Boultbee Flight Academy

Boultbee Flight Academy, now operating as Spitfires.com, provides Supermarine Spitfire flight experiences, pilot training and simulator sessions in the United Kingdom. Established in 2010, the company specialises in giving people direct experience of the historic fighter aircraft. Its headquarters are at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex, where Spitfires operate from a grass airfield. The company also provides flights from other UK locations.

Flying in a Two-Seat Spitfire

One of the main experiences available through Spitfires.com is a passenger flight in a two-seat Supermarine Spitfire.

The company was the first in the world approved to carry paying passengers in two-seat Spitfires.

During a flight, participants can experience the aircraft from inside the cockpit. A particular part of the experience is the chance to take the controls themselves.

Flight routes vary by location. Some experiences include views of the White Cliffs, while flights from the Solent area can take passengers towards the Needles and the Isle of Wight.

The company also provides an option for family members to travel in an Airvan passenger aircraft flying in formation with the Spitfire.

Spitfire Pilot Training

Spitfires.com operates an accredited Spitfire pilot training programme.

It was the first company approved to provide this form of Spitfire pilot training and describes its academy as the only accredited Spitfire pilot training school.

Training takes place in two-seat Spitfires, allowing pilots to learn about the aircraft with an instructor.

The programme is separate from the passenger flight experiences and is intended for people who want to learn to fly the aircraft.

Goodwood Aerodrome is particularly suited to the company's operations because Spitfires were originally designed to use grass airfields.

Spitfire Simulator Experiences

People who do not want to take an actual flight can choose a Spitfire simulator experience.

The company operates a simulator built around a completely original Spitfire cockpit.

It allows non-pilots to experience what it is like to sit in and operate a single-seat Spitfire.

This provides another way to explore the aircraft without taking part in an airborne experience.

Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Locations

Spitfires.com maintains its aircraft through an in-house engineering team.

The company has three two-seat Spitfires and uses its own engineers to carry out maintenance and address technical issues.

Flight locations listed by the company include Goodwood, Lee-on-Solent, Bournemouth, Dunkeswell and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Flights are available during summer, with some experiences also operating during winter.

The company also lists a Spitfire model and a book about the Silver Spitfire flight around the world.

For pilots and aviation fans, Boultbee Flight Academy offers a way to experience the Supermarine Spitfire beyond watching it fly. Passenger flights, pilot training and simulator sessions connect the aircraft's wartime history with hands-on aviation experiences.