Action Stations FAQ’s

1. Are there any health associated restrictions?
Yes we cannot fly people with epilepsy, vertigo, panic attacks or other conditions which could cause the individual or the group being flown in, some distress. In addition, people with a severe heart condition will need a letter from their GP clearing them to fly. If you are in any doubt about your health before you fly, please consult your doctor

Weight
There is weight is a limit of 15 stone/95kg per person. However if a passenger is heavier than this, they still can fly but we need to make necessary provisions. You will be asked to inform us of weight when booking. We also reserve the right to check passenger weights before boarding if there is clearly a discrepancy between the stated weight and the apparent weight of the passenger. This is done for the safety of the flight.

Age
Lower Limit - We recommend children are aged over 3 years but typically 8yrs + children seem to get a buzz from our flights!

Upper Limit - There isn’t one - we would love to fly everyone if possible. The criteria must be health and mobility – You must be able to walk at least 50 metres/54 yards to and from the aircraft on your own, if your doctor is comfortable with you flying in a helicopter, and has ‘signed you off’, then please join us!

Pregnancy
We do not recommend flying in the 1st or 3rd trimester. If you decide that you want to fly and your doctor agrees to it, we’ll need this in writing.

2. How do I make a booking?
All bookings are made over the phone - you are purchasing a unique and significant experience for yourself or a loved one, and we want to make sure that we inform you properly about our products and understand your needs.

3. Payment
We can take 3 forms of payment, which can be arranged over the phone when booking - again this is the most secure method of us taking payment details.

Bank Transfer, Debit/Credit card, Cheque.

Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, we offer an instalment payment plan. A deposit is needed when booking to secure the place, and then a standing order can be set – up over a number of months max 5. Full payment must be received at least 2 weeks before the flight. There is no extra charge for this option.

Please ask about the ‘Buy to Fly’ option when booking.

4. Why can’t I fly in the Spitfire?
There are only 4 two-seater Spitfires in the UK and the CAA prevents passengers from flying in them. They are for pilots doing training flights only!

Regulatory Restrictions
CAA regulations prevent operators from offering commercial flights in a 2-seater. The CAA has stipulated that ex-military aircraft are operated on a Permit to Fly. The Air Navigation Order prohibits Permit to fly aircraft for commercial passenger carrying flights. Of course there are always ‘special cases’ as we see on television. There are various ‘lucky’ types being whizzed around the sky in a 2 –seater, but these are special arrangements between operators and the individual / or company concerned, and it is highly unlikely that a flight can be ‘arranged’ for a member of the general public. Word on the street has it that there is at least a 5 year waiting list for those ‘specially arranged’ flights. There is not usually more than a 5 week waiting list for our flights!

Affordability
The Spitfire guzzles @ a gallon a minute of fuel. Adding together all the maintenance costs, insurance and operational costs for a flight of say 30 minutes, you wouldn’t get much change out of £3,000. We can get you in the air with our Spitfire for as little as £299.00!

5. When do the flights take place?
Flying season is between March and October. It’s during these months the weather is more clement.

Flights are on set dates throughout the year, see our flying dates here

6. Where do I fly from?
The Platinum experience starts Manston airfield, an ex RAF Battle of Britain airfield, heavily used in the war – see its history here. The helicopters take off from Helicharter or TG aviation.

The Gold and Silver experience takes off from the Battle of Britain Memorial Site. It is a beautiful cliff-top location where one can reflect on the events of the Battle of Britain and all those who courageously fought in it. On a clear day, you can even see over to France. There is a visitor centre on site to check-in and where teas and coffees are sold.

Please ensure you are at the correct location for your flight. If you are unsure please contact us on 01227 721929.

Other locations in East Kent can be operated from, depending on weather and our operational requirements on the day. You will be told ahead of your experience, and you will receive clear directions accordingly.

7. What happens if I need to cancel my flight?
Bookings are non- refundable and non-redeemable. Change of date notice must be at least 1 month before your flight which allows us to re-allocate your seat, otherwise cost penalties apply. Cancellation due to sickness or ill-health can be refunded minus a 10% administration fee on production of a letter from GP or hospital. If you do not turn up for your flight or you are late and miss it, you are not entitled to re-schedule or to a refund.

See Cancellation Policy and T&C’s.

8. What happens if the flight is cancelled due to bad weather or another reason which is not my fault?
Confirmation that the flight is planned to go ahead is given 3 days prior to the flight date. Please do not travel until this confirmation has been received at that time – you will be emailed with this confirmation

If we do have to cancel due to unforeseen weather changes or mechanical breakdown, or other reasons outside of our control, we will contact you as soon possible so that you avoid unnecessary travel and costs.

We cannot be held liable for these last minute changes and all travel, hotel bookings or any other associated arrangements are made at you risk, and you should ensure that there is flexibility on behalf of the carrier and/or hotel or accommodate last minute changes. If the flight is cancelled at short notice we will try and re-schedule it on the same day, the following day, or at the earliest date possible based on people’s ability to re-schedule. In the worst case, we plan to add the flight to the next flying day. You can also re-schedule to a convenient date later in the season if you wish - depending on availability. See Cancellation Policy.

9. What time should I arrive for Check In?
You must check-in by the time stated on the final flight arrangements given to you a week prior to the flight. Any late comers risk the chance of missing their flight. We recommend 10 minutes before.

10. Can I just turn up and fly?
No, all flights must be pre-booked. See our flying dates

11. Do I need insurance?
Our operators are covered by extensive aircraft and public liability insurance. However if you have specific concerns you should consult your own insurance company

12. What Mark of Spitfire do you fly with?
The Spitfire is BM597 a MkVb – It is owned by Historic Aircraft Collection, a 70 year old combat veteran. She was built in Castle Bromwich in the winter of 1941, and was flown by Polish Squadrons during 1942, she survived the war and was even used as the aircraft from which moulds were made to reproduce ‘plastic’ replica Spitfires!

13. Can I meet the Spitfire pilot?
Of course, just book a Ground viewing experience and you can ask him any questions as well as listen to what he has to say about his experience flying the Spitfire.

14. How long have you been in business?
Action Stations! is a Division of A4A Ltd, which has been running since 2003.

Action Stations! was set up in 2009, to develop the ‘Fly with a Spitfire © Experience’.

Helicharter and the Historic Aircraft Collection are highly reputable operators, with extensive experience of flying helicopters and classic aircraft, and are licensed by the CAA.

15. How experienced are your pilots?
Flt Lt.Charlie Brown is one of the most experienced Spitfire Display pilot in the world. He has flown our display for nearly 2 years and perfected it to an art! He is also a current serving RAF officer at RAF Cranwell. The helicopter pilots are mostly ex-military, so they have hundreds of flying hours logged. Some are qualified flying instructors and all are very well experienced and certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Brian is the Chief pilot at Heli-Charter and their type-rating examiner.

16. How long is my ticket valid for?
Until the end of the flying season in October. You can purchase an open ticket for the following flying season and book a date nearer the time.

17. What type of helicopters do you use?
We use the Bell Long Ranger and Jet Ranger helicopters. They have an excellent safety record and are the world's most popular tour aircraft. Visibility is excellent in comparison to most helicopters, and they are comfortable and luxuriously furnished. We are flying the most suitable helicopter, flown by the most experienced pilots. See photos

18. How many passengers can they accommodate?
The Jet Ranger is designed to take up to 4 passengers in comfort. The Long Ranger is designed to take up to 5 passengers in comfort. Each aircraft offers good visibility and one lucky passenger will be sitting next to the pilot in the co-pilot’s / Aviator’s Seat.

Please call to pre book the Aviator seat, as demand is extremely high, and we can only offer one seat per helicopter.

19. Can I speak to the Helicopter pilot?
Of course! Pilots are generally a friendly lot and they enjoy their work .You’ll be fitted with headphones and a microphone and the pilot will also give a running commentary throughout the display.

20. Can I take a camera on board?
Taking photographs s is something we definitely encourage. You wouldn't want you to miss out on showing family and friends this once in a lifetime experience. Send us your photos afterwards and we will make a gallery in your name on our website!

Please ask for our Photographer’s Notes to help you prepare to take those superb shots of the Spitfire!

I would like to work for you / I have a good idea that I’d like to discuss

We are always looking for bright, dynamic individuals and organisations to develop and grow our business with - we have an ‘open door’ policy, and welcome your approach. We do ask however that you really have a ‘thought’ through’ proposition – you would be amazed at the ‘half –baked’ ideas that people come up with!

We’re passionate about our venture and the many wonderful threads of interest that it has created. If you want to share an idea, it’s best to email us first or write and then we can do some homework before taking the idea further. Please also protect your idea first if it has any intellectual property value.

If we haven’t answered your questions, please contact us on 01227 721 929 or email us.