SPITFIRE FLIGHT EXPERIENCES AT LEE ON SOLENT Aerodrome, HAMPSHIRE

Experience the Thrill of Flying a Spitfire at Lee on Solent Airport. whY CHOOSE LEE ON SOLENT FOR YOUR SPITFIRE FLIGHT?

Take off from Solent Airport Daedalus and soar over the stunning Solent coastline in a legendary Supermarine Spitfire. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or fulfilling a lifelong dream, this flight offers an unforgettable journey through history and breathtaking scenery. Solent Daedalus offers a truly historic setting for your Spitfire flight, operating from a former WWII airfield with direct ties to the D-Day landings. This remarkable location adds depth and significance to your flying experience, placing you in the footsteps of wartime heroes. As you take to the skies, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Solent and the Isle of Wight – a stunning backdrop that enhances every moment of your journey. The airfield is easily accessible from Portsmouth and Southampton, making it a convenient choice for visitors across the South Coast. With a premium private airport atmosphere and excellent on-site facilities, Solent Daedalus ensures a first-class experience from the ground up. Every flight is conducted in an authentic WWII Spitfire, expertly piloted to give you the most thrilling and historically immersive adventure possible.

ABOUT & HISTORY

Lee on Solent has a long association with the Seafire, the naval version of the Spitfire as well as having RAF and American Navy units operating Spitfires. In early 1944, the main home based units were from the Fleet Air Arm’s 885, 808, 886 and 897 Squadrons equipped with the Seafire III, fitted with a merlin 55m. Later on, towards the build up for D-Day, 26 and 63 Squadrons from the RAF moved in, as well as The US Navy VCS-7s squadron operating Spitfire Mk Vs. The RAF units formed 34 Reconnaissance Wing, 2nd Tactical Air Force. HMS Daedalus was the busiest airfield on the South Coast during D-Day as the RAF were joined by Canadian Typhoons and Mustangs who also flew support sorties. On the 6 June 1944, the first aircraft to take part in Operation Overlord from Lee-on-Solent took off towards the Normandy beach head. The Spitfires worked in pairs, with one aircraft spotting naval gunnery targets, while the other provided fighter cover to prevent Luftwaffe fighters attacking. The number of sorties deployed from HMS Daedalus for Operation Overlord was 435. This number was the largest achieved by any UK airfield on D-Day. The Spitfire pilots of 1944, taking off on sorties for D-Day were best placed for a direct route to Normandy, up over the majestic Solent, looking out to the Isle of wight. Looking down on the invasion fleet and support ships, having left from Portsmouth and Southampton docks.

Just imagine the unprecedented scene unfolding below the wing of the Spitfire as they set course over the glistening waves. The airfield is right on the beach, with local access to Portsmouth and Southampton and the historic naval dockyard. The scenery out over the Isle of Wight and to the Needles was a daily vista for the wartime pilots but now you can enjoy the scenery from the rear seat of one of our Spitfires with no risk of being harangued by enemy aircraft. Now operating as Solent Airport Daedalus, home to exclusive Spitfire flight experiences.

BOOK YOUR SPITFIRE FLIGHTS AT LEE ON SOLENT

This is your chance to take to the skies in a legendary Supermarine Spitfire. Whether you’re fulfilling a lifelong dream or looking for the perfect gift, a Spitfire flight from Lee-on-Solent will be an unforgettable experience. Choose from a range of thrilling Spitfire flight experiences over Hampshire’s stunning coastline.