SO WHO IS RD TIGER MOTH FLIGHTS
Passionate about flying? Well I certainly am. I guess it was in my genes as my Father was a navigator in the RAF during the war and ever since my first air experience flight at Fairoaks, Nr Woking, at the age of 14, I always wanted to learn to fly.
So working in a shop at weekends, I saved to get flying lessons and at the age of 17, had my first Solo flight from White Waltham, now on the edge of the London Control Zone. After some years building my hours and taking numerous exams, I got my Commercial Pilot’s License followed by an Instrument Rating and passing my Flying Instructor’s exams.
But vintage aircraft have always held a fascination and I bought my first Tiger Moth, G-ALNA. Shown above in the Brooklands Colour Scheme in 1995 and below in the original 401 squadron colour scheme today.
Family life and work got in the way but having retired, I now had time to return to instructing and last year purchased 2 immaculate Tiger Moths, (the Silver DH82A, G-DHZF, and the Yellow and Black DH82C, G-FCTK) which we have been operating from Dunkeswell, where I first started instructing some 30 yrs ago.
However, I recently had the opportunity to repurchase G-ALNA which now sports a distinct WW11 “shark’s mouth” paint scheme and the original Royal Air Force Code “OY”. This is the aircraft we operate today.
Built in 1941 by De Havilland, (serial number EM973) it served with the Royal Air Force as a military trainer and “hack” aircraft (general purpose aircraft) for 401 Squadron.
This was the aircraft used by Guy Martin who famously flew at 30 to 60 ft over the Derwent Reservoir, where the original RAF 617 “Dam Busters” Squadron practiced their low-level runs before launching Operation Chastise over Germany in 1943.
You might like to view “Guy Martin’s Final Bombing Run” on YouTube.
Should you wish to fly in this famous Tiger Moth or purchase a gift for friends, family or LOVED ONES, I can assure you it will be a flight never forgotten.
RD TIGER MOTH FLIGHTS - YOUR DAY
R D Tiger Moth Flights operate from the Devon & Somerset Flight Training School under their own DTO 0402 based at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, Devon.
You will have an Air Experience Flight with highly experienced instructors and, should you wish, have the opportunity to take control and feel what it was like to take to the skies like those before you in the early pioneering years of aviation.
Whether you are a history buff, an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a truly unique way of seeing the Devon countryside from an open cockpit, this is your chance to relive the golden age of flight.
We operate from March to October. Alternate Sundays and every Wednesday and Thursday. You can book 30, 45, or 60 minute flights and these are airborne times (no taxiing times included) to give you the very best experience away from the ground.
What’s Included?
1. Email/SMS reminder of your flight.
2. If it looks like the flight will not go ahead for operational/weather reasons – we will let you know in advance.
3. Loan of Flying Suit, Authentic Leather Jacket and Helmet (similar to those worn by Pilots in World War 2) Goggles/Visor.
4. Choice of 30, 45 or 60 minute flight.
5. Chance for you to take the controls yourself.
6. Fully qualified and experienced Tiger Moth instructor.
7. A great and comfortable viewing area for your friends and family to watch your Tiger Moth Experience
8. The Liberator Coffee Bar where you, your family and friends can relax and view other flights going on throughout the day.
WHEN WE FLY?
You can book on Alternate Sundays and every Wednesday or Thursday from March to October.
Flight Times
The flights are airborne times (not aircraft brakes off to brakes on) to give you the very best airborne experience.
Weight & Balance and age limitations.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept anyone over 18 stone (115kg). All participants must be under 6’4″ tall and be able to climb into and out of the cockpit of aircraft. Min. age: 14 years, max. age: 89 years.
Where to watch from?
Friends and Family are welcome and will be able to view from the patio at the Devon & Somerset Flight Training Office or from outside the Liberator Coffee Bar.
Weather Restrictions
You will be flying in an open cockpit aircraft and the flights are very weather dependent and therefore subject to suitable flying conditions. Should we need to cancel the flight it will be rebooked for an alternative date, which must be within 12 months of the cancellation date. Friends and Family are welcome and will be able to view from the patio at the Devon & Somerset Flight Training Office or from outside the Liberator Coffee Bar.
Refreshments
The Liberator Coffee Bar & Grill has both indoor and outdoor seating with excellent viewing offering a wide range of meals, snacks and drinks.
HELP IS AT HAND
The ground crew will help you into your flying suit, leather jacket, flying helmet and goggles. Run through the basic flying controls and, walk you out to the plane and help you into the cockpit securing your safety straps.
Once you have booked your flight, you will received an email confirming the details which will contain a link to the safety briefing video.
Whilst we want you to really enjoy this unique experience, safety is paramount so it is important to pay full attention to the video. If by chance you have not had an opportunity to view it, perhaps because it was a surprise gift, then it will be available to watch on the day of your flight.
These flights are weather dependent so we will email you the night before to confirm that the flight is able to go ahead. Should we have to postpone the flight, it can be rebooked at your convenience but must be within 12 months of the cancellation date. Terms and Conditions apply.
We must ensure that we are within the Weight and Balance limits of the aircraft so we impose a weight limit of 18 stone (115kg) with a height restriction of 6ft 4ins. There is also an age limit of 14 to 89 yrs.
There is plenty room for friends and family to watch the flight, take a coffee or bite to eat at the Liberator Café situated near where you will be escorted to the plane.