Ben Baxter

For as long as Ben can remember, he’s always had a passion for aviation. That goes double for the history surrounding the Second World War, from the personal stories of service men and women to the advances made in technology as both sides strove to one-up the other.

When he and his family would visit Goodwood, Ben would always try to get as close as possible to the resident warbirds – and particularly the Spitfires in Hangar 8.

In 2023, he had the chance to see the Spitfire operating from Lee-on-Solent. That led to a taxi ride back to the hangar, a dream come true. His gratitude and intrigue prompted him to content the team and express his interest in becoming a volunteer.

Ben says: “I’ve been able to meet and work with amazing and charismatic people from all backgrounds. They’ve made me really feel like I belonged and pushed me to be the best I can be. That includes pilots who I learn from – as I hope for a career in Fleet air arm – and engineers that I constantly learn from day to day.”

He’s also had the encouragement and support to complete his National Private Pilots Licence, allowing him to truly pursue his passion.