The "Sports Car of the Sky"
That’s exactly how our pilot, Braden, described this 1950s RAF trainer. The de Havilland Chipmunk isn’t just a plane; it’s a piece of living history. Built at the end of WWII to train the next generation of fighter pilots, it has a raw, visceral feel that modern aircraft just can't replicate.
Braden shared some incredible history with us during the pre-flight:
A Royal Legacy: This specific airframe served the RAF from 1950 all the way through 1974.
Spitfire DNA: While it doesn't have the Merlin engine's roar, its handling is remarkably similar to a Supermarine Spitfire.
Ancient Power: The engine is a 6-liter, four-cylinder beast with roots going back to WWI Renault engines.
Behind the Scenes: The Pre-Flight Ritual
Before we could leave the ground, we had to go through a rigorous (and fascinating) walk-around. In a vintage bird like this, you don't just check the gauges; you use your senses. We performed the "sniff test" on the fuel to check for water contamination and even tapped the aluminum fuselage to listen for anything loose inside. It’s a level of connection to the machine that you just don't get in a 737.
The Flight Experience
Taking off in a "tail-dragger" is a unique sensation. You start low to the ground, and as you gain speed, the tail lifts up before you finally peel away from the runway. Once we were up, the views of the UK coast were staggering. Braden mentioned that on a clear winter day, the water looks as blue as anything you’d see in the Caribbean.
We’re Giving Away a Flight!
We want to share this experience with one of you. We’ve teamed up with Braden to give away a 20-minute flight in the Chipmunk at Fland Airfield.
Here is how to enter:
Watch the video: Head over to our YouTube channel and find the Chipmunk video.
Comment: Let us know what your favorite Air Force is in the comments section.
The Goal: Once the video hits 100 comments, we’ll pick a random winner from the UK to head up into the clouds!
Plan Your Adventure
If you're in the UK and ready to fly, you can reach out to the team at chipmunkw.com.co.uk or email info@chipmunkw.com.co.uk.
This trip was a reminder of why we do what we do—exploring the world, meeting incredible people like Braden, and sharing those "once-in-a-lifetime" moments with all of you. Catch you in the next adventure!
