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FAQ's
Please see our FAQ's below, if you have any other questions, please contact us.
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What type of flights do you offer?The flight you are considering is termed "Flight by informed consent and acknowledgment of risk". For many years now flights in old military aircraft ("warbirds") and other historic aircraft have been confined to a few favoured owners and operators, but lately the Civil Aviation Authority have eased the restrictions. Part of the imposed conditions is the explanation of the various risks involved
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What is 'Warbird Flying' and how does it differ from other flying?"Warbirds" such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, and the Yak were designed and built for one purpose, to fight, not to carry passengers in any level of comfort. They were designed and built before and during World War 2, so they are old technology. In contrast, modern transport aircraft like the Boeing and Airbus family are designed and produced with safety and comfort foremost in mind, so you must understand that there is a huge difference in design and build technology that may affect your safety.
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Is it safe?"General Aviation", which is the sort of flying that these flights comes under is not far off the risk levels of rock climbing or horse riding. Flying in old aircraft carries an unavoidable element of risk. You will receive a comprehensive risk- and safety briefing before flight.
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Is there safety equipment?Yes, you will be dressed in a fire retardant flying suit, with gloves, and wear a headset with noise attenuation. This type of headset is critical as the noise in the cockpit at full power and full revs can reach 140 decibels! There is also a parachute in Yak flights. You will receive a full safety briefing before flight
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Will I be ok to fly?To be able to take a flight with Northern Classic Warbirds you need to be sufficiently fit and healthy. You will be asked to sign a statement to that effect before the flight. Generally speaking, if you are fit enough to hold a private driving licence you should normally be fit enough to fly with us. We also require passengers to be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit, it depends on whether you can get in and out of the cockpit and follow the briefing regarding emergency instructions. In certain aircraft there is a weight restriction. As to height, if you are between 5 feet and 6 feet 3 inches, you will normally be fine. If you are shorter or taller, please contact us and we can offer specific advice.
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What is the insurance cover?These flights are covered by a policy with Haywards Insurance Group, with passenger liability of £10 million pounds.
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Will the weather affect my flight?We can only fly in good, clear conditions between march-november. If your flight gets cancelled you will not be charged and we will re-arrange for a better day. We keep a close eye on the weather forecast in the preceeding weeks and days and will inform you as soon as possible if the flight is going to be cancelled, to ensure you are not sat around on the day waiting for a weather break.
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