and video, before we headed for Bembridge where we completed a loop and a couple of rolls then turned to the west and headed for the Needles. As a yachtsman, I have sailed past the Needles many times, but to fly over them in a Spitfire was a truly memorable experience. We did one more roll over Cowes, before banking hard to port and heading back to Solent Airport for a very gentle landing.
Although I had very high expectations for the day, I can honestly say that they were exceeded. My pilot, Will, was amazing, making sure that I was comfortable and happy throughout the flight and checking that I wanted to do the aerobatics, which I did and really enjoyed. All of the groundcrew and the pilot and crew of the Van were also fantastic. I cannot think of anything that could have been better to improve the enjoyment for both of us. Even the weather was perfect.
I paid for the 360 degree video of the flight, which I received about a week later as a Youtube link. This is a truly remarkable piece of technology enabling the viewer to look in any direction through 360 degrees and up and down whilst watching it. It is like being in the Spitfire all over again. In fact it is different every time you look at it, because you will be looking out of a different side of the aircraft or looking forward or backwards at your own expressions. I would highly recommend paying the extra for the video.
Written 14 November 2023
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.
K L
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
What an unreal experience to experience on my 65th Birthday. Firstly thank you Matt for your patience and continued support with the booking. From the moment we were greeted by Mark at the front door and who showed a keen interest in Dad’s RCAF Logbook, Adam who suited me up, calmed my nerves and walked me through the process. Tim my pilot who helped me experience what my Dad did almost 80 years ago and his ureal execution of the aerobatics!! Sam who I cannot thank enough for the gorgeous photos he took of myself and Tim in the “Spit”. As my Dad would say… and Mikey who visited with us and helped end the day on a very high note. The time and interest you showed in my Dad’s Log Book, his pictures and his wings which Adam safely tucked in my flight suit for as he said…”One more flight over England”. UNREAL I cannot thank you enough, it brings tears to my eyes when I TRY to relive it. You guys are a true credit to your profession.
Tony Lefebre
Written 1 November 2023
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.
Global38213251670
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
The 28th of October was one of the best days of my life, My Wife Anne and our sons Alan and Paul treated me on my 80th Birthday to a 30 min Spitfire flight, the team at Lee On the Solent were excellent. My pilot Neil Parkinson their top and most experienced pilot gave me the ride of my life. Andy got me ready, with Richie, Torren,Jack and Sam looking after my son Alan, grandson George, brothers Ralph and Keith and Ron whose quick thinking made it all possible. Loop, victory roll and barrel roll and taking control for 6 minutes was amazing, nothing compares to the elation I experienced. I was born in 1943 the aircraft GILDA made in 1944 especially for me.👍🛫🥂
Many Thanks to all Ernie.
Many Thanks to all Ernie.
Written 31 October 2023
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.
Hi I work at bickerton House care home we have a resident a Mr Peter hale who is trying to contact Mark hillier as they know each other.if there is any way we can get them connected again please hel.
Regards wendy
tonyreeve206
Cowes, UK86 contributions
Hi Wendy,
Although I do not know Mark Hillier, I would suggest that you contact the Spitfire Academy direct at: 01243 531147.
E-mail would probably be the preferred contact route.
Hope you are successful in getting them re-conected.
Tony
jcarey62017
Hill Head, UK1 contribution
My father will be 91 in Sept and has been very poorly this year, although now starting to improve both mentally and physically but had moved in a nursing home in Lee on the Solent and one thing he enjoys is watching the Spitfires from his window which he absolutely loves, and brings back many memories, we wondered if there was any chance we could bring him up to the Hangar just to view the planes and talk to the engineers - he would just love that - his birthday is 20/9 look forward to hearing from you.
Hi there, can I recommend you give Boultbee a ring directly as they don't get notified about questions on Trip Advisor. Good luck!
