Description

Home to classics like Spitfires, a B17, the prototype Concorde and a Lockheed Blackbird, IWM Duxford is Britain’s largest living and working aviation museum – the perfect setting for flying a light aircraft. You begin on the ground with a briefing of flying techniques and safety, before climbing aboard a dual-controlled two-seater training plane with a fully qualified instructor. It’s then ‘chocks away’ for a 60 minute flight, during which (at the pilot’s discretion) you can take the controls and experience the joy of flying first-hand. Once safely back on the ground you can discover more about the craft you have flown, along with others like it, as the experience includes free entry into the museum itself.

Availability: Operates on Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday dates only during the season from February to October (when flights take place from Duxford). Weather: Flying is weather dependent and it is crucial you call the weather line (after 8.30am please) on the day of the flight. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, it will be re-booked for an alternative date or time. Duration: The flight lasts around 60 minutes from chocks-off to chocks-on. Please arrive 45 minutes before the allotted start time, or call the venue if delayed. Numbers On Day: The briefing may be shared, but only you and your qualified pilot are in the aircraft during the flight. The museum is very popular and can get busy on summer weekends and school holidays. Spectators: Visitors are welcome and can get half price entry rates to the museum. Please note that all spectators have to enter the museum to watch any take off. A camera and a pair of binoculars come in handy. Pets are not permitted at the airfield. Dress Code: Bring sunglasses and tie back long hair. Guidelines: Duxford is next to junction 10 of the M11 motorway, 48 miles from London, less than half an hour from the M25 and just down the dual carriageway from the A1. Once in the museum, go to the Classic Wings office next to the Control Tower (signposted). The main entrance and Classic Wings office are not close to each other, but there is a free on-site train. Restrictions: Maximum height is 6’4”. Maximum weight is 16 stone. There are no age restrictions. Disabled customers are welcome (depending on ability), but personal helpers must be on hand to assist the passenger in and out of the aircraft. Other Info: Flying time can count towards a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL). To qualify for a PPL you need 35 hours of dual control and 10 hours solo flying. MUST take the booking confirmation letter on the day in order to guarantee participation.

Location: Duxford, Cambridgeshire