Tiger Moth Experience

[mikeemagnus]

For Christmas 2017 my sons, John & Robert, bought me a Tiger Moth Experience. Wow, what a beaut!! Thanks guys.



I had to book it up in advance, so guessed and chose Saturday 19th May 2018 How luck that was! What an amazing day out, thanks to all the family and friends, who turned up to see the after effects of the acrobatics that were included The sun was shining, there was an aircraft museum on site, with lots of hands on cockpit exhibits, to keep the grand children (and parents) happy. Even a military memorabilia sale going on, a further note of which comes later. The atmosphere was enlivened by the presence of dozens of people of all ages, out for a sky diving jump - all very buzzing. Perfect family day out and some memories for the budding pilots of the future perhaps.









It all happened at Old Sarum airfield, near Salisbury, in southern England, courtesy of Go Fly and pilot David Wood. Their welcome and briefing were truly excellent and I can only highly recommend them if you want to have a go yourself. David was amazingly patient and very clear with all instructions. He also had a good sense of humour. Made me feel very welcome and thoroughly confident. It was only a twenty minute flight, but soaring above the country side with Salisbury Cathederal in sight, I was given the opportunity to briefly "take control". Straight line, turn to the right then left, banking turn to the right then left, all whilst keeping the aircraft's nose on the horizon. I'd have been happy to stay up there and do that all day long. Then David took over again and next came the best part. A loop the loop; a barrel roll; a stall turn and finally a victory roll - oh yea All totally new to me and I loved every second of it. I have to add , of course, that the whole experience was enhanced by my involvement with Wings of Glory, including all the background reading of biographies and novels about WW1 in the air. But the real moment came when the pilot took me through the stall turn - I immediately thought of Immelmann, looked to the ground below as we banked into the dive and I could almost see another aircraft below, waiting for the daka daka daka daka.





Lastly, one final word of thanks to the very kind stall holder, in the museum, who "gave" my grand daughter a corgi spitfire, along with strict instructions to come back next year and show him the intact propellers - nice one buddy. She will treasure that.

[Biggles downunder]

Great photos of a great occasion!

Love the photos of the kids - unfortunately my grandchildren couldn’t make it for my flight.

[gully_raker]

Great stuff Mike!
Wonderful present & great pics. Love how the kids were enjoying the whole day.
That Spitfire model just might result in converting her to a Wings player.

As I mentioned in another post on a Stearman Filght for Wayne (Bigglesdownunder) I too enjoyed a Moth flight for a Christmas Present a few years back.

[Guntruck]

Looks as if you all had a great day out Mike. I’ve had a go in a Tiger and they are really good fun. I’m looking forward to my ride in a Dragon Rapide with Spitfire ‘escort’ this August.

[flash]

You lucky devil ! After our experience at Legionary I hope there were no other planes about when you took the stick Mike !

[milcoll73]

great pics! looks like fun for all!!!

[mikeemagnus]

Cheers guys - yep, it was a fun day out for all and the kids had a real romp. I'll have to repeat that, perhaps next year. I'd love to fly in a Spitfire too but they are very expensive. It is possible, out of Exeter airport, here in Devon, and recently I was sorely tempted when one flew over my daughter's home, not far from the airport mmmmmmmmmmmmmm The Dragon Rapide looks fun

[Stumptonian]

What a terrific adventure, Mike.
The weather looks perfect.
How was your constitution after the loop?


I got my grandson the Corgi Battle of Britain set from the RAF museum for Christmas.
He enjoys showing them (and his Camel and Dr.1) to me every time I get to see him up in BC.

Okay, I admit I got a set for myself as well ...

[mikeemagnus]

After our experience at Legionary I hope there were no other planes about when you took the stick Mike !

Only one Dave and I managed to avoid a collision But there were also a few parachutes about too - kept well away

How was your constitution after the loop?

Haha that was the bit the kids came to see. But oddly enough I was just fine. Enjoyed the experience and would do it over again. The pilot did fly pretty sedately, so he said himself. Never pulls more than about 2G - haven't got anything to go on, so don't know what that means, but if the loop was anything near it, it posed no problem for me I'm glad to say.