Your chance to fly in a Spitfire above the skies of Shropshire on Battle of Britain Day
The opportunity to fly a Spitfire from Sleap offers a unique combination of aviation history and spectacular scenery.
Britain’s most most iconic fighter plane will soon be soaring over the skies of Shropshire, and members of the public are being invited to be in the cockpit.
Historic Spitfire flights are set to take place from Sleap Airfield in Shrewsbury this September, with FlyaSpitfire.com offering members of the public the rare opportunity to take to the skies in the World War II fighter.
Flights will operate on September 14-15, with the latter date holding particular significance as Battle of Britain Day.
This year marks 86 years since the Luftwaffe launched its largest air attack on London, involving around 1,500 aircraft.
The opportunity to fly a Spitfire from Sleap offers a unique combination of aviation history and spectacular scenery.
Before each flight, passengers will receive a pre-flight briefing with one of FlyaSpitfire.com's experienced pilots. There will also be an opportunity to discuss the flight route, with the possibility of incorporating local landmarks or a particular area of personal significance, subject to the pilot and flight conditions.
Once airborne, passengers can experience the thrill of taking control of the Spitfire under the guidance of a qualified pilot. For those looking for an extra dose of excitement, there may even be the opportunity to experience the aircraft's famous 'Victory Roll'.
For Sleap Airfield, the Spitfire flights also provide an opportunity to celebrate its own remarkable wartime history. Known as RAF Sleap during the Second World War, the airfield was used by Operational Training Units and Bomber Command, with its flat surrounding landscape making it particularly suitable for training crews flying Wellington and Whitley bombers.
The airfield also played a role in the training of Airspeed Horsa glider pilots in the build-up to D-Day in 1944. These gliders were subsequently used during major Allied operations, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden in Holland.
Today, much of Sleap's aviation heritage can still be seen, with original wartime buildings, the former control tower and sections of the historic runways remaining at the site.
The airfield is now home to Shropshire Aero Club and continues to play an important role in the region's aviation community.
Places are limited, and those wishing to experience a Spitfire flight from Sleap Airfield are encouraged to book early through FlyaSpitfire.com.