I’m a huge WWII RAF airplane buff, and I would love to learn how to fly a Supermarine Spitfire. I know there are many flying Spitfires left, but how can I learn to fly one. I live in the U.S. Are there specialty flying schools that teach WWII aviation?
#1 by txpilot on November 12th, 2010
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The only way anyone will ever let you fly a Spitfire is for you to buy it first.Figure on 1,000,000.00 bucks up.There are several schools that teach air combat in newer aircraft.Just check the Web.
#2 by shovelkicker on November 12th, 2010
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Well lets start off slowly young grasshopper.
You will first need a pilots license with appropriate certificates.
I would contact a local flight school about training.
You will need as a minimum
Flight physical
Private Pilots license then the following certificates
complex – for retractable landing gear and high HP engine with vario pitch propeller.
Also you could contact The Confederate Airforce http://www.confederateairforce.org/index.php I don’t think they have any spitfires though.
Cheaper way to go would fly to England and contact http://www.spitfires.flyer.co.uk/flyingdual.html you can fly in the other seat with a pilot in a Spitfire.
Good luck and live your dreams
#3 by fci_pitch on November 12th, 2010
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You may be better off in the US with this link.
https://www.stallion51.com/
It is a P51 Mustang. It is nowhere near the cost of going over to England.
With that in mind I knew of one pilot who had a Spitfire but he never flew it because the type training was not available in North America. Rules.
Good Luck.
#4 by solara437 on November 12th, 2010
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Buy Combat Flight Simulator you will be surprised how authentic it is.You will need a Joystick,but can be flown using the keyboard.
#5 by over drugged on November 12th, 2010
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If some one has one do you really think there going to let you LEARN how to fly it ? Good luck
#6 by Douglas D on November 12th, 2010
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You will 1st need to get your pilot licence, (airman’s certificate in the US). Then you will need a high performance endorsement on your certificate.
Most warbirds are considered museum pieces, & the owners are very picky about who gets to fly them, so you will need to accumulate a lot of hours on other aircraft before anyone will let you take the controls of a genuine Supermarine Spitfire.
The good news is that many of the experienced Spifire pilots are ageing, & will have to stop flying the Spits that are left. so somebodys going to have to be in line to take their place.
Maybe if you start your pilot training now, you will be ready when your turn comes up.
#7 by baron_von_party on November 12th, 2010
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I agree with the dude that said to check out Stallion 51.
Check this site too:
http://www.warbirdadventures.com/
and this:
http://www.orlandoattractions.com/content/parks-attractions/distraction_attractions/flying_tigers_museum/
looks like you’re heading to Florida……..