A Rare Piece of Aviation History

Fly the de Havilland Vampire from Kemble Airfield

The de Havilland Vampire holds a distinguished place in British aviation history as one of the first jet-powered aircraft to enter Royal Air Force service. With its distinctive twin-boom fuselage and single-engine configuration, the Vampire represented a bold leap forward in post-war fighter design. Today, only a handful of airworthy examples remain worldwide, making a flight in this aircraft an extraordinarily rare opportunity that few aviation enthusiasts will ever encounter. Departing from Kemble Airfield in the heart of Gloucestershire, this experience places you in the rear cockpit of a genuine Cold War-era fighter jet.

As you climb away from Kemble, the pastoral beauty of the Cotswolds unfolds beneath the Vampire's wings. Rolling green hills, honey-coloured stone villages, and ancient woodland create a quintessentially English backdrop for your fighter jet sortie. Your experienced pilot will guide you through a series of manoeuvres that demonstrate the Vampire's agile handling characteristics, and you may even have the chance to take the controls yourself. Whether you are a lifelong aviation devotee or seeking an unforgettable gift for someone special, a flight in the de Havilland Vampire is a once-in-a-lifetime event that connects you directly with the golden age of British jet aviation.

Pricing

de Havilland Vampire Flight Packages

Package	Duration	Details	Price
Vampire Heritage Flight	Approx. 30 minutes airborne	Full pre-flight briefing, flight gear fitting, rear-cockpit experience with aerobatic manoeuvres over the Cotswolds, post-flight debrief and certificate	From £5,700

de Havilland Vampire in flight over the Cotswolds countryside

The Experience

Manoeuvres and In-Flight Highlights

Your Vampire sortie is tailored to your comfort level, ranging from smooth scenic passes to adrenaline-charged aerobatics. Expect to experience:

Steep climbing turns — Feel the thrust of the Goblin turbojet as you gain altitude rapidly over the Gloucestershire landscape
Wingover rolls — The Vampire's light, responsive controls make for smooth, graceful rolling manoeuvres
Low-level passes — Sweep across the Cotswolds at speed for a visceral sense of velocity
Aerobatic sequences — Loops, barrel rolls, and sustained turns that demonstrate the Vampire's agility
Hands-on flying — With your pilot's guidance, take the controls and feel the handling of a genuine first-generation jet fighter

Before You Fly

Participant Requirements

No Pilot Licence Required

This is a passenger flight experience. You will occupy the rear cockpit with a qualified pilot in command at all times. No prior flying experience or licence of any kind is necessary to participate.

Age Requirements

Participants must be at least 18 years of age on the date of the flight. Valid government-issued photo identification is required at check-in. There is no upper age limit provided medical criteria are met.

Health and Fitness

A reasonable level of general fitness is required. Participants must be free from serious cardiovascular conditions, recent surgical procedures, and uncontrolled epilepsy. A medical declaration form is completed prior to flight.

Height and Weight

Due to the dimensions of the Vampire's tandem cockpit, participants must weigh no more than 110 kg (242 lbs) and be between 155 cm (5'1") and 198 cm (6'6") in height. These limits are strictly observed for safety.

Everything You Need

What's Included

Pre-Flight Briefing

A thorough ground briefing covers the aircraft's history, cockpit layout, safety procedures, ejection seat protocols, and the planned flight profile. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your preferred manoeuvres.

Flight Gear

All necessary flight equipment is provided, including a fitted flight suit, helmet with integrated communications system, gloves, and anti-G equipment as applicable. You will be fully kitted out before walking to the aircraft.

The Flight

Approximately 30 minutes of airborne time in the rear cockpit of the de Havilland Vampire. Your experienced pilot will perform a range of manoeuvres and, conditions permitting, hand you the controls for supervised flying over the Cotswolds.

Post-Flight Debrief

After landing, enjoy a full debrief with your pilot to review the flight. You will receive a flight certificate confirming your sortie in the de Havilland Vampire as a lasting memento of this extraordinary experience.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Kemble Airfield (also known as Cotswold Airport) is situated in Gloucestershire, approximately 90 miles west of London. It is easily accessible from the M4 motorway and is roughly a 90-minute drive from central London, making it a convenient location for participants travelling from across the United Kingdom.

Extremely rare. The de Havilland Vampire first flew in 1943 and only a very small number remain in airworthy condition worldwide. The opportunity to fly as a passenger in a genuine first-generation jet fighter is one of the most exclusive aviation experiences available anywhere, making this a truly extraordinary event for any aviation enthusiast.

Safety is the absolute priority. If weather conditions fall below the required minima on your scheduled date, the flight will be postponed and rescheduled at no additional cost. The operations team will contact you as early as possible to discuss alternative dates should a postponement be necessary.

Absolutely. Guests are welcome to accompany you to the airfield and observe from designated viewing areas. Watching a de Havilland Vampire taxi, take off, and perform aerobatics overhead is a memorable spectacle in its own right, and your guests will have ample opportunity to capture photographs and video.

de Havilland Vampire Fighter Jet Flight — Kemble, United Kingdom