Sywell Aerodrome: Home to Legends – The Spitfire and Mustang

Just a short flight from Northampton lies one of Britain’s most exciting hubs of aviation heritage – Sywell Aerodrome. This historic airfield, established in 1928, has grown from its roots as a training ground during WWII to a thriving centre for vintage aviation, flight experiences, and warbird restoration. And if you’re passionate about historic aircraft, it’s a destination you simply must know about.

✈️ Meet the Legends Based at Sywell

Two of the most iconic warbirds in history – the Supermarine Spitfire and North American P-51 Mustang – are proudly based at Sywell. Not only are they lovingly maintained, but they also take to the skies regularly, thrilling crowds at airshows and offering once-in-a-lifetime flight experiences.

?️ Spitfire Mk XIVe – RM927 (G-SXIV)

• A beautifully restored Spitfire Mk XIVe, registration G‑SXIV
• Originally RM927, this aircraft took to the skies again in July 2022 following an expert restoration
• Operated by the renowned Air Leasing Ltd, which is a specialist in vintage warbird restoration
• Flies regularly at Sywell’s events and air displays, a stunning sight with its powerful Griffon engine and sleek profile

? P-51D Mustang – “Jersey Jerk” (G-CLNV)

• This striking P-51D Mustang is painted in the famous “Jersey Jerk” livery
• Registered G‑CLNV, this Mustang is part of the Ultimate Fighters display team
• It’s regularly seen roaring overhead at airshows and warbird events, often flying in formation with Spitfires and Buchons
• A favourite among enthusiasts for its heritage, power, and razor-sharp looks

? Fly One Yourself – Ultimate Warbird Flights

What makes Sywell truly special is that you don’t just have to watch – you can fly one of these legends. Thanks to Ultimate Warbird Flights, visitors can experience the thrill of a flight in a two-seat Spitfire or Mustang:

• Spitfire ML407 “The Grace Spitfire” flights from approx. £2,975
• Mustang P‑51D dual-control flights from approx. £1,950

These unforgettable experiences include a full briefing, safety training, and opportunities for family and friends to capture the moment on the ground. Many customers even opt for a video recording of their flight to relive the moment again and again.

?️ Sywell Airshows & Events

In 2024, Sywell hosted a spectacular airshow with appearances from aircraft like the Spitfire Mk V EE602 and P‑51 Mustang “Jersey Jerk”. Though the main airshow won’t return in 2025, organisers have hinted at future smaller events to keep the aviation spirit alive. Watch this space!

? Quick Reference

? Why This Matters to Collectors

These airworthy warbirds are more than museum pieces – they’re living history. For collectors, they offer real-world reference for models, liveries, and markings. Seeing them in flight or on the ground provides inspiration for scale model displays, shelf arrangements, or even custom commissions.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a warbird model collector, or simply someone who appreciates the craftsmanship of these historic aircraft, Sywell is an essential name to know.

? Want to Visit or Fly?

To learn more or book your flight experience, visit warbirdflights.co.uk or head to Sywell Aerodrome's official site. And if you're after high-quality scale models of these iconic aircraft, be sure to browse our collection of Spitfires and Mustangs here at Airspotters.

Airspotters.com – where history meets hobby. From the airfield to your display shelf.