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Video: New helicopter flights allow passengers to get up close and
personal with iconic WWII aircraft

by Martin
Jefferies

Helicopter tours that fly just metres from World War II's most
iconic aircraft have begun taking off from Kent International
Airport.

Action Stations is using a
fleet of choppers based at Manston to transport passengers to the
skies above Dover, where they are treated to an airborne display by
either a Spitfire or a Hurricane.

The stunts performed by experienced pilots take place in exactly
the spot where the Battle of Britain was fought 69 years ago.

Stephen Burt,
company director (pictured right), said: "I was born
shortly after the end of World War II but I've been fascinated by
military aircraft ever since I made my first Airfix model and read
through the history on the box.

"The Spitfire and the Hurricane were two of the most enigmatic
aircraft ever built and they have a magical draw that I'm sure will
attract people to Kent for these flights.

"The skies above the county are where the Spitfire in particular
really proved itself and we're providing an unique opportunity to
see this magnificent aircraft in its natural setting."

Thanet Extra is the only Kent newspaper to have sampled the
county's latest airborne attraction after taking part in a test run
last Wednesday (September 9).

Flight lieutenant Charlie Brown, an RAF flying instructor who
piloted the Spitfire for the demonstration, said: "It’' one of the
most fun but also one of the most challenging things I've ever
done."

For the full story and more pictures, see this week's
Thanet Extra - available across the isle from
Wednesday.