HURRICANE SCHOOL

Interested in progressing from experienced pilot to Hurricane pilot? Explore the Harvard-to-Hurricane training pathway and discuss your flying background with the team. This page explains the preparation involved, the experience expected and the questions to consider before pursuing solo flight in a historic Hawker Hurricane.

Enquire about Hurricane pilot training

WHO IS HURRICANE TRAINING SUITABLE FOR?

This pathway suits qualified pilots with substantial flying experience who want to progress towards solo Hawker Hurricane flying. The entry criteria previously published on this page are:

For initial training we require “Minimum 450 hours PIC, SEP rating, Class 2 medical. Significant tailwheel experience preferred (ideally 100+ hours tailwheel, 10+ hours solo on a heavy tailwheel type). Prior warbird or high-performance taildragger experience will be considered on a case by case basis.”

The stated minimum requirements are 450 hours as pilot in command (PIC), an SEP rating and a Class 2 medical. The tailwheel figures are preferences, not stated minimum requirements. Ask the team to confirm the current criteria and assess your background before making training plans.

THE TRAINING PATHWAY: HARVARD TO HURRICANE

Harvard preparation is a step towards Hurricane conversion training. The programme described in the historical feature below includes further tailwheel, aerobatic or spin training where needed, followed by Harvard flying before progression to the Hurricane.

Read about Harvard conversion training, including tailwheel handling, energy management, cockpit management and emergency procedures. This warbird training develops relevant skills, but progression towards the Hurricane depends on the individual pilot’s experience and readiness.

The amount of preparation varies. The flying hours and personal accounts in the 2021 feature are historical examples, not a fixed course duration or a guarantee of solo flight. Confirm the training location and arrangements directly with the team.

TRAINING COSTS AND AVAILABILITY

The previously published programme information states:

Training is flown commercially in both the Harvard and the Hurricane, and represents a significant financial commitment. A minimum of five hours is required to secure a place on the Hurricane programme. Full costs are discussed individually with the Chief Pilot before training begins.

Ask the team for current costs, VAT treatment and availability. Confirm what the minimum five-hour commitment covers, which aircraft it applies to and how it relates to your individual training plan. This commitment does not promise completion of training or solo flight within five hours.

FLYING AFTER CONVERSION

The 2021 feature describes an intention to let pilots continue flying V7497 after solo conversion and maintain currency. Confirm the current access, currency requirements, costs and conditions with the team before relying on that opportunity.

THE STORY OF HURRICANE V7497

Historical feature: the people, preparation and aircraft behind the pathway. This page credits Ben Dunnell, Key.Aero, with the feature below, dated 2 September 2021. Its interview statements, approval and exclusivity claims, locations, ownership-share offer and references such as “now” or “currently” reflect the historical account; they do not confirm current course terms. Please enquire about current arrangements.