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Jackaroo Biplane Experience for Two Kent

Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent

What's Included

  • Enclosed canopy biplane experience for two people
  • Fly the Thruxton Jackaroo, a rare 4-seat modified 1930's Tiger Moth 
  • Pre-flight briefing covering the aircraft, equipment and safety procedures
  • Opportunity to brief the route with your pilot
  • Opportunity for one of you to take control of the aircraft at the pilot's discretion
  • See iconic landmarks in the South East, including Leeds Castle, the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel Le Ferne, the White Cliffs of Dover and Beachy Head (depending on your chosen flight duration and route)

What Can I Expect

Meet the little big aircraft with a funny name - the Thruxton Jackaroo! We are very pleased to be offering flights for two in this very special bi-plane. We are offering 15, 30, 45 and 60-minute flight experiences out of Headcorn in Kent.

You'd be forgiven for having never heard of this aeroplane, as only 19 were ever built. Officially known as the DH82A (Mod) Jackaroo, the clue is in the name. They are actually converted De Havilland Tiger Moths. This Jackaroo is, apparently, the only one currently flying in the whole wide world!

The story goes that after the Second World War there was a ban on lots of imported goods, including planes. So with a surplus of Moths around, the idea of converting them into four seater cabin tourers came up. And the Jackaroo came into being.

Conversions were done by Thruxton and Rollason and these DH82As were enlarged very simply, yet cleverly, by inserting new cross frames, making the undercarriage wider and adding extra fairings to make the cockpit bigger. Even the engine was moved forward a crucial few inches on the Jackaroo, to give it that increased cabin space.

The Thruxton Jackaroos gave these biplanes a new lease of life ferrying passengers, working as crop sprayers, or being used to take parachutists up to the dizzy heights for their jump training. Some were even used as training aircraft and were, by all accounts, a delight to fly.

That same feel of post-war British civil aviation rebirth is very much present in these experiences. As the Jackaroo is pushed out of the hangar onto the tarmac, that lovely silver and blue livery is very classy and classic too. No wonder the pilots refer to the Jackaroo as ‘The Gentleman's Carriage'!

The Jackaroo is actually a dual-control aircraft just like the original Tiger Moths, so one of you can sit in tandem with your pilot (so you can use the dual controls) and the other one sits beside either you or the pilot.

A four seater aircraft like the Thruxton Jackaroo is a rare thing indeed and it's an honour to fly in this biplane with a difference. It is charming and surprisingly nimble in the air. There's also the benefit of a closed cockpit (unlike the open-cockpits of the original Moth), making this a four seater that's great fun to fly. Book your Thruxton Jackaroo flights for two now. You'll both love it!

When Is It Available

  • Flights are available on selected regular weekdays and weekends throughout the year

Please note: Due to popularity there is no further availability for the rest of the year. This experience will be available to book 2025 season. 

Location

  • Headcorn Aerodrome , Kent

Suitable For

  • Minimum age 14
  • Under 18s must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult
  • Minimum height 4'6" and maximum 6'4"
  • Maximum combined weight 180kg
  • You should consult your GP if you have any concerns about flying

Spectators

  • Spectators are welcome to come along and watch the take off and landing
  • The airfield has excellent viewing areas and a cafe

Anything Else

  • Optional extras including in-flight videos are available to purchase on the day
jackeroo in flight
Jackaroo Biplane Experience for Two Kent Get this Experience