The title of this feature is a nod to one of J R R Tolkien's much-loved classics - the tale of an unlikely character plucked from his humdrum life and sent on an unimaginable journey that would change him forever. While neither of us are Hobbits, it works perfectly as a title because neither Jamie Ewan nor myself were expecting what followed whilst paying a visit to Aerial Collective.As background, FlyPast were there to discuss a feature on the Duxford-based company's highly popular flight experiences. Jamie and I were sitting in the sun, drinking in the sights and sounds of the legendary aerodrome from their viewing area, occasionally stopping to look up when a Spitfire growled overhead, when Aerial Collective's manager, Jack McBride casually let into the conversation: "We'll run through a briefing and get you up." The conversation continued to flow for a moment before George Romain, who is responsible for the fantastic photos arrayed before you asked: "Do you want to fly?" To which Jamie replied: "Absolutely. We never turn down the chance to fly," but it was only while walking to the briefing room that their words sank in. They meant fly a Spitfire.
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