Biggin Hill Spitfire Flights out of ex-RAF Biggin Hill fighter base | Prices From £2,975.00 (2024)

What's Included

We know how important organising your Spitfire flight is. Don't hesitate to contact us by email anytime or by 'phone and chat during office hours if you'd like us to help with flight availability, times, dates and so on.

YourBiggin Hill Spitfire flight with factory tour:

  • Unique flight experience in the rear seat of a combat veteran MKIX two-seater Spitfire
  • Four exciting flight options to choose from:

'Weald of Kent'

  • 30 minute flight(approximately 20 minutes airborne)

'Leeds Castle'

  • 35 minute flight(approximately 25 minutes airborne)

'Beachy Head'

'White Cliffs of Dover'

  • 55 minute flight(approximately 45 minutes airborne)

(More info on the extendedBeachy Head and the White Cliffs of Dover flight paths )

All Biggin Hill Spitfire experiences include:

  • A detailed pre-flight briefing covering the aircraft, equipment and in flight safety procedures
  • Approximately 10 minutes for preparation, taxiing and pre-flight safety checks
  • Tour of theSpitfire Factoryfor the pilot and up to four guests
  • Unlimited guest spaces, giving you access to the garden area, viewing platform and 1940's style dispersal lounge
  • Q+A session with the hangar team with close up access to the aircraft being restored
  • Take off from Ex RAF Spitfire Station Biggin Hill and fly over Kent's 'Battle of Britain Country'
  • Feel and experience the effects of your hands on the controls (at the pilot's discretion)
  • All flights include the opportunity to do Victory Rolls and other manoeuvres
  • Hear radio commentary from your pilot, air traffic control and ground crew
  • In-flight video recording of the flight on SD card
  • Flight debrief and opportunity to take photographs with the aircraft
  • Souvenir flight certificate, flight suit patch and pilot notes to take home
  • Helmet, flight suit and parachute are provided for the flight
  • Allow spending up to four hours at the venue
  • Complimentary premium gift packaging from Into The Blue

Want to see the Battle of Britain Spitfires keep flying? Support the BBMF Memorial Flight with ourexclusive membership gift packs available online.

What Can I Expect

Biggin Hill Spitfire flights - two-seater Spitfire flights with a factory tour included! These very special experiences operate out of former RAF Biggin Hill, one of the principal fighter bases of the Battle of Britain in WW2.

We are very proud to be able to offer these incredible Spitfire flights at Biggin. We often talk of 'once in a lifetime' opportunities and these two seater Spitfire flights really do fall into that category.

So what about the Spitfire you'll be flying in? Well, Spitfires with two seats are incredibly rare. Over 20,000 single seat Spitfires were built, with only a few dozen remaining airworthy today. After WW2, creators Supermarine modified a handful of Mark IX Spitfires into two seaters, called TR9s. The Spitfire Factory at Biggin Hill counts several fully-restored two-seater Spitfires on the flying roster.

You could be flying in G-BMSB (serial number MJ627, code Q-9G). Resplendent in her invasion stripes, this Spitfire has an amazing log book. She flew numerous ground attack, bomber escort and patrol missions during WW2. That includes being credited with the downing of an enemy Messerschmitt Bf 109 on September 27th 1944.

After being damaged and put into storage, the aircraft was bought by Vickers Armstrong in 1950. MJ627 was one of the Spitfires converted to a TR9 and sent to the Irish Air Corps, before retiring in 1960. The Bayliss family breathed life into the old girl, when she was fully restored and took to the skies again in 1993, exactly 50 years since she first flew.

Imagine what it'll be like to sit under your bubble canopy in the rear co*ckpit, waiting with bated breath as the Merlin engine kicks into life on the apron. You can choose from a flight over the Weald of Kent, Leeds Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover, or Beachy Head for these amazing Spitfire flights out of Biggin Hill.

Whichever flight path you head out on, we're sure the day you got to fly in a TR9 Spitfire out of historic Biggin Hill and through the Kentish skies, will be indelibly inscribed in your mind and your heart forever. Buy your voucher for your very special two-seater Biggin Hill Spitfire flight online now.

Availability

  • Flights generally operate out of London's Biggin Hill Airport 7 days a week all year round
  • Sessions usually start at 08.00 and 12.00
  • Other bespoke times may be arranged but may be subject to an additional fee
  • All Flights and routes are subject to weather conditions, aircraft serviceability and air traffic
  • Aircraft MJ627 / G-BMSB is normally used for flights, however the operator reserves the right to use other two seat Spitfires

Location

• The historic ex WW2 RAF Spitfire base at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent
• The airport is easily reached from London and the M25

Suitable For

  • Flying in a Spitfire carries certain elements of risk which will be clearly explained prior to your flight, on the day you'll also be shown a detailed video explaining these risks, if you decide not to proceed or cannot fit safely inside the co*ckpit you can exchange your experience or request a refund
  • Minimum age is 18
  • There's no maximum age limit however you need to be healthy and agile enough to climb into the aircraft and safely experience the dynamic nature of the flight - if you have any concerns over your suitability you should consult your GP
  • You should not participate if you are on prescription medication, suffering from a cold, are pregnant or suffering from any condition affecting your breathing or consciousness
  • A maximum weight limit of 108 kilos (238 lb) applies and you will be weighed on the day
  • The aircraft can usually accommodate passengers up to 6'6"
  • Passengers dimensions must allow unrestricted movement of the control column
  • The operator reserves the right to refuse the flight if for any reason they feel you are unsuitable to participate
  • Please do not drink alcohol prior to the flight

Spectators

  • Up to 4 guests can accompany you on yourSpitfire Factory Tour
  • Observe the engine start up and shut down of the aircraft
  • Additional tour spaces can be booked in advance or on the day for £39 per person
  • Unlimited guest spaces, giving you access to the garden area, viewing platform and 1940's style dispersal lounge
  • Sorry - no pets allowed

Anything Else

  • Biggin Hill Spitfire flights are fully approved by the CAA as a flight experience
  • Youcan extend the duration of your flight or add a formation chase plane directly with the operator, additional charges will apply
  • Hand held cameras are not permitted however on-board video recordings of the flight are taken (content of video recordings cannot be guaranteed)
  • You and your guests may be joining a small group of other VIP visitors on the day
  • Pre flight briefings are usually delivered as part of a small group, all flights are conducted exclusively 1:1
  • You should wear clothing suitable for fitting beneath a flight suit and sturdy footwear e.g. boots or training shoes, leather soled shoes are not suitable
  • Biggin Hill is also home to St Georges RAF Chapel of Remembrance, entrance is free and makes a fantastic addition to your day (opening times vary)
  • Additional bespoke flight options can be arranged e.g another guest flying alongside in formation with the Spitfire or exclusive celebrations or corporate events. Please contact us with your requirements
Biggin Hill Spitfire Flights out of ex-RAF Biggin Hill fighter base | Prices From £2,975.00 (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to fly a Spitfire at Biggin Hill? ›

Biggin Hill Spitfire Flights out of ex-RAF Biggin Hill fighter base | Prices From £2,975.00.

How much does a flight in a Spitfire cost? ›

How much does it cost to fly in a Spitfire? The entry price for our standard experience is £2,975.00. This 30-minute experience (minimum 20 minutes airborne) can be extended by purchasing additional flight time. See our website booking facility for further details.

How much did the Spitfire cost? ›

How much did a Spitfire cost during World War II? How many were built in total and how many are left today? The Merlin-powered Spitfire took 13,000 man-hours to produce and cost the equivalent today of £12,604 for each aircraft. Today that would equate to just under £800,000 for each Spitfire produced or $972.774.

Why are Spitfire flights so expensive? ›

Understand that a Spitfire consumes a lot of Aviation Gasoline, and that maintaining, hangaring, and insurance for such a legendary aircraft is eye wateringly expensive.

How many original Spitfires are still flying? ›

It was the only British fighter produced continuously throughout the war. The Spitfire remains popular among enthusiasts. Around 70 remain airworthy, and many more are static exhibits in aviation museums throughout the world.

Can you pay to go in a fighter jet? ›

take to the skies in an authentic military jet

Jetify offer the unique opportunity to fly a genuine military fighter plane across several countries worldwide. An experience comparable to nothing else, you will be feel what very few people in the world will ever feel; adrenaline in its purest form.

How much is a Spitfire worth today? ›

People who had the money to buy a Spitfire in 2019 now can't afford one. What was a restored, but not 100 per cent original, £2.8m Spitfire back in 2019 is now £3.5m. There's around 70 airworthy Spitfires globally. “MH415 is an expensive airplane at £4.5m.

Can you buy a flight in a Spitfire? ›

If you've always wished for a flight in a Spitfire, we can make your dream a reality. Enjoy the flight of a lifetime in the worlds most famous aircraft. RAF Horsham St Faith (Norwich Airport). “Brilliant is an understatement!

Can you own a Spitfire? ›

As a light aviation pilot flying a Spitfire is top of the bucket list. Flying these warbirds is almost impossible unless you're one of the small number of people that are in the right groups with the right experience to do it. The only real option if you want to fly one is to buy one.

What celebrity owns a Spitfire? ›

Brad Pitt is an accomplished pilot and in addition to having mastered the more common or garden aircraft, he owns a World War II-era Supermarine Spitfire.

Was it hard to fly a Spitfire? ›

Basically, the Spitfire has no vices, and it really is very pleasant and easy to fly. The controls are so light and powerful that it feels as though your hand is hardly moving on the stick if you throw the aircraft around.

Were Spitfires better than German planes? ›

Although RAF Hurricane fighters shouldered a greater burden against the Luftwaffe, the Spitfire's superior performance gave it a far higher victory-to-loss ratio against the German aircraft, mainly Messerschmitt Bf 109E-series fighters.

How many Spitfires are left today? ›

How many Spitfire planes from World War II are still in existence? Out of a total production of 20,351, there are approximately 240 left. About 60 are airworthy.

What is the rarest Spitfire? ›

Spitfire AA810 is one of the rarest of the breed, and was typical of the other aircraft on the unit in that it was flown by a number of different pilots through its operational history.

What is the largest plane that can land at Biggin Hill? ›

The CAA has classed Biggin Hill's runway as a Cat 3, which means that aircraft with a wingspan not exceeding 36 metres can operate at Biggin Hill. This outlaws Jumbo jets but will allow smaller jets for example, Boeing 737 – 500 series, Airbus A319 and 320 aircraft to name a few.

Does Biggin Hill do commercial flights? ›

London Biggin Hill Airport (IATA: BQH, ICAO: EGKB) is a minor commercial airport serving Biggin Hill in the London Borough of Bromley, located 12 NM (22 km; 14 mi) south-southeast of Central London. It specialises in general aviation, handling a spectrum of traffic from private aviation to large business jets.

Can you go for a flight in a Spitfire? ›

A Spitfire experience day is a unique opportunity to fly in a vintage Spitfire aircraft, either as a passenger or as a pilot. Such an experience offers the one-of-a-kind thrill of flying in one of the most iconic aeroplanes of World War II.

Can you watch planes at Biggin Hill? ›

This café is situated at Biggin Hill airport and has the added bonus of an outside seating area with great views of planes landing/taking off. So take your binoculars or camera if...

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