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Harvard and Spitfire Flying Experience from Duxford

Harvard and Spitfire Flying Experience from Duxford
Harvard and Spitfire Flying Experience from Duxford
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Details for the Harvard and Spitfire Flying Experience from Duxford

Product ID: 11855

This most evocative of vintage flying experiences will transport you back to a golden age of military aircraft - the 1940s - with a warbird flight that’ll see you in a Harvard military plane, flying in formation alongside a Spitfire WWII plane from Duxford. The home of the Imperial War Museum, Duxford is by far the best setting from which to experience flying in these legendary aircraft, as the site itself is the museum, as well as the 200 different aircraft, military vehicles, artillery and small naval vessels that are on exhibition there. Your pre-flight briefing will actually take place in the original control tower that was used during wartime, so you’ll get to take in the full scope of the runways and aprons. After this, you’ll head on over to the magnificent Harvard. Originally constructed in 1943 by Noorduyn Aviation, this Harvard - code name FE992 - has a rich and varied service record, including time with the RCAF, as well as time in Sweden, Norway and Lebanon. It was used for civil aviation - mainly air show displays - from the mid 1980s until 2001. Its livery is Canadian “training yellow” with the distinctive red cowling and black anti-glare strip, just as the ones used in advanced trainers in WWII. Even stepping into the cockpit gives a sense of what those fighter pilots must have felt, the sheer nerves and adrenaline whilst waiting for take off. Once in flight, you’ll get to take the controls on this warbird, so this experience is very much a lesson as it is a flying experience. With the Merlin engine roaring, as you crane your neck to see the iconic Spitfire zooming into view beside you. Seeing the air-to-air view as you fly side by side is something military aviation enthusiasts are unlikely to forget for a very long time. Once the formation is over, you’ll head back to base, and as you land, you’ll be able to reflect on what a special moment you’ve been part of. Your time on-site will then include your own private guided tour of the Imperial War Museum - so not only will you have flown in a vintage North American warbird, but you’ll have got up close to a British one too!

  • Valid for 12 months
  • Cambridgeshire
  • Flexible Booking
  • Gift Pack Options
  • Free Exchanges
  • Instant Delivery

What a fantastic day for all of us young and old thank you so much

Reviewed by: Michael Clarke

A fantastic day. Flying in the Harvard was marvellous, but when the Spitfire joined the flight and performed manoeuvres around us it was truly magical. An experience that will never be forgotten.

Reviewed by: Andrew Turner

Overview

  • Fly in formation with a Spitfire from Duxford
  • You will be the passenger in a vintage Harvard
  • Welcome and reception in the 1940s control tower
  • A full ground briefing from your Harvard pilot

    • Frequently Asked Questions - Flying Experience Experiences
    • Do I need any experience to take part in a flying experience?
    • No prior experience is required. All flights are conducted with a qualified instructor or pilot.
    • What is included in a flying experience?
    • Most experiences include a pre-flight briefing and time in the air, with the opportunity to take the controls under supervision.
    • How long does a flying experience last?
    • Flight times vary depending on the package, typically ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour.
    View All Flying Experience FAQs
    • Flying in a Harvard in formation with a Spitfire:
      • Check in with Classic Wings at their office on the flightline
      • Meet and greet at the Spitfire with a walk around the aircraft
      • A flight experience in the T6 Harvard where your pilot will demonstrate the controls and then give you the chance to take control yourself
      • During the flight you will join in formation with a Mk IX Spitfire and then chase across the skies above Duxford
      • Listen in on the inflight radio communications between both pilots and air traffic control
      • Guided tour of Hangar 3, which incorporates WWII aircraft and other world war machines
      • Whole-day access to the 300 acre IWM Duxford to view the historic and rare aviation collection
      • Souvenir photograph alongside the Spitfire
      • The Harvard flight duration is 30 minutes in total, during which you will be joined by the Spitfire flying alongside. (All flight times are 'chock to chock')
      • Allow three hours for this experience plus the rest of the day to view the huge exhibition hangars which make up the Museum
      • Voucher holders also get free entry to IWM Duxford with discounted entrance for accompanying friends and family.
      • A visit to Duxford is a day out in itself, so leave plenty of time to look around.
      • You are welcome to bring friends and family along; however, they will need to enter the museum to view the flight.
      • Entry to IWM Duxford is compulsory for participants and accompanying guests. Guests will enjoy half-price entry to the site, and children under 5 go free.
      • There are a number of cafes on site.
      • Maximum weight 18 stone
      • Minimum age 16, maximum age 80
      • You must be agile enough to step up onto the wing and climb into the cockpit.
      • Weekends and selected weekdays from mid-March through to mid-November
      • All flights are weather-dependent, but don't worry if your flight is cancelled, you can rebook for a convenient time

      Location:

      • IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire
      • The venue is just off the M11, making it easily accessible from London.
      • Minimum Age: 16 years
      • This product is not eligible for promotional discount codes.

    •   1 Location in the UK

      • Cambridgeshire
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    Restrictions

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    Customer Reviews for the Harvard and Spitfire Flying Experience from Duxford

    What a fantastic day for all of us young and old thank you so much

    Reviewed by: Michael Clarke

    A fantastic day. Flying in the Harvard was marvellous, but when the Spitfire joined the flight and performed manoeuvres around us it was truly magical. An experience that will never be forgotten.

    Reviewed by: Andrew Turner

    A truly unique experience that I will treasure forever, Always had a love for flying and the spitfire so the chance to fly with one was just amazing, Everyone was very knowledgeable and experienced and plenty of time was given to provide background and insight. Would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by: Paul Hewitt

    Amazing

    Reviewed by: Alan Steadman

    Good Morning Into the blue.I had a really good experience, the whole day was fantastic.Everyone we met were very friendly and explained everything.To actually fly alongside a Spitfire was a dream from childhood, I want to say thanks to everyone involved.

    Reviewed by: Wayne Brewster

    A superb, once in a lifetime, experience. All the staff were friendly and professional and I would not hesitate to recommend the experience to anyone.

    Reviewed by: David Warner

    This was even better than I expected, and I was already very excited to do it. We had a warm welcome from the ground crew, and a clear safety briefing, before meeting the extremely friendly pilots. The spitfire stayed near our plane for much longer than I expected, and literally flew all around us beside, in front, peeling away and coming back, flying underneath us and above. It was so beautiful, and quite a moving experience. The airfield has lots to explore too, and I would highly recommend this to anyone it was a fantastic day

    Reviewed by: Kathryn G 07 October 2026

    What a fantastic day,more than I expected ,well organised,friendly wecoming staff,video and picture with the Spitfire ,de brief with the pilotes ,working hanger tour organised. Loved it and will cherish the day and experience,thankyou .

    Reviewed by: Simon Waite 07 October 2026

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