Classic warbird flight experiences
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THE BEST VALUE WARBIRD FLIGHTS IN THE UK!

About the 20-Minute Battle of Britain Flight – £519

T-6 Harvard warbird in flight over the countryside on a Battle of Britain flight

Travel back to the summer of 1940 with our Battle of Britain flight: a 20-minute warbird experience in a classic North American T-6 Harvard, complete with hands-on flying, combat manoeuvres and extreme aerobatics. This is a real flight in a real aircraft, not a simulator.

First, as the pilot taxis the aircraft, they’ll introduce the controls and show you their effects. You’ll sit in the rear cockpit with full dual controls and have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly the warbird yourself. Then feel what it’s like to pull up to 3g as your pilot simulates the combat of an aerial dogfight.

During the flight, your pilot will demonstrate what fighter pilots were taught in WW2, such as manoeuvring to evade an enemy gunsight and how to get back on the enemy’s tail. Not for the faint-hearted, the flight includes aerobatic manoeuvres such as aileron rolls, half Cuban eights, Derry turns and the loop, so you can feel what this fighter trainer is truly capable of. It’s ideal for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

What happens on the day of your Battle of Britain flight?

On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the team and meet your pilot instructor, who will give you a safety briefing. The flight lasts 20 minutes, beginning with the pilot taxiing the aircraft while introducing the flight controls. Once airborne, you’ll have the opportunity to fly the Harvard yourself with guidance from your instructor.

In addition, your pilot will demonstrate a series of extreme aerobatic manoeuvres. If at any time you’d rather not do aerobatics, just say so and enjoy a smooth, scenic flight instead. Please allow up to an hour for the full experience.

What’s included in the Battle of Britain flight

  • A 20-minute T-6 Harvard warbird flight with extreme aerobatics
  • The unique opportunity to fly in a classic warbird
  • Hands-on time at the controls: you fly the Harvard yourself
  • 1:1 tuition from an instructor pilot
  • A series of extreme aerobatic manoeuvres
  • A pre-flight safety briefing

Optional extras

Make your experience even more memorable with optional extras, which you can add when you book online:

  • HD flight video: take home a recording of your flight, provided on a USB stick after landing.
  • Smoke: a dramatic display that friends and family can enjoy from the ground.
  • Souvenir T-shirt: mark the occasion with one from our merchandise range.

Participant guidelines

  • Minimum age: 16
  • Maximum height: 6ft 5in
  • Maximum weight: 18 stone
  • The ability to climb into the aircraft unaided is essential
  • The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary

Where our Battle of Britain flights take off

We operate from UK airfields including Peterborough Conington, Old Warden and Fowlmere. Our booking calendar shows the available dates and locations. Friends and family are welcome to come along and watch from designated areas.

About our Harvard, “Wacky Wabbit”

Harvard G-BJST in RAF Desert Air Force markings as AJ841 Wacky Wabbit

The North American T-6 Harvard was the advanced trainer on which thousands of RAF and Commonwealth pilots learned to fly during the Second World War before moving on to Spitfires and Hurricanes. Our aircraft, G-BJST, is a Harvard 4 built in 1953 by the Canadian Car and Foundry Company. She served with the Italian Air Force, was painted as a Japanese Zero for the film Empire of the Sun, and now wears the markings of RAF Desert Air Force Harvard AJ841, “Wacky Wabbit”.

Read the full history of our Harvard G-BJST

Gift vouchers and booking

A Battle of Britain flight makes an unforgettable gift for aviation fans and history lovers. Your voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, so please book and take your experience before the expiry date. You can also transfer your voucher to someone else, provided the new passenger meets the participant guidelines.

This experience can be booked on selected weekends throughout the year. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to make sure dates are available. Please note that all bookings are subject to availability and exclusions may apply.

Battle of Britain flight FAQs

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing. The Harvard’s cockpit can get warm, so a light jacket is normally enough. Also, sunglasses and a cap can be useful.

Will I feel sick during the aerobatics?

Most customers are absolutely fine. However, aerobatics affect people differently. You can ask your pilot to stop the aerobatics at any time. If you’re concerned, ask your doctor or pharmacist about non-drowsy motion sickness medication before you fly.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the weather isn’t suitable for safe flying, we’ll postpone your flight and rebook it for another date.

Can friends and family watch?

Yes, from designated areas. Please don’t bring alcohol, dogs or other pets to the airfield.

Is there a longer Battle of Britain flight?

Yes. Our Battle of Britain White Cliffs Mission is a longer flight of 90 minutes or more. You can compare all our Battle of Britain experiences or read our full FAQ.