Rare vintage warplanes have been spotted flying over County Durham which has left residents in the region amazed.
World War II vintage Tiger Moth biplanes, which are considered incredibly rare, have been seen travelling over parts of County Durham, Northumberland and Newcastle.
Despite the rare nature of the aircraft, they are actually part of pleasure flights over the region.
The DH82A Tiger Moths G-EMSY and G-ANEZ are the pride of joy of Tiger Flights, an independent business based at Eshott Airfield located just off the A1, north of Morpeth.
Owned by Geordies Darren Davis and Dave Burns, the Tiger Flights fleet flies throughout the year giving aviation fans the experience of open cockpit flying and a unique view of landscapes around Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham, and iconic landmarks.
Having launched earlier this year, Tiger Flights passengers have enjoyed 30, 45 and 60-minute flights on routes over bays, bridges, coasts and castles.
The de Havilland Tiger Moth was the primary training aircraft for pilots who went on to fly Spitfires, so both G-EMSY and G-ANEZ, built in 1940 and 1941 respectively, have years of aviation heritage which the Tiger Flights team are keen to share.
“There is nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of flying in an open cockpit aircraft,” said co-owner Dave.
He added: “We’re proud to be the custodians of such iconic aircraft. People have booked flights for birthdays, and anniversaries, just for fun or to take them back to their days as air cadets or service men and women.
“But regardless of your reason for flying, everyone comes back from their flight grinning from ear to ear and they can’t quite get over just how exhilarating it is.”
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On arrival at the airfield, home to pilots training in Spitfires during World War 2, passengers are briefed before donning a flight suit, flight jacket, goggles and hat.
Passengers climb into the front seat of the plane and with no starter motor, witness the ground crew swing the propeller by hand.
“Every time you hear the crew shout ‘contact’ when they start the motor you know someone is about to have a proper wind in their hair experience like no other” said co-owner Dave.
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