The Classic Flying Lessons
This trial flying lesson enables you to undertake a pilot training as would have been experienced in the early 1950s
The flight will be conducted in the two seat de Havilland Chipmunk. This classic aircraft type was used by the Royal Air Force, in the early 1950s, for basic pilot training, replacing the famous Tiger Moth biplane. The Chipmunk was still being used for basic flying training by the Army Air Corps until the late 1990s! Two are still used today by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for pilots undertaking refresher training before going on to fly the Spitfire, Hurricane or Lancaster!
Our own Chipmunk had an illustrious military career before retiring from the Army Air Corps at Middle Wallop in 1997 and joining us at The British Airways Flying Club.
The Chipmunk is highly maneuverable and a delight to fly, sitting in the confines of the front cockpit will give you some idea of what it might be like to fly in a Spitfire.
Classic Lesson
This lesson will enable you to handle the controls of the Chipmunk whilst flying over the scenic Chiltern Hills.
You will fly occupying the front cockpit, creating the sensation that you are flying alone. Rest assured though, your flying instructor is right behind you in the rear cockpit. During the flight he will be demonstrating the basic effects of controls, whilst you follow through on your own set of controls, prior to you taking over and flying the aircraft yourself.
Classic Plus Lesson
For the more adventurous! Having mastered the basics of flying, your fully qualified aerobatic instructor can introduce you to some of the basic aerobatic manoeuvres - The Loop, the famous "Barrel Roll" and others if you wish.
Please note - A certain amount of agility is required to get in and out of the aircraft, roughly equivalent to mounting a horse!
If you want to find out more about flying the Chipmunk, read this
fascinating article first published in the club newsletter Over to You in
1957.
