Aerial Collective Duxford Reviews 

It was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life! If you've considered it but are still trying to decide whether to take the plunge, all I can say is do it! The Aerial collective team know that it’s a big commitment and they make the day feel special.

George, Selma and Jonny clearly love aviation as much as you do and we had a great time chatting away with them as we waited for my turn enjoying, our own little air show from Aerial collective dispersal yard. Positioned just near the end of the runway, all the warbirds flying out of Duxford taxied and took off right in front of us.

I couldn’t have asked for a better Pilot than Willy Hackett. Incredibly friendly and in a way that inspires confidence and puts you at ease. I got some time behind the stick, which is an experience I will never forget.

I asked the team if I could try and replicate a photo of my grandfather taken in 1944 and they couldn’t have been more supportive. They got me in the front seat and wheeled the steps  around to the front of the aircraft to match the photo angle. All the time  checking the original “put the door down, that’s down in the original. Googles up or down? Do a quick check again”. I think they wanted to get it right more than I did!

So to Willy, George, Selma, Jonny and the rest of the Aerial collective team, thank you for one of the best days of my life!!

If you have never done this experience. I beg you to do it, you will not be disappointed with the fantastic team at Aerial Collective.
I choose the Spitfire experience and after 1 aborted attempt due to cross winds and rain I was rebooked onto another day 30/10 /24 by Jack. He did a great job in answering my many questions. Jack called me on the 29th and confirmed that we would be good to fly on 30th.
30th October started overcast and dry but also with breaks in the cloud cover revealing blue sky, and a sun trying to find a way through. I was met in the Duxford shop by George whom I instantly warmed to. Keen to ask me why I choose a Spitfire experience and a host of other questions. George also undertook my briefing. The briefing contained some serious safety information all delivered in a calm, but authoritative manner. George really knows his stuff, Thank you George for explaining to me about the Spitfire evacuation procedures. I'll never forget the D ring on the bunny ears! Briefing complete and signed off, George escorted me across the apron to the their outdoor office to get kitted up and to meet lisa and my pilot Dave "Rats" Ratcliffe.
lisa helped to calm my nerves with a piece of lemon cake and tea while George sorted out a flying suit and helmet. Rat's talked me through what we would be doing, where we would be flying and if I was up for in some areobatics- bring it on! Lisa took me out to my chariot , PT462 (read about her on the website) belted me in, reminded me about the D ring and bunny ears, and then left me with Rats. Rats is a wonderful pilot. Talked me through the many manoeuvres each time before we did them. We laughed, we wooped, we looped the loop, we victory rolled as we swept through the Cambridgshire sky. all so soon it was time to do one beat up of Duxford airfield before coming into land. A perfect 3 pointer.
I can't thank George, lisa, and Rat's enough for making my time so special with them. I was a wonderful experience and will be back before too long I hope. Book it now, you know you want to.

Arriving at Aerial Collective I was made very welcome prior to a comprehensive and detailed briefing before kitting up and inspecting the Blenheim 1. The Blenheim was in stunning condition, clean and bright, the restoration was impecable. After getting in to the observers seat and another briefing the engines were started, more checks, and we were off. The flight was in changable weather with sunshine, clouds and a hint of showers. The design of the Blenheim means sunlight poors into the cockpit with the result the video of flying around the cumulus was spectacular. Back on ground more ground photographs were taken and a small debrief and a discussion undertaken around 139 Squadron who flew the Blenheim. The whole experience was very emotional but enormous fun. The professionalism of all those I met was so nice to see and their welcome and help was greatly enjoyed. I could have spent all day with all the crew but unfortunately they had things to do and it was the end of the day after all. A brilliant day.

What an amazing flight experience with Aerial Collective and the team. Then plane is one of a kind and an absolute joy to be chauffeured around the sky by Jon in. Certainly an experience i'll never forget.
I was made to feel incredibly welcome and valued by the team on the ground. The indiction to the day and safety briefing were very professionally delivered by Lisa with a flight briefing with Jon. Jack, George and Tom were there to assist getting in and out of the plane and setting up the recording.
Overall a brilliant day and i can't recommend the experience enough.
Maybe the Lysander next?

Another year,and another flight with the aerial collective.Having flown in the worlds only airworthy Blenheim last year I decided to book a flight in the Lysander.The day starts as usual with pre flight safety briefing and consent forms,then it’s time to get fitted for flight suit,gloves and headgear.Out to the aircraft to don parachute and get strapped in with the help of Lisa,(who helped in the restoration of this magnificent aircraft)My pilot for this flight was Jon Gowdy who I had requested as he’d flown me in the Blenheim last year.Jon explains all preflight and startup procedures,then when everything is as it should be it’s time to taxi for takeoff from the grass.The unusual thing about flying in the Lysander is that as a passenger you face backwards!This gives a unique experience and a different perspective,and the views from the large glazed canopy are amazing.Some of the highlights for me were flying over Tempsford where Lysanders operated from during the war,and the American cemetery at Madingley.This was my 4th flight with the collective and it won’t be my last,like meeting up with old friends.
I would highly recommend the aerial collective if you are thinking of booking a flight experience,especially the Blenheim or Lysander.My thanks to Jon Lisa and Jack for another fabulous day,see you next year!

This was a surprise present for my 60th which had to be postponed due to poor weather in late May. The 2nd attempt in August looked doomed to the same poor weather, but at the pre-flight briefing we were assured that the rain would move though and it did!

So with perfect blue skies and fluffy white clouds I was kitted out in my flight suit, strapped in and we were off for the flight of my life. My pilot Brian was fantastic. He pointed out key landmarks along the route, including the spires of Cambridge, and made sure that I was ok for a few aerial 'manoeuvres' (of course I was!) before effortlessly taking us though some barrel rolls and loop the loops. Looking up and seeing the ground was amazing.

After some tuition, he then let me fly the Spitfire and select 'target' clouds to 'attack', before turning towards Grafton Water and then heading back to Duxford to overfly the airfield and wave to my waiting family below at the viewing area.

Everyone involved was fantastic, from calling us the day before to check arrangements, greeting us on arrival, carrying out the pre-flight safety briefing, welcoming us all to their facilities (indoor/outdoor seating, refreshments and a great view of the aircraft and runway), allocating flight suits and a further safety & comms check in the cockpit, the chance to discuss the flight with the pilot and afterwards allowing my family to take pictures around the aircraft and to be in them with me and the pilot.

The whole flight experience was recorded on two cameras, one facing me in the cockpit (a wide grin firmly set on my face) and one on the tail to show the aircraft on the ground and in flight. The cockpit discussions are also recorded, so try not to do too many 'Tally Hos'! The video (on a USB stick) was presented to me in a gift bag shortly after landing and included a Spitfire pin badge and a Pilot Logbook, signed by my pilot, with the details of my flight.

We have so many pictures of the experience and (when I get a chance) I'll edit the flight & cockpit footage and add-in the videos taken from the ground, to produce a definitive record of the flight, which I will never tire of watching.

Thank you to everyone at Aerial Collective for a truly memorable day.

With a life long love of aviation, I had always dreamed of flying in a war bird. I always recognise the distinct sounds of the Merlin engines and rush out to look up at those iconic wings when they fly over. This dream came true when I was bought this experience for my 60th birthday. The team at Aerial collective made this such a special day, with extra thanks to the pilot Stu Goldspink. Two barrel rolls and a loop was so exhilarating and the friendly guidance given whilst I took control of the joystick. This is an absolute must if you can do it. You will be flying higher than any plane for a long time.

I had a fabulous ride on a Spitfire for an hour. Mike Collett the pilot was simply wonderful. He took control going south from Duxford over some congested airspace then gave me the controls. He coached me on some basics then let me fly this powerful machine. He took back control and did a victory roll over the RAF memorial on the coast. He flew me low over the White Cliffs of Dover, then gave me control again, telling me to follow the coast. This was hard, the coast isn’t straight. He took control again to set a course home, then back to me. This was even harder as we were being hit with turbulence from the right side. He kept telling me I was doing great. Then he took over for a lot of aerobatics, so much fun. Finally a fast swoop over the airfield for my friends below, circle around and land. I’m the end, I got to fly about 20-25 minutes out of the hour. The hardest thing about the whole experience was getting out of the plane, but I am 70. My highest recommendation to the entire team. If you want to ride/fly a Spitfire, Aerial Collective should be your choice.

I have dreamt of flying in a Spitfire for many years never thinking it would happen, but it did and I can’t thank the team at Aerial collective more from Lisa and George on the ground who looked after my son and two grandsons so well , my pilot Charlie Brown I have watched doing air displays for many years and it was a real privilege to fly with him on my sixtieth birthday

First of all apologies for the delay with this review, only just back after nearly a month away from home.

The booking process was simple and easy with the website easy to navigate and order. Any further questions were answered quickly by Jack via email.

I was phoned the day before to notify me that the flight was still taking place and also asking if I would be happy to fly earlier than scheduled.

Arriving at the IWM Duxford early and having a quick, look around it was time to make my way to the Aerial Collective hangar where we were greeted by a very pleasant and chatty receptionist and then meeting Jack and Liam, who would look after us with the safety briefing, getting kitted up and into the plane, which in my case was a Spitfire.

After meeting the pilot, Lars Ness and having a quick chat we entered the beautiful Spitfire for my 45 minute flight experience on what was a beautiful, sunny and hot day. After strapping in to the parachute and seat harness and any other final safety issues off we went.

The sound of that merlin engine from inside the cockpit is just on another level, along with the smell.

We did a fair few rolls, wing overs and a loop, it shows how agile this beautiful aircraft is, great fun!

I did reluctantly take over control but must admit I was rather hesitant to manoeuvre, not sure if the occasion got to me :)

Icing on the cake was doing a flyby of the Cambridge American War Cemetery at Maddingly which I have visited in the past, its quite an emotional and serene place and looked just as beautiful from the air.

It's quite an emotional experience while flying in the Spitfire (or any other warbird), when you think what these young airmen in their late teens or early twenties felt when flying during World War II, you can't feel their anxiety waiting for the bell to ring to be scrambled in to the air, you can't feel their sorrow for friends they have lost in combat, you cannot imagine what hell they went through.

My wife Helen was looked after well on the ground by the team and was notified by the team of our return to base for a run and break and our landing, so plenty of time to get any camera ready for video.

On return to the airfield there's time for photo's with the aircraft and pilot and then a short wait until I received my in flight video footage inside a goodie back with some other nice additions.

I would personally like to thank the Aerial Collective & Aircraft Restoration Company for the work that they do in keeping these magnificent aircraft in the air and giving members of the public a chance to fly in them along with their professionalism and courtesy.

Keep them flying in memory of "The Few"!!!

What a lovely exciting day I had on the 15th August 2024 never thought in a millions years that I would be sitting in a hurricane in formation with a spitfire over Duxford. My pilot stu was amazing the aerobatics were a joy the whole team made me so welcome thank you very much for a amazing experience Denise

From the very first contact until our final goodbyes I was treated with incredible respect and kindness. From reception through the whole experience each member of the team could not have done anything better. In particular my pilot Mike Collett was outstanding, never at anytime did I feel anything but confidence in his abilities and thoroughness. An experience I will never forget which left me smiling every time I think about it, well done Aerial Collective.

Since a child, and making my airfix model Spitfire, I have always dreamed of flying one. I always recognise the distinct sound of the Merlin engine and rush out to look up at those iconic wings when they fly over. This dream came true when the woman I love, Liv, bought me the experience for my 60th birthday. The team at Aerial collective made this such a special day, with extra thanks to the pilot Mike Collett. The barrel and victory roles, and the friendly guidance given whilst I took control of the joystick, this time looking at the iconic wings. This is an absolute must if you can do it. You will be flying higher than the plane for a long time!

My wife Sally bought me a Spitefire flight as a Christmas present as it is something that has been on my bucket list for many years. My flight was delayed by the weather but the team looked after my party of three exceedingly well. The museum was very interesting and the homemade cake superb! The flight was a wonderful experience more than exceeding my expectations. I thoroughly recommend this once in a lifetime opportunity.Robert Beckett

On my 80th birthday my wife Anne surprised me with a flight in a WWII Mark 9 Spitfire at Aerial Collective Duxford. Jack, Lisa, Liam, Jonny and Lars (my pilot) went out of their way to make it a day that I would remember. 62 years ago I was fortunate to be awarded a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship and I learned to fly several taildraggers, but none came close to my experience in the Spitfire. When Lars decided to do a loop he didn't dive to pick up speed, he just pulled the nose up and the sheer power of the Merlin engine pulled us up into the sky and over the top as smooth as could be. Fabulous and now Anne has promised me a Mustang flight for my 85th birthday. I can't wait! Barry Coulton

The spitfire flight was a 60th birthday present for Jim who had always loved the iconic plane. He had a great flight and thoroughly enjoyed all the acrobatics that Lars was able to make the spitfire do. He was particularly impressed with how smooth the landing was. Jim thought he seemed to be a pilot who took great pride and pleasure in everything he did!
We were also very grateful for the time and effort shown not only to Jim but also to the supporting group of friends on the ground. The weather was spectacular and made the spitfire flight even more memorable. The in-flight recording was great and meant that others have enjoyed seeing what Jim got up to away from the airfield. 
Altogether a very smooth operation that meant all eyes were focused on the spitfire. Nothing was too much trouble. Many thanks to the whole team.

Thank you for smooth process.
It was excellent Services they are very friendly and Accommodating . i can highly recommend .
Very Helpful so much this company

Wow! What an amazing and surreal experience!
The day before the event, Jack the aerial coordinator, confirmed that the weather would be fine and that the flight would go ahead. Jack also explained that the flight would be extra special, involving formation flying and aerobatics - so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but the day didn’t disappoint…
On arrival at Duxford, the ground Crew consisting of Jonny, Lisa, and Selma were so very helpful and knowledgeable, and we started off with a thorough security briefing which lasted around 30 mins. It was then confirmed that we would be flying in formation with a second spitfire, and after some light refreshments, we were kitted out ready to fly. Once in the cockpit various members of the ground crew then explained all the controls and harnesses.
I flew with David ‘Rats’ Ratcliffe. Rats is a very personable and likeable chap and he put me at ease straightaway. During the flight there was an opportunity to take control, and later in the flight there was a series of aerial manoeuvres which included victory salutes, barrel rolls and loop the loops all of which were absolutely incredible! To look across and see the other pilots while conducting these astonishing manoeuvres was breathtaking and something I will never forget. This really was a tremendous experience, a definite for adrenaline junkies, and for me personally the number 1 on my bucket list. Thanks again to all those that made this incredible day so special 👍 John
P.S. No wonder we won the Battle of Britain!

This was my dream to fly in and fly my self, in a English spitfire for my 60th birthday. This was worth every penny, and was amazing experience, All them heroes what gave as our freedom now. Thank you John for looking after me in the flight, And a big thank you to everyone at Duxford. Proud to be British.

Went up to Duxford on July 16th 2024 to fly in the worlds only airworthy WW2 Bristol Blenheim light bomber. What an absolutely incredible experience. As soon as i arrived i was welcomed with open arms as though i was one of the family. Jack, Lisa, Jonny and pilot Jon explained everything in great detail but being ex RAF i am quite familiar with the aeronautical world. Photos a plenty were taken and a Go Pro installed in the cockpit. Jon being a very experienced warbird pilot was talking to me all through the flight to inform me what he was doing, where we were going, places we were flying over. Sadly, all good things must come to an end and it was time to land. All the staff took care of me for the rest of the day and i can honestly say you will have a fantastic time at Aerial Collective, something i will remember for the rest of my life. It is nice to know that John Romain and his superb team are keeping these old warbirds in the air where they belong.
David Heath