FAQs

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE FAQs

Who operates the flights?

Our Hurricane flights are operated under the approvals of Propshop Limited, Building 425 Duxford Airfield, Cambs, CB22 4QR.

How do I book?

Once you have purchased the voucher through our website, get in touch via hello@hurricaneheritage.com with your requested date and time and we will get you booked in.

 

How long should I allow for the experience?

We recommend allowing four hours, as this leaves plenty of time for the safety briefing, the flight and of course some pictures at the end.

 

Do I need to book before the day, or can I just turn up?

We always recommend booking a specific date and time by emailing us. However, we can sometimes accommodate walk-in flights, but this will very much depend on aircraft and pilot availability.

 

Do I need to wear special clothing?

Wear normal comfortable clothing that allows free and easy movement. It is important to wear flat soled shoes with good grip. You will be provided with a flight suit to wear over your clothes, and safety equipment including a helmet and gloves.

 

What is included

The flight includes the following:

  • Pre-flight safety briefing
  • Loan of headset to allow communications with your pilot
  • Aerobatics at the pilot’s discretion
  • Access to the aircraft after your flight and the opportunity to take pictures
  • Free parking
  • Access to West London Aero Club and all its facilities including restaurant
  • Signed flight certificate

 

Am I allowed to take the controls?

Yes there will be the opportunity to take control, subject to your pilot’s discretion .

 

Are there restrictions on who can fly?

The maximum weight for any passenger is 220 pounds, and you will be weighed on the day of the flight. No passenger can be taller than 188cm / 6’2”.  We would recommend however, that if you are just below or on the maximum height or weight that you get in touch with us prior to booking, as an individual’s physicality can differ and each aircraft can vary in terms of space available.

No passenger will be allowed to fly if his/her dimensions do not allow unrestricted movement of the control column of the aircraft.

  • You must not drink alcohol or take any drugs prior to the flight.
  • The minimum age for a passenger is 18 years old, and we may require you to provide suitable proof of age.
  • We are not qualified to express an opinion confirming that you are fit to fly. You must ensure that you are fit to fly, by consulting your doctor if necessary. You are responsible for advising us of any disabilities or health problems that might affect your safety or the safety of the pilot.
  • Before the flight, you will be required to sign a Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent, Next of Kin and Consent Form regarding your fitness to fly. You must read this form carefully before arrival at our facilities. In particular, you must meet the requirements for driving a car or have written confirmation from a doctor that you are fit enough for the proposed flight.
  • You must have the mental capacity to remember some straightforward emergency procedures, and a degree of physical strength to execute them. By signing the Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent, Next of Kin and Consent Form you will acknowledge that you meet these requirements, and you may also need to satisfy our staff that you are a reasonably minded individual when presented with the information to make your decision to give written consent to undertake the flight.
  • If you are not feeling completely well on the day lig you must not undertake the flight. You must not undertake the flight if:
    • You are suffering from any serious medical condition (including epilepsy, fits, severe head injury, uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart condition)
    • You have recently undergone surgery (unless you bring with you a written certificate of your fitness to fly from your doctor)
    • You are on prescription medication which may affect your fitness to fly (please discuss with your doctor, as we are not qualified to advise on this)
    • You are suffering from a cold or sinus infection
    • You are pregnant
    • You are suffering from any condition affecting your breathing or consciousness
    • If you suffer from any of the following conditions or any of the following applies to you, you must, at your own cost, discuss with your doctor the possibility of undertaking the flight and obtain written confirmation of your fitness to fly:
    • Diabetes
    • Angina/coronary disease
    • Implanted cardiac devices
    • Heart failure
    • Cardiac valve replacement
    • Chronic lung disease
    • Pneumothorax
    • Recurrent fainting
    • Epilepsy
    • Cerebral disorders
    • Alcohol/substance misuse
    • Use of antidepressant medication
    • Psychotic disorders
    • Personality disorders
    • Physical disability (if relevant to your ability to undertake the flight)
    • Any transplant
    • Malignant disease
    • Medication likely to cause drowsiness or incapacitation
    • Sleep disorder
    • Endocrine disorder
    • Major surgery
    • You must be healthy and agile enough to climb into the aircraft and safely experience the dynamic nature of the flight.

 

Who maintains the aircraft?

The aircraft are maintained by the renowned Aircraft Restoration Company who employ some of the best vintage warbird engineers in the world.

 

When can I fly?

Our flying season runs from the beginning of April to the end of October. However if you have a special request please get in touch and we will try to help.

 

What happens if the aircraft is unable to fly?

If we experience any unforeseen technical issues and the flight is unable to take place we will offer you alternative dates.

 

What happens if the weather means I can’t fly?

If your flight cannot take place due to poor weather then we will offer you alternate dates and reschedule. We will always try and contact you the day before if we think there could be an issue, but if you hear nothing from us then please arrive for your scheduled flight time.

 

Are refreshments provided?

We will happily provide you with complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks.

 

Can I bring guests with me?

Yes of course, friends and family are more than welcome. They can watch you take off and land from the airfield’s viewing area.

 

Can I bring someone with a wheelchair?

Yes we are able to accommodate wheelchairs at our facilities and viewing spaces.

 

Are dogs allowed?

Yes well behaved dogs on leads are allowed at the airfield.

 

Do I need to make payment in full when I book a flight?

Yes full payment is required before booking the flight.

FIND HURRICANE HERITAGE

Hurricane Heritage runs flight operations from the beautiful and historic White Waltham Airfield.

The airfield has a long and illustrious history, dating back to 1935 when the de Havilland family acquired the land and formed the de Havilland School of Flying. Home to the Air Transport Auxiliary during the war, it's now a friendly and active aerodrome with great facilities.