What Can I Expect

A Dambuster flight experience in a lovely Tiger Moth - surely the aerial trip of a lifetime? This amazing Dambusters experience will see you taking off from Breighton Airfield near Selby, for an extraordinary flight experience right over the famous Derwent Dams.

This is where 617 Squadron practised dropping Barnes Wallis' famous bouncing bombs. It was top secret flight training ahead of their mission to bomb German dams, officially called Operation Chastise. This critical mission became synonymous with pilots of 617 and led the squadron to be forever known as the 'Dambusters'.

We think this will be a very emotive experience, as your flight will recreate some of the moves they would have done over and over again in training, flying close to that same flight path undertaken by those brave Dambusters pilots.

However, you won't be in a huge Lancaster for your mission, you will be heading to the dams in one of the most iconic planes ever produced - the Tiger Moth. Full credit to this much-loved plane, as it was also very much an RAF hero, having trained many young pilots to fly - including perhaps the chaps from 617 squadron.

Your flight path will take you over the South Yorkshire countryside to the Derwent Valley, where you'll follow the river to the Howden, Derwent and Ladybower dams.

At this point your skilled pilot will bring the Moth down to about 500ft for a magnificent view of the reservoirs. And just think, the Dambusters were in Lancasters flying at just 60ft above the ground, at three times the speed…and at night!

If you're up for it, you'll be able to have a go at the controls as you navigate the Tiger Moth in the flight path of the 617 Squadron bombers. Giving you an unparalleled sense of immersion and the thrill of ‘being there', this Dambusters Experience from Selby is a unique experience for any vintage aviation.

When Is It Available

• Weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Dates are subject to availability and weather conditions

Suitable For

• Minimum age 14
• Under 18s must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult
• Height restrictions: minimum 4ft ins, maximum of 6ft 5ins
• Weight restrictions: maximum 16 stone
• Prolonged periods of inactivity, air pressure changes, G pressure changes, turbulence, noise and light levels experienced during flights in open cockpit vintage aircraft may affect certain medical conditions
• Any passenger with any doubts about their health when flying should seek medical advice
• You are advised to wear warm comfortable clothing

Spectators

• Friends and family are welcome to come along and watch with great photo opportunities
• Dogs are not permitted on the airfield

Anything Else

• All Tiger Moth and other vintage aircraft flights are operated by aeroclubs fully compliant with Civil Aviation Authority rules and regulations
• The flight times quoted are 'chock to chock', so run from taxiing out to when you stop after landing
• A café is available at the weekend for light lunches, snacks and cake as well as hot and cold drinks