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Take a trip down memory lane in a tough old biplane
Tiger Moth flights
South African tiger moth flights are special.
© Martiens Steyn
Did you know?
The Tiger Moth is still in great demand worldwide as a training and recreational aircraft.
Tiger Moth flights in South Africa offer the intrepid traveller a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy aviation in its purest form.
Named after its British originator, Geoffrey de Havilland, the De Havilland 82 Tiger Moth first flew in 1931. Due to its tough reputation it was later used by the Royal Air Force and by other countries to train aviators who flew Spitfires during World War II.
The Tiger Moth was also used as a light bomber during the war, but later, in the era of Hemingway and the Charleston, it became more of a status symbol among the wealthy.
Sadly there aren't many beautiful old Tiger Moth biplanes to be found these days, but if you've set your heart on flying in one, there are charter pilots who man these marvellous old Lords of the Air at your pleasure.
What makes Tiger Moth flights so special is the entire experience, from leather helmet and old-fashioned goggles to an open-air cockpits, brass tube for communicating between pilot and passenger and, of course, the incredible experience of flying inverted, hanging from your safety straps - if you dare. If you're lucky you may even have a chance to take the controls, but if not, the view from the front of the plane is spectacular enough to keep you fully occupied!
Having donned your flying gear, you'll be seated in the front of the plane, with the pilot behind you. As he issues the instruction "contact", the propellor is swung manually, bringing the engine to life with a throaty roar, and in no time you'll be up and away!
A special 30-minute flight over Rand Airport has been designed as part of an upmarket gift package. It's Biggles & Co all the way as the ground crew and pilot go through pre-flight procedures established way back in the time of The Red Baron during World War I.
There's also a 1941 Tiger Moth aircraft that will whisk you to the Cradle of Humankind and over to the Magaliesberg mountain range for a trip with an interesting destination.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Scenic Vintage Tiger Moth Flights
Jack Taylor Airfield, Krugersdorp
Phone: 083 776 6667
Cell: 082 922 6387
The Tiger Moth Club of South Africa
Cell: 083 776 6667
Email: chairman@tigermothclub.co.za
Tours to do
* Scenic Vintage Tiger Moth Flights does flights over the Cradle of Humankind/Magaliesburg from Krugersdorp, including game viewing. Flights on weekends, but bookings for weekdays and discounts for groups are available.
* Classique Aviation operates out of Germiston on the East Rand of Gauteng, offering Tiger Time, a flight in a 1936 De Havilland Tiger Moth over the city of Johannesburg.
What will it cost
Expect to pay around R2 000 for a half-hour flight.