Fly an ex-military BAC Strikemaster jet fighter from North Weald and feel the power of a real jet ride. Formation, aerobatics, G-force – live the pilot experience.
Why live this BAC Strikemaster fighter jet experience
This is a unique chance to experience what it feels like to be a fighter pilot. You fly in a real military jet that once trained fast jet pilots and flew combat missions. From the moment you arrive, everything feels authentic. You wear a flight suit, attend a full pre-flight briefing, and get strapped into a plane fitted with a live ejection seat.
Your pilot is a former military aviator, often from the Red Arrows or RAF combat squadrons. You will fly together in the BAC Strikemaster, a jet known for its manoeuvrability and power. Expect tight turns, aerobatic loops, high-speed passes, and even formation flying if booked.
You can choose a flight focused on aerobatics, a high-speed tour, or a full combat-style experience. Some options even let you take the controls. Each flight is tailored to your preferences and tolerance for G-forces.
This is one of the very few places in the UK where you can fly in a jet fighter legally and safely, approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Where, when and how much
Flights take place at North Weald Airfield in Essex, UK. This former RAF base is active from spring to late autumn, with flights available on select weekends.
The experience starts from £2,595 for a 30-minute package, including 20 minutes of flight time. The full experience lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours, including briefing, prep, and flight.
You can also book formation flights, maximum-G sessions, and longer experiences with prices rising up to £3,795, depending on options.
Booking is available year-round. A £999 deposit is required to reserve your date.
About the plane
The BAC Strikemaster is a British-built jet fighter trainer, developed from the Jet Provost and modified for combat. It served as a light attack aircraft in several countries and saw combat use in the Middle East and South America.
The Strikemaster is compact but powerful. It is equipped with a Rolls-Royce Viper turbojet engine, producing 3,400 lbf of thrust, and can fly up to 835 km/h. It climbs rapidly and has a service ceiling of nearly 12,000 meters.
With a length of 10.3 meters and a wingspan of 11.3 meters, it offers exceptional agility. It can endure high G-loads and perform tight manoeuvres, making it ideal for both training and ground attack roles.
The aircraft is fitted with dual controls, military avionics, and hardpoints for carrying weapons. Its design allows passengers to experience full aerobatic flight, including loops, rolls, and dives. The cabin has a tandem seat layout, giving you the same view as the pilot.
Today, the BAC Strikemaster is a rare aircraft to fly in. Only a few remain airworthy, and even fewer are available to the public.
What to expect
On the day of your flight, you arrive at North Weald Airfield. You are welcomed by the operations team and guided through the preparation phase.
You will attend a comprehensive safety briefing, including the use of the ejection seat, helmet, oxygen system, and communication gear. Your flight suit and gear are issued to you, just like a real pilot.
You’ll then meet your pilot. Together, you will go through the flight profile, adjusted to your goals and experience level. You can request a scenic flight, intense aerobatics, or even a formation flight if booked.
Once in the aircraft, you’ll be strapped into the rear seat. After take-off, the jet climbs fast and starts manoeuvring. Expect tight turns, high-speed runs, vertical climbs, and sustained G-forces. The pilot will explain each move and may let you take the controls briefly.
After the flight, you debrief with your pilot, receive a personalised flight certificate, and can purchase a flight video.
The full experience is immersive, safe, and designed to give you a deep sense of what flying a jet fighter is truly like.
Operators
- Aero Legends (operating under the Jet Legends brand) – Based at North Weald, this is the only CAA-approved civilian fighter jet experience provider in the UK offering the BAC Strikemaster.
- Jet Legends – Part of the Aero Legends group, managing bookings and experience logistics.
A great flight experience
Flying in the BAC Strikemaster is an unforgettable moment. You don’t just sit in the cockpit – you live the flight. It’s fast, physical, and authentic. Whether it’s your first time or a lifelong dream, this is the closest you’ll get to being a real fighter pilot.
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