As experiences go this one is difficult to beat. Flying over the beautiful Northumberland landscape in a genuine 1940s Tiger Moth.
Tiger Flights is based at Eshott Airfield just 30 minutes from us straight down the A1. They have been offering the Tiger Moth flights for a few months now and are rapidly gaining a reputation for being a “must do” in the area. While being necessarily professional they are also so friendly and welcoming, Perfect for putting you at ease for what is a true “seat of the pants” flight.
On arrival I was given a simple but required briefing by Amanda explaining what was required of me during the flight and the obvious do’s and don’ts. This isn’t a roller coaster, do not wave your hands in the air and remain seated at all times. Only kidding, but the briefing is important. I was given a flight suit to wear and a real leather flying jacket to pose in for some photos. Trust me, it needs to be done. Then they take me out to the plane.
G-EMSY is an original 1940s Tiger Moth used to train Spitfire pilots and is pretty much as it would have been then. Wooden support struts, canvas wing covering and what looks like very thin metal bodywork. Just the idea of people flying in these, day in day out back then is a sobering thought. It’s also testament to the skill and determination of those determined to make it through to fly the planes that defended Britain in WW2.
After the photos (yes you will do the posing) I was put into the front seat of the plane and the first thing I noticed is that I couldn’t see anything. I was looking up at an angle and until in the air that’s how it was. I wondered about the pilot behind me who had to get the thing up the runway when he can see less than me. But they explained how that happens as well. Then they start the engine and there’s time for more photos in the cockpit while they run checks. Once done, you taxi to the end of the runway and your off.
This is where I have to be honest. For the first minute or so I was terrified. I’m in a plane made of wood, canvas and string and I’m in the air. I can feel every vibration, every twitch, every roll, every drop and then…..I realize just how amazing that is. Not ashamed to say I welled up. The feeling was incredible.
Once up to around 1500ft we headed towards Alnwick and I just took time to marvel at the view. No plate glass between me and what I was looking at, just fresh air and the sound of the engine. Which is loud by the way. I’m wearing a flying helmet and goggles and you have to get a photo with that lot on. There’s a mic in front of my mouth as well so I could actually speak to the pilot. James was my pilot that day and generally you can chat to your hearts content. Just remember, if you hear a communication come through you obviously need to wait until they have finished. I found I didn’t need to say very much as I was just so absorbed in everything I could see and feel.
The route we took was over Alnwick to Bamburgh and back down the coast to Dunstanbrugh. I was tremendously lucky I have to say, as I ended up being part of a photo shoot with a second aircraft shadowing us. We went round Bamburgh Castle 3 times which was brilliant. I even ended up in a short video of the flight which, if you want to you can see Here
As the weather the previous week was awful, I had expected to have to put the flight back. But on the day it was stunning. Clear sky, almost no wind and the sun shone all day. Looking down at the coastline, the sea was so green and so clear and the sand was such a bright creamy yellow. While knowing just how beautiful Bamburgh beach is on foot, from the air it was amazing. Flying over the landmarks and landscape that I’d only ever seen from ground level was breath taking.
All too soon though we had to head back. James took us down the coast over Seahouses, Beadnell and past Dunstanbrugh Castle which was looking particularly impressive from the air. Heading inland towards Eshott Airfield I had a second look at Alnwick and the castle before we began our approach for the landing. This became interesting when we had to go around again due to other traffic on the runway. The second attempt however was so smooth with hardly a bump as we touched down. Another testament to the skill of their pilots.
There’s not much else I can really say other than I absolutely loved this flight. Being in an aircraft that has the bare minimum of controls, no comfortable seats or in flight service. This is an experience everyone should have. It’s when you realise what flying really is.
And my advice to everyone is…. if you can, do it. You can thank me afterwards.
