What Can I Expect

Take an aerial trip back in time onboard these biplanes! Enjoy biplane flights in beautifully restored vintage aircraft such as Tiger Moths, at your choice of location throughout the UK. Nothing beats the thrill of open cockpit aviation and this is our most flexible voucher, valid at various aerodromes around the country.

You're strapped into your seat in the snug interior of the biplane ready for your flight. Then comes the almost theatrical performance of 'swinging the prop' - all necessary to get these marvellous old boys started and ready for take off. 'Switches off, fuel on, throttle closed, suck in', followed by 'contact'. Then with an almighty heave on the prop, the biplane's engine will burst into life, ready to take flight.

Even taxiing in biplanes like the Stampe or Tiger Moth is an art form, as the pilot weaves to and fro, craning their neck over the side of the fuselage, looking past the propellor, to see where you are going. It's hard to explain the exhilaration of take-off in biplanes like this, as it shudders and purrs, eager to get airborne, as you bump along the grass runway.

Once airborne, you'll find that, despite the open cockpit, the windscreen does a very good job of keeping the breeze to a minimum. By the time you're in level flight, you will have got used to the biplane's engine noise, which fades to a loud but comfortable rumble, as you cruise the skies over your chosen airfield in classic vintage style.

Your pilot will demonstrate a few gentle turns, before letting you take control of the wonderful biplane aircraft for yourself. Taking the flight controls, you'll soon discover only the lightest touch is needed to keep the wings straight and level, or maintain height through a turn. Just imagine all those young and eager RAF recruits training in these much-loved biplanes in the 30s and 40s.

Any signs of enthusiasm during these biplane flights will be more than likely met with the offer to demonstrate more exciting manoeuvres. We're even talking a loop (if the aircraft is cleared for aerobatics), making for a rather adrenaline-pumping finale to your first biplane aviation experience!

When Is It Available

• Weekdays and weekends between March and October *
• Dates and flight times are subject to availability at your chosen venue
• Experiences are subject to weather conditions

* Derbyshire: Friday, Saturday and Sunday's

Suitable For

Spectators

• Friends and family are welcome to come and watch, time can usually be made to pose for photographs

Anything Else

• All Tiger Moth and other vintage aircraft flights are operated by aeroclubs fully compliant with Civil Aviation Authority rules and regulations
• The flight times quoted are 'chock to chock', so run from taxiing out to when you stop after landing
• Facilities vary from site to site but most venues have a clubhouse where you can purchase snacks and refreshments
• Entry to IWM Duxford is included for participants if selecting this venue