Red Dog Aviation Ltd

Offering Flight Training and Trial Lessons- flying the RAF Bulldog over Surrey, Sussex and Kent

GBR.DTO.0301

Feel the freedom of flight in this fun and agile RAF Bulldog – a side-by-side aerobatic military two-seat aircraft that played an important role in training RAF pilots, Air Cadets and University Air Squadron students.

Trial Lessons in the RAF Bulldog

About your day...

Your flight will take place at Redhill Aerodrome – a historic grass airfield dating from 1933. Redhill was once a satellite airfield and emergency landing ground during the Battle of Britain for nearby Biggin Hill and was a base for Spitfires and Hurricanes.

You’ll meet us on the “landside” part of the Aerodrome, where our pilot will brief you on this iconic military training aircraft. We’ll also discuss the best routes for the weather on the day.

Once the briefing is over, you’ll walk with your pilot to XX624 which will be waiting on the apron in view of the café. Your pilot will help you climb into the Bulldog and make sure you’re comfortable before sitting beside you and talking you through the controls. Within minutes your pilot will start up the 200HP engine, carry out the pre-flight checks and taxi to the runway. You’ll soon find yourself in the skies, and enjoying fabulous views thanks to the generously-sized clear canopy.

XX624 is fully aerobatic and it is possible to choose an experience which includes some gentle manoeuvres such as loops, rolls and stall turns.

Family and friends are able to wait for you at the nearby Priory Farm Café (less than 2 miles drive away from Redhill Aerodrome) which serves a delicious range of freshly prepared hot and cold food, pastries and cakes to keep your guests entertained while you take to the skies. From the café, your guests will be able to see Redhill aircraft flying overhead.

Battle of Britain Airfields Tour

Choice of:
30 minute flight or 60 minute flight
From just: £199

Castles and National Trust Properties Tour

60 minute flight
From just: £349

Circular Tour around London Gatwick Airport

60 minute flight
From just: £349

Bespoke Routes
30 / 45 / 60 minute flights or land-away at another airfield
From just: £199

Gift Vouchers

You can purchase one of our incredible flight experiences directly through this website. Buying from us direct will ensure you get the best terms and conditions and with our price guarantee you can be sure you won’t find it cheaper anywhere else!

Any voucher bought direct will arrive in a quality envelope with a voucher inside. You’ll be given 12 months to use your voucher from the date of purchase – remember you won’t get 12 month validity from an external provider! We send all of our vouchers in 1st class post every day.

We fly from Redhill Aerodrome on both weekdays and weekends and usually only need around 1 – 2 weeks’ notice to get your voucher booked. If you need a particular date and time, it’s always best to book as far in advance as possible.

If you’ve got any questions about our gift experiences, please send us a message and we will get back in touch with you as soon as we can. For full terms and conditions, click here.

F.A.Q.

How long will the voucher last?

The voucher lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase if bought directly through our website.

I wish to buy a voucher for a friend or family member?

That’s fine! Just tell us the name of the person you would like to put on the voucher and we’ll do the rest.

I'd like to purchase a video of the flight

We will be pleased to offer an in-flight video of the flight for an additional sum of £35. This is payable on the date of flight by exact cash or bank transfer please. The reason we ask for payment on the day is to avoid disappointment should there be any technical issue with the camera equipment.

To comply with CAA safety regulations, only our approved equipment may be used to record flights.

What about the weather?

We ask that you call us before setting out on the day of your flight to check that the weather will be suitable to fly. If the weather is not good enough on the day, we will reschedule for another mutually convenient date.

What should I wear?

No special clothing is required. Please wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes (e.g. trainers). You may also want to bring sunglasses and a cap if it’s sunny.

Is there a height or weight limit?

If you are over 6’4″, you may find the cockpit uncomfortable. The weight limit is 14.5 stone (95 kg) and, for safety and performance reasons, we reserve the right to ask you to step on the scales before flight. It is a legal requirement to operate the aircraft within the Pilot’s Operating Handbook limits. If you are approaching the height or weight limit, please advise us when booking your flight.

How many people can fly in the Bulldog?

The RAF Bulldog aircraft was designed as a military training aeroplane and therefore only has two seats (one of which is for your pilot!).

Can I bring friends / family

We regret that only the voucher holder will be allowed airside (and only when accompanied by a member of staff from Red Dog Aviation Ltd). If friends / family accompany you, we recommend the Priory Farm Café as a great place to wait while you fly. This is a drive of less than 2 miles from Redhill Aerodrome and they will usually see and hear aircraft flying overhead.

Is it difficult to get in the Bulldog?

The aircraft sits quite high off the ground. We will provide steps but it is best to discuss any mobility difficulties you may have.

The aircraft has a five-point harness to keep you safe and secure. We are able to assist you with fastening/unfastening the harness but please be aware that the harness needs to be positioned close to intimate areas of the body. If you require us to supply a qualified member of staff as a chaperone to help you adjust the harness for a safe fit, please let us know when booking.

Should I eat before I fly?

We would recommend that you do not fly on an empty stomach – a light meal or snack is best.

What COVID-19 precautions do you take?

Depending on the situation on the date of flight, and in line with the guidelines applicable at that time, we may require customers to wear a face covering and take a lateral flow test before leaving for Redhill Aerodrome.

You will be required to wear a headset (provided by us) to enable communications. This will be thoroughly sanitised before use.

Testimonials

What an absolutely amazing experience! We (myself and two teenage boys) just finished two wonderful days of flying with Red Dog Aviation Ltd. As we were traveling from the U.S.A. I was initially apprehensive about making the trip to England to fly the Bulldog for different reasons; but Sam and Laurance quickly put those concerns to rest. Sam was exceptionally responsive in scheduling and thoroughly answered the many questions I had in advance which put any concerns I had to rest. Laurance was an absolute pleasure to fly with. He is super knowledgeable and professional. Not only did we have plenty of time in the air, focusing on the handling characteristics and light aerobatics in the aircraft; we also visited a couple of historic grass strips around the English countryside for pleasant conversation over a snack with tea/coffee and even got a glimpse of WWII airplanes (Spitfire & Texan) based at those fields. I can’t stress how memorable of an experience our time with Red Dog Aviation has been. Personally flying a gorgeous Bulldog T.1 Royal Air Force (RAF) trainer above the English countryside, landing at grass strips, seeing historic warplanes.. WOW! Red Dog Aviation Ltd, absolutely exceeded all of my expectations, I highly recommend scheduling your own personalized flight adventure with them!!

Chris

Bespoke 5 hour training package

Earlier this year I received a wonderful birthday present from my wife Chrissy - an hour long flight - in the Red Dog Aviation Bulldog. My wife's gift meant so much to me because, with the exception of a couple of hours on a Chipmunk, the Bulldog was the primary aircraft on which I completed my basic flying training when from 1972 to 1976 I was a young officer on the University of London Air Squadron (ULAS). Over the period I flew 80 hours on the Bulldog at RAF Abingdon before moving on to the Jet Provost Mk5a at RAF Cranwell. ULAS was the first RAF Squadron to receive the Bulldog, a real step up from the Chipmunk. The Bulldog has an affectionate place in my heart for two reasons: firstly because it was such a privilege to fly it and in that process receive a salary for doing so! It's general flight handling was very special and it was a joy to learn aerobatics and formation flying on it. The second and most important reason of course, is that at the same time I began to fly the Bulldog, I fell in love with Chrissy and 50 years later the rest is history! So when at Redhill Aerodrome I saw Laurance taxiing over from the other side of the airfield to meet Chrissy and I, many lovely memories flooded my heart. Thank you Laurance for the fantastic flight I had with you Sunday last. From the outset I so appreciated your kind and friendly welcome and the way in which you trusted me to have some hands-on flying again. If I had a smile when we first taxied out to the runway, it was twice as big on our return! I especially appreciated the flexibility you gave me to just have fun flying an old friend instead of being tied to a fixed route etc. Thank you also Sam for your part in organising my flight and sorting the joining information for me. You are an excellent team! All in all, a great day I shall always remember. If there any former University Air Squadron compatriots out there who flew the Bulldog and are reading this don't hesitate to book a flight. However do remember as time goes by, we age a bit. Consequently, the cockpit will feel a little smaller than it used to be!

Wing Commander Brian Pile MBE RAF (Ret'd)

60 minute bespoke flight with aerobatics

I had the absolute pleasure of flying this incredible aircraft with Laurance at the end of July 2023. As a middle aged former RAF cadet; I have fond memories of the Bulldog, and 25-odd years later – hour building and studying for the ATPL, a speculative search found me in the left hand seat and feeling like an excited kid again. Laurance met me for a thorough briefing and general chance to shoot the breeze about flying. We had a long chat / mentoring session, by the end of which I felt like I had a new friend. Off to the aircraft – and despite the inclement July weather, we got an hour or so shared between IMC and cloud busting. Even the effect of 4Gs couldn’t wipe the grin from my face. Next day and chance to do it all again in somewhat kinder weather. More cloud busting, and an EGKK transit to boot! From beginning to end, I couldn’t have asked for more. This certainly won't be my last time in XX624.

Russ

2 x 1 hour bespoke flight experiences

I had a great experience flying the Bulldog! Sam and Laurance are passionate, available and competent, communication with them was perfect. The plane is kept in stunning conditions, looks like new and flies superbly. The flight was fantastic, Laurance is such a good instructor, calm and laid back, made me feel immediately comfortable. I strongly recommend flying with them ✈️

Francesco

60 minute bespoke flight experience

Gill and I had excellent flights, one each, with Laurance in the Bulldog. I have a licence and always fancied flying one. It did not disappoint. Laurance and his wife Sam, who is a commercial pilot, were both lovely and a pleasure to meet. A thoroughly excellent experience. Chris

Chris and Gill

2 x bespoke flight experiences

I really enjoyed the flights I undertook recently with Laurance in your beautiful Bulldog. It was a chance for me to re-acquaint my self with the Bulldog and renew my rating. Laurance anticipated my needs, let me get on with the exercises I needed to undertake with the odd nugget thrown in to help, in his calm and understated way. I very much recommend undertaking training with Red Dog. You really do have a nice aircraft!

Mark

Training and SEP renewal

I had the pleasure to fly with Laurance for a short flight in the Bulldog. An aircraft I've always wanted to fly in, the experience exceeded my expectations. The airplane is a joy to fly in and the visibility is superb. Sam and Laurance's approach was professional, relaxed and courteous which made the experience all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend Red Dog Aviation for anyone wanting to fly this lovely aircraft.

Ahmad

30 minute flight experience

Thank you so much for the incredible experience, it was above and beyond our expectations! Dad absolutely loved it and still can't stop talking about it. Thank you again to you both for truly making the day so special for us! We will certainly be spreading the word!

Marius

30 minute Battle of Britain experience

I had a great experience yesterday with Red Dog Aviation, flying the Scottish Aviation Bulldog. Flying over local landmarks with Laurance, whilst being guided through procedures and techniques for me to safely keep us in the air. I will not retain all the information given during the flight, but there is always the possibility for the next time. We flew over the former RAF Headley Court site, passed Epsom Racecourse before Derby day and on to Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill. We also managed to pass RAF Kenley, Biggin Hill and Headcorn, before arriving back at Redhill Aerodrome. Many thanks to Red Dog Aviation Ltd for providing a great flight experience. See you again soon!

Derek

1 hour Battle of Britain Flight Experience

I can fully recommend the Red Dog Aviation Bulldog experience for both pilots and non-pilots. From initial contact with Sam, to a great flight in the Bulldog with Laurance, communication and service was excellent. Thank you Red Dog Aviation!

Michael

45 minute bespoke flight experience

On Tuesday 22 November, I had the great pleasure of flying Bulldog XX624 from Thruxton to Redhill. Considering the age of the aircraft (built 1973), it is in remarkable condition wearing its original colour scheme and the interior and canopy showing off the very best of British engineering quality and design. With the sliding canopy locking reassuringly into the closed position, start-up and taxi is smooth and positive in the roomy cockpit. Compared to other GA aircraft I fly, XX624 has a very ‘military’ feel to it and the cockpit layout and instrument panel left me feeling confident and comfortable from the start. Despite being two up and full of fuel, the take-off was rapid and climb rate from the 200HP injected Lycoming engine in the region of 1500’/min. I was soon in love with this aircraft. A light pressure on the stick made me feel at home in all 3 axes and the large pitch and yaw trim wheels, placed centrally between the seats, are both proportional and powerful. We were fortunate to have excellent visibility and a reasonable tailwind component so the trip back to Redhill was all too quick! After a brief discussion about low-speed handling characteristics and speed targets, the stable approach and first landing was intuitive and a joy, though I say so myself! Flying this aircraft is a little piece of aviation history, which I was very proud to put in my log book. Whether the reader has thousands of hours, a personal history of learning to fly at the start of an Air Force career, or no flying experience at all, I am sure, if you have an opportunity to enjoy a flight in a Bulldog with Red Dog Aviation, you will look back on it as a day to remember.

Ian

45 minute bespoke flight experience

I recently had the pleasure of flying XX624 out of Redhill with Laurance, one of Red Dog Aviation’s instructors. It was the first time I’d operated the Bulldog and was glad to have had someone as experienced as Laurance guide me from start up, take off and landing, especially from Redhill which can be challenging. I found the aircraft to be in great condition, clearly well-loved and maintained. Taking off from the concrete runway meant the aircraft is airborne and climbing quickly, reaching circuit height a couple of minutes after applying power to the 200hp Lycoming engine. Being an ex-military trainer it felt robust (enough to survive my landing in to Thruxton!), but very stable in the cruise with only light pressure to maintain level flight. I had never flown an aircraft with rudder trim too, which lightens the load during the cruise if conducting a longer flight. The all-round visibility was excellent, really enhancing safety, affording great views of the North Downs and London from afar. Flying final approach to Thruxton, flap full gives an even better view over the nose - and landing with a reasonable cross wind was made easy with its powerful rudder. My instructor said it’s capable of landing 35kts across! I thoroughly enjoyed my flight with Red Dog Aviation and would recommend them to anyone wanting to fly this piece of British aviation history.