Description
Dragon Rapide formation flight with a Spitfire over Cambridge
Fly in the Dragon Rapide, wing to wing with the iconic Spitfire one of the most famous aircraft in the world.
All the action takes place at IWM Duxford, Europe’s premier aviation museum, an important fighter base for the RAF, and home of the first Spitfire.
Spend the day immersed in the nostalgia of WWII and the Battle of Britain, surrounded by flying legends of the Second World War.
All the aircraft we fly on these events are genuine Second World War aircraft that would have participated in some way, either as fighters or trainers.
Choose from 3 exciting packages:
Squadron Leader
Flight duration : approx 30 minutes
Allow approx three hours for this experience
- 30 minute flight in the 1940s de Havilland Dragon Rapide
- A breathtaking flight in close formation, wing to wing with the Spitfire as she cruises alongside the Rapide
- Professional photo of you beside the Spitfire
- Stay the day to view IWM Duxford’s historic and rare aviation collection
Guests gather at the Classic Wings Booking Office on the flightline. Duxford is a live, working airfield so you never know what you might see flying on the day.
Highlight of the day is your 30 minute flight in the de Havilland Dragon Rapide, during which you will fly wing to wing with the Spitfire as she flies alongside in close formation with you, giving you the chance for some stunning air-to-air photography. You’ll even be close enough to wave to the pilot!
The Rapide is a fitting aircraft from which to see the Spitfire, being an aircraft used extensively the Second World War and renowned for her grace and reliability. Every seat has a window guaranteeing you suberb views of the Spitfire
After your flight, collect the photo of you taken beside the Spitfire.
Wing Commander
Flight duration : approx 40 minutes
Allow four hours for this experience.
UPGRADE to the Wing Commander Package to enjoy everything in the Squadron Leader Package PLUS the additional benefits of:
- A 40 minute flight in the Rapide taking in the City of Cambridge
- A celebratory glass of champagne
- A ground viewing of the Spitfire for a close-up view of this iconic aircraft giving you the opportunity to walk round and photograph every aspect of the aircraft
- Meet the pilot – find out more about these historic aircraft and the skills required to fly them
- Lunch in the ‘Workshop’ restaurant
Guests gather at the Classic Wings Booking Office located on the flightline from where you can see all aircraft taking off and landing at Duxford.
Pose next to the Spitfire for a professional photo
Highlight of the day is your 40 minute flight in the de Havilland Dragon Rapide, during which you will fly wing to wing with the Spitfire as she cruises alongside and flies in close formation with you, displaying on both sides of the aircraft. You will fly gently over the historical City of Cambridge and surrounding countryside in the Dragon Rapide until a roar of the Merlin engine heralds the arrival of the iconic warbird beside you – a magical moment!
Every seat in the Rapide has a window, giving you the chance for some stunning air-to-air photography as you cruise over the Cambridgeshire countryside, dotted with ex RAF wartime bases.
The Rapide is a fitting aircraft from which to see the Spitfire as she flies alongside, being an aircraft used extensively in the Second World War and renowned for her grace and reliability.
After your flight, meet back at the Classic Wings office for a celebratory glass of champagne and collect your photo.
You’ve seen the Spitfire in the air and now is the chance for a ground viewing and close-up view of both aircraft, giving you the rare opportunity to walk round and photograph every aspect of the aircraft.
You will meet the Spitfire pilot who will talk to you about these historic aircraft and what it takes to fly them. Find out first hand how exciting it is to be at the controls of Britain’s most well known aircraft.
Finally, enjoy a private guided tour of one of Duxford’s exhibition hangars
Lunch at ‘The Workshop’ restaurant is included in your package and friends and family can join you if they wish to buy lunch.
Stay the day to view IWM Duxford’s historic and rare aviation collection covering over 85 acres – 7 impressive hangars filled with extraordinary aircraft, interactive exhibitions, conservations hangars, and excellent facilities.
Air Commodore
Flight duration : approx 40 mins in the Rapide,
20 mins in the Tiger Moth
Allow a full day for this very special experience
UPGRADE to the Air Commodore Package to enjoy everything in the Wing Commander Package PLUS the additional benefits of:
- A flight in the Tiger Moth, the RAF’s training aircraft for Spitfire pilots Don the leather helmet, jacket and goggles and on this flight you get to take the controls!
- An additional photograph of you in the Tiger Moth
- Video of your flight in the Tiger Moth
- Log Book style record of your flight
- An informal viewing of one of Duxford’s exhibition hangars
Guests gather at the Classic Wings Booking Office on the flightline of Duxford’s runway. This area has superb views over the airfield and runway, and is a great place to watch as aircraft take off and land.
Highlight of the day is your 40 minute flight in the de Havilland Dragon Rapide, during which you will fly wing to wing with the Spitfire as she cruises alongside and flies in close formation with you, displaying on both sides of the aircraft. You will fly gently over the Cambridgeshire countryside in the Dragon Rapide until a roar of the Merlin engine heralds the arrival of the iconic warbird beside you – a magical moment!
Every seat in the Rapide has a window, giving you the chance for some stunning air-to-air photography as you cruise over the Cambridgeshire countryside, dotted with ex RAF wartime bases.
The Rapide is a fitting aircraft from which to see the Spitfire as she flies alongside, being an aircraft used extensively in the Second World War and renowned for her grace and reliability.
Having seen the Spitfire in action in the air, you now have the opportunity to see the aircraft up close and personal during a ground viewing and walk around of both the Spitfire and the Rapide. Take photographs, examine the cockpit, look at the instruments and ask any questions you like.
Both pilots will meet with you to talk about these historic aircraft and what it takes to fly them. Find out first hand how exciting it is to be at the controls of Britain’s most well- known aircraft.
Relax at ‘The Workshop’ restaurant for lunch. Friends and family are welcome to join you if they wish to buy their own lunch.
Time for your second flight – and this time you will be in the front seat. After a briefing from your instructor you will fly in a Tiger Moth, the RAF’s training aircraft for Spitfire pilots. Don the leather jacket helmet and goggles and imagine yourself as a wartime pilot getting your first taste of flying. On this 20 minute flight you get to take the controls!
Take home a Video of your Tiger Moth flight
Pose for a photo seated in the Tiger Moth, ready for action.
Your instructor will give you a Pilot’s Log Book style record of your flight
Finally, it’s back to the Flight Line for a celebratory glass of champagne, where the pilots will sign your certificate if you wish, and you can collect the photo of you taken beside the Spitfire, plus your photo of you seated in the Tiger Moth, ready for action in helmet, jacket and goggles.
If there’s any time left after all that, you are free to explore IWM Duxford’s historic and rare aviation collection covering over 85 acres – 7 impressive hangars filled with extraordinary aircraft, interactive exhibitions, conservations hangars, and land warfare collections.
SMALL PRINT
Availability
Dates are limited and the experience usually takes place on alternate weekends from March to October.
Spectator Information
Please note spectators must enter the Imperial War Museum to watch the activities, but will receive a 50% discount on the usual entrance fee.
Restrictions
Max weight: 18stone. Min age: 14 Max age: none. Passengers must be able to climb up 3 steps to get into the Rapide and (for the Air Commodore package only) must be able to step onto the wing to climb into the cockpit of the Tiger Moth.
Clothing Required
Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes.
Weather Restrictions
All flights are weather dependent and therefore subject to suitable flying conditions. If a flight has to be cancelled it will be rebooked for an alternative date, which must be within 12 months of the cancellation date.
Other Information
Vouchers are strictly non-refundable unless returned within 14 days of purchase.
The Aircraft
The Spitfire used on the day may not necessarily be that pictured in our promotional material