Business Details
Experience Vintage Aviation at IWM Duxford with Classic Wings
Established over 30 years ago, we are a family-run business dedicated to preserving aviation history through hands-on experiences. Our team meticulously restores and maintains a fleet of vintage aircraft, including Tiger Moths, Dragon Rapides, Harvards, and the iconic Spitfire. Operating from the historic IWM Duxford site, we offer tailored flight experiences for all ages, combining technical expertise with a passion for aviation. Our pilots and engineers bring decades of experience, ensuring every flight meets rigorous safety and authenticity standards. As the only operator offering two-seat Spitfire flights, we provide unparalleled access to one of aviation's most celebrated aircraft.Our commitment to excellence has earned us TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for three consecutive years. Guests enjoy free entry to IWM Duxford's extensive aviation exhibits, making this a unique day out. With over 9,000 guests annually from around the world, we continue to expand our fleet while maintaining our founding ethos of personal service and historical accuracy. Our training programs, including Spitfire pilot courses, have helped hundreds transition to commercial aviation careers.
Services
Tiger Moth Flights
Spitfire Flights
Wingwalking Experiences
Flight Training Courses
Gift Vouchers
Dragon Rapide Flights
Harvard Flights
Aerobatic Flights
Spitfire Training
Group Experiences
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years operating vintage aviation experiences at IWM Duxford
- Family-run business with in-house aircraft restoration expertise
- Only operator offering two-seat Spitfire flight experiences
- Free entry to IWM Duxford's aviation museum for voucher holders
- Tailored training programs developed by experienced warbird pilots
Associations and certifications
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
What people say
Bucket list experience
Excellent customer service
Authentic aviation history
Skilled pilots
Free museum entry
Services
Spitfire Flights
Experience the thrill of flying in the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, one of aviation's most celebrated fighter planes. Our two-seat Spitfire allows passengers to take flight controls under expert supervision. The 30-minute experience includes pre-flight safety briefings and hands-on flying time, with opportunities for aerobatic maneuvers. This unique opportunity combines historical significance with modern safety standards, offering an unforgettable journey through the skies above IWM Duxford's historic airfield.
Wingwalking Experiences
Challenge yourself with our exhilarating wingwalking experience on a vintage Boeing Stearman biplane. No prior experience is needed for this adrenaline-fueled adventure. Professional instructors guide you through comprehensive safety training before the 12-minute flight, which includes aerobatic maneuvers. The experience includes free entry to IWM Duxford's aviation museum. Participants must meet specific health and safety requirements, with qualified staff ensuring maximum safety throughout the experience.
Flight Training Courses
Develop essential tailwheel flying skills through our structured training programs. Courses range from introductory lessons in Tiger Moths to advanced Spitfire conversion training. The two-day introductory program includes ground school, simulator sessions, and dual flight instruction in multiple aircraft types. Our experienced instructors have trained hundreds of pilots, many of whom have progressed to commercial aviation careers. All training follows Civil Aviation Authority regulations while maintaining historical flying techniques.
Questions
What age requirements apply for flight experiences?
Passengers must be at least 18 years old for Spitfire flights. Wingwalking requires minimum age 18 and weight restrictions apply. No upper age limit for most flights.
Are flights available year-round?
Our flying season runs from March to October due to weather conditions. Specific dates vary annually based on airfield permissions and aircraft maintenance schedules.
Can I take photographs during flights?
Photography is permitted in most aircraft. The Spitfire cockpit accommodates cameras with safety straps. Professional photography services available for selected experiences.
What safety measures are in place?
All flights follow strict safety protocols with pre-flight briefings, safety equipment, and experienced pilots. Aircraft undergo regular maintenance to CAA standards. Emergency procedures explained before each flight.
Do gift vouchers have expiration dates?
Vouchers remain valid for 12 months from purchase date. Extensions available during periods of airfield closure or exceptional circumstances.
Reviews (4)
Mark Watson
Oct 22, 2021
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A truly awesome experience. As much as I'd love to go up in a Spitfire flying in a Tigermoth was absolutely exhilarating
Apart from what I was gifted and enjoyed immensely I must say that that staff are up and above some of the best I've ever come across making my experience even more enjoyable. Staff who work as hard as they do at Classic Wings make you want to come back time after time......as I will be
Thanks Brad (flight staff) and Andy (pilot) you are truly amazing at what you do
Fingers crossed, I'll be back soon
Apart from what I was gifted and enjoyed immensely I must say that that staff are up and above some of the best I've ever come across making my experience even more enjoyable. Staff who work as hard as they do at Classic Wings make you want to come back time after time......as I will be
Thanks Brad (flight staff) and Andy (pilot) you are truly amazing at what you do
Fingers crossed, I'll be back soon
Chris R.
Aug 23, 2021
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Excellent experiences and friendly staff. I've been over for numerous flights and even to one of their 'away days' when they took a couple of planes over to Oxford a few years back. The service is always exceptional and the added bonus of a photo or video of the day is a lovely add-on. They are also really on-it with their COVID procedures would have no issues recommending a visit, even during these uncertain times
Quinn Developments
Aug 13, 2021
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Great experience, the staff were lovely and the instructor Brian was brilliant, will definitely have another lesson here in the future!
Tom Mullen
Jan 01, 2020
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Good flight. I booked 4 months earlier but due to cancellations my company for some not very good reasons. It took me this long to get my flight.
Tips
Don't book a short flight which cost 99 . When it's about 45 on the day
For around the same air time . Remember if you do book . You will get a refund for any reason. After 14 day's.
Tips
Don't book a short flight which cost 99 . When it's about 45 on the day
For around the same air time . Remember if you do book . You will get a refund for any reason. After 14 day's.
