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C47 DAKOTA EXPERIENCES

Experience the thrill of stepping into aviation history aboard the legendary C47 Dakota. Known as the “Skytrain,” this aircraft played a pivotal role during World War II. General Dwight D. Eisenhower even described it as one of the essential “tools of victory.” Its legacy spans countless missions and a global impact that remains unmatched. Now, Aero Legends offers you the chance to experience this remarkable aircraft up close.

You can share this unforgettable adventure with your friends and family. Unlike other experiences, there are no restrictions on guest numbers or extra charges for bringing loved ones along. From our welcoming customer facilities, you can enjoy the spectacle of this legendary aircraft in motion.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with a piece of living history. Book your C47 Dakota experience today and relive the bravery and innovation that shaped the skies during World War II. Secure your spot now to be part of this extraordinary journey!

c47 Dakota Taxi Ride

The Dakota, also known as the C47 Skytrain, is one of the most iconic and revered aircraft in aviation history. General Dwight Eisenhower called it one of the essential “tools of victory” that helped win World War II. Designed with such precision and purpose, it remains difficult to imagine any aircraft fully replacing it even today.

At Aero Legends, we are proud to operate two examples of this legendary aircraft. We invite you to experience the thrill of taxiing and accelerating to near take-off speed in one of them. As you sit aboard, you can imagine flying to the Normandy Invasion beaches (Operation Overlord), soaring over Arnhem (Operation Market Garden), or crossing the Rhine (Operation Varsity).

This experience has been offered occasionally at events, where it has always proven extremely popular. Due to demand, we are now making it more widely available. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this incredible journey. Book your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

  • Click on ‘Buy & Book’ below to buy and book your date

What’s Included?

  • Exclusive D-Day Dakota taxi experience, up to almost take off speed
  • Includes a detailed pre-experience briefing covering the aircraft, equipment and safety procedures
  • Approximately 15 minutes’ start-up, engine checks and fast taxi ride
  • Meet the pilots/photo opportunities – Enjoy watching these famous WW2 aircraft from our paddock and our original WW2 RAF ‘Scramble hut’ with adjoining café
  • Limited availability – only a few places available

 

Aero Legends North Weald WW2 Experience

The Aero Legends North Weald WW2 Experience takes you behind the scenes, for a fascinating and immersive look at World War Two aviation.
Stand beside real wartime icons including the Harvard, Spitfire and C-47 Dakota, and uncover the training, tactics, and triumphs of Allied pilots. An authentic, sensory, journey into Britain’s aviation past – where history still flies!

Get closer than ever to the legends of the air!
Go beyond the museum ropes and step inside the working hangars of North Weald, one of Britain’s most historic Battle of Britain airfields.

  • Click on ‘Buy & Book’ below to buy and book your date

For one person

from £99 

For two people

from £176 

What’s Included In The Tour?

  • The WW2 Experience is for one person 16 or over
  • Introduction and the history of RAF North Weald
  • WW2 RAF pilot training talk using the iconic WW2 aircraft: North American T6 Harvard & Supermarine Spitfire Mark IX
  • Spitfire tour and history talk
  • C-47 Dakota tour and history talk – climb inside the famous American aircraft used to drop paratroopers on D-Day and at Arnhem
  • Hangar tour
  • Allow up to 2 hours for the tour experience, a small tour size of up to 15 gets you up close with our historical aircraft
  • C-47 Dakota fast taxi ride – Only £ 50.00 – Once you have booked this tour, you get a PROMO CODE for 2026 taxi rides
  • Free parking & The Squadron Café facilities
  • Perfect experience for those looking for a special WW2 aviation gift/present – tour dates planned monthly throughout 2026

WHAT DO OUR CUSTOMERS THINK?

EXCELLENT
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Based on 465 reviews
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Alan Martin profile picture
Alan Martin
September 21, 2026
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I was lucky enough to experience the 55-minute Isle of Wight flight in a Spitfire out of Compton Abbas Airfield. It was incredible! The pilot was amazing, as was the whole team. Everyone was so friendly and approachable. The video package was added to the flight, and I'm so glad because my family and friends can see the smile on my face for the entire trip. I can say I got to fly a Spitfire! The barrel rolls and loops (not compulsory, but why not?) were awesome (I'm running out of superlatives!). Like millions of people, I have "flown" home computer flight simulators since the dawn of gaming. Imagine the best simulator you can, then add all your senses being excited simultaneously and multiply the total by 100. If you can do that, then you'll start to understand just what the experience provides. Breathtaking. Exhilarating. The views across the English countryside, out to sea. It's impossible for me to overstate the day. Compton Abbas has plenty of parking and viewing for family and friends. There's a restaurant. Make a day of it because it'll be a day you'll always remember.
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Chris Davis profile picture
Chris Davis
September 15, 2026
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I flew the Mach loop with ‘Berty’ Brett on September9th. An unbelievable flight after a very professional training session on the ejector seat. Berty showed exceptional communication and training skills during the flight and made it fun. The ground support staff were not only very warm and welcoming but highly competent. This is a phenomenal experience never to be forgotten.
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Rob Atkinson profile picture
Rob Atkinson
September 13, 2026
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A truly fantastic experience, flying from Hawarden through the Mach loop and along the Ogwen valley with some aerobatics to finish, can't recommend it highly enough. A very professional and friendly team, my guest and I were very well looked after, a big thank you to you all.
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jon new profile picture
jon new
September 12, 2026
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I Did the Tiger moth flight at Compton Abbas it was fantastic. The ground crew and pilot couldn't do enough to make this a great experience I can't recommend it enough
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Julie Owens profile picture
Julie Owens
September 11, 2026
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Second time flying with Aerolegends. First was flying in the Spitfire Elizabeth an emotional and truly perfect experience. Second time was in the Strikemaster 8 years later, this month. A once in a lifetime very special experience. So lucky to do it and just made it as the weather closed in. Both times I took the optional recording. Because of the nostalgia, I preferred the Spitfire. Great company offering unique experinces, I will cherish, and brag to my friends and family! Pilots are amazing, Parky and Sean!