Thunderprop Ltd operates a T6 Harvard a unique chance to experience a flight in a Second World War warbird. Thunderprop is based at Shoreham Airport in Sussex.

Thunderprop the ultimate warbird experience

This T6 Texan, or Harvard, as it was known by the Royal Air Force, is ready to share its illustrious past with you.

As you leave the pre-flight briefing and walk with your Instructor toward the waiting Warbird, you will be following in the footsteps of the pilots who flew the Spitfires, Mustangs and other aircraft that would contribute so much to eventual victory.
At the controls of the Harvard, the pilots who were soon to join battle, learned the combat skills that would be crucial to their survival. To the men who flew her, she became affectionately known as "the Pilot Maker".

When you step into the rear cockpit of our lovingly restored aircraft, you are stepping into a once in a lifetime flying experience. You will strap in with the help of our friendly ground crew and, with a thumbs-up from your Instructor, the powerful Pratt & Whitney 600 horsepower radial engine will burst into life with a belch of smoke and flame from the exhaust, and then settle to a steady bass rumble. After a short taxy to the runway, you will complete the pre-flight checks, and be cleared for takeoff. As the power is increased, the engine thunders, and the propeller tips exceed the speed of sound and rip through the air, making the Harvard’s distinctive roar.

Once airborne, the choice is yours. You can take control of the aircraft yourself under the Instructor’s guidance. You might ask the Instructor to demonstrate the aerobatic manoeuvres that fighter pilots were required to master…and find yourself pinned into your seat by four times the force of gravity as you recover from a loop. You could watch the world revolve in front of your eyes as the instructor executes a graceful roll…or simply be overwhelmed by the sensation of being airborne in a piece of living, flying history.

Come and join us for the flight of a lifetime at historic Shoreham Airport, just minutes from the attractions of lively Brighton and Hove. Make your flight the perfect centrepiece to a family day out or a weekend away.