It’s difficult to imagine how young British pilots would have felt before embarking on their life-or-death missions in World War II. According to a pilot who flew in the Battle of Britain — the Royal Air Force flying ace Douglas Bader, “Like the Spitfire it was immensely strong: a pilot had no need to fear the danger of pulling the wings off, no matter how desperate the situation became.” The closest adventurers can get to this feeling now would be to experience a piloted flight in a WWII Spitfire. While flying in this iconic plane, thrill seekers can feel the engine vibrations coursing through their bodies and hear the rushing wind over the canopy.    

An unmissable experience for history buffs, this once-in-a-lifetime flight in a WWII Spitfire provides 30 minutes of chock-to-chock passenger flight, with 20 minutes airborne. Adrenaline junkies can hear the roar of the Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine and witness the incredible views around them as they soar through the sky — the location has no commercial traffic. The Spitfire will be piloted by a current or ex-RAF pilot, ensuring the safety of the flight. This experience is available in either Epping or Salisbury, England.   

The Spitfire’s main purpose was to serve as an interceptor during the Battle of Britain of World War II. To do this, it utilized a powerful Merlin engine and a light airframe. The Spitfire, which first flew in 1936, was a plane that could rapidly gain altitude and proceed to defend British airspace from German Messerschmitt Bf 109 planes. The Spitfire’s chief designer, R.J. Mitchell, designed the iconic elliptical wing to minimize induced drag and allow the plane to turn quickly.   

This adrenaline-fueled flight in a Spitfire begins with a full safety briefing and an extensive introduction to the aircraft. There is ample time to try on the flight suit, parachute, gloves, and boots. Then, the passenger will be introduced to an experienced pilot, who will explain further details about the flight, such as the route. Passengers can watch and listen to the roaring sound of earlier flights, while they are waiting their turn to fly.   

Once strapped into the Spitfire, prepare for takeoff. Passengers can pore over the full instrumentation in front of them as the plane taxis toward the end of a grass runway. This flight in a Spitfire has the option of being fully aerobatic. Flying from Epping allows adventure seekers to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing with a couple of victory rolls over the cliffs of Dover. To top it off, there is the option to take control of the plane for a few minutes. The Spitfire is responsive to any change of direction, making it truly enjoyable to fly.   

Back on solid ground, passengers are greeted once again by the friendly team at Aero Legends. The aerodrome is spacious, so it is encouraged to invite friends and family to witness the flight. Spitfire passengers receive a Squadron Print signed by the pilot after the flight, ending the day on a high note with unforgettable memories of the experience. 

This flight in a WWII Spitfire is a rare opportunity to turn back the clock in one of only 53 airworthy models left in the world. In the Second World War, the Spitfire took to the skies to protect Great Britain from enemy forces. Now, this famous plane is an established symbol of heroism, defiance, and freedom.