| Posted: July 20, 2016
Exeter aviation buffs with a few thousand pounds to spend can now fly in a SPITFIRE above the stunning countryside of Devon.
The Boultbee Flight Academy, the world's only Spitfire Flying School, have announced that they will be operating Spitfire passenger flights from Exeter this September. For the first time ever members of the public will have the chance to get behind the controls of the iconic aircraft as it flies over the stunning Devon countryside and coastline.
The Boultbee Flight Academy, the world's only Spitfire Flying School, have announced that they will be operating Spitfire passenger flights from Exeter this September. For the first time ever members of the public will have the chance to get behind the controls of the iconic aircraft as it flies over the stunning Devon countryside and coastline.
image:
http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/binaries/Spitfires%20Credit%20-%20Richard%20Paver.jpg
Exeter Airport will once again hear the roar of the famous
Merlin engine as Spitfires take to the skies as they did in WW2 when the
airport, then named RAF Exeter, was an active operational fighter base.
The
public will not only have the opportunity to fly in the Boultbee Flight
Academy two seat Spitfire SM520 but some will even have the chance to
fly in this Spitfire as it flies in formation with another single seat
Spitfire RR232 aptly named 'City of Exeter'.
The 'City of Exeter' Spitfire was built from a single rivet by Exeter based 'Tool Care Hire' owner Martin Philips.
image:
http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/binaries/Martin%20Phillips%20in%20his%20workshop.jpg
A 30 minute flight experience over Exeter and the surrounding area in formation with the 'City Of Exeter' will cost £3,850.
There
is also the option of a cheaper 30 minute 'Spitfire over Exeter' flight
experience, where you are not part of a formation, for £2,950.
image: http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/binaries/Credit%20-%20John%20Dibbs.jpg
The description for the experience adds: "You
will be given briefings about the facility, the aircraft, the flying
equipment you'll be wearing such as helmets, flight suits and
parachutes, and you'll watch a video that explains the risks of flying a
vintage warbird such as the Spitfire.
"You'll
meet your pilot and discuss with him what you'd like to do on your
flight be it a sightseeing tour or some aerobatics, or a bit of both.
"Then
it will be time to strap into the aircraft, experience the Rolls-Royce
Merlin start, and then taxy out for pre-flight checks and take-off.
"This
experience will see you flying one of the Academy's Spitfire TR9's
around the Devon area. En route you'll enjoy the sight of the Spitfire's
famous elliptical wing passing over green and pleasant land, and
Devon's beaches and if you elected to try some aerobatics you'll marvel
at the power, manoeuvrability and grace of this aircraft that is over 70
years old."
Devon born Matt Jones, Managing Director of Boultbee Flight Academy and Spitfire Pilot, said:
'Having
been to School in Exeter it's great to be able to bring the Spitfires
down to the City this summer especially given the airport's history as
an operational Battle of Britain base. It's even more special to be
flying the 'City of Exeter' Spitfire offering people the once in a
lifetime chance to be part of a Spitfire formation.'
image: http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/binaries/Credit%20-%20Richard%20Paver%20(2).jpg
Martin Phillips, Owner of 'City of Exeter Spitfire' added:
'Having
been born and educated in Exeter I look forward to sharing my dreams
and aspirations with the lucky few who will participate. It gives me
great pleasure to return this iconic silhouette to our Devon skies. The
'City of Exeter' Spitfire will be joined shortly by our twin seat
project Spitfire MK IX BS410.'
Watch a video of Prince Harry flying one of the Spitfires below:
Read more at http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/you-can-now-fly-a-real-life-spitfire-over-exeter/story-29532435-detail/story.html#cTgjUHgmuJMP38QO.99
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