A scenic flight in a rare aircraft: the Royal Air Force's Miles Magister Mk.I.
An exceptionally rare aircraft from the Second World War: The Miles Magister Mk.I was the Royal Air Force's first monoplane trainer and marked a significant step in the training of British military pilots. With its open cockpit, distinctive lines, and wooden construction, it still conveys a direct impression of pilot training in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
A flight in the Miles Magister N3827 is far more than an ordinary sightseeing flight. From Podhořany airfield, you'll experience historic aviation in an exceptionally well-preserved aircraft that was already in service with the Royal Air Force during World War II. In the open cockpit, you'll feel the wind in your face and experience the aircraft up close. Particularly noteworthy is its connection to Czechoslovakian RAF history: Czechoslovakian pilot Jan Mokrejš is documented to have flown several flights in this very Magister in 1942.
You will be accompanied by a highly qualified team of experienced professional pilots, flight instructors, and pilots with extensive experience on historic aircraft. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or looking for an extraordinary experience, a flight in the N3827 offers the rare opportunity not only to see an authentic piece of RAF history up close, but also to experience it in the air.
Flight characteristics Miles Magister
5 reasons to book your Miles Magister flight to Podhořany
Flies in a true rarity
The Miles Magister Mk.I is one of the rarest flying trainers of its era. As the Royal Air Force's first monoplane trainer specifically designed for pilot training, it marked a significant step in the late 1930s in the education of aspiring military pilots. During World War II, numerous RAF pilots were trained on this aircraft type before transitioning to the much more powerful combat aircraft. Climb into the open cockpit of the original RAF Magister N3827 and experience an extraordinary piece of aviation history firsthand.
Open cockpit & pure flying feeling
The distinctive sound of the engine, the wind in your face in the open cockpit, and the immediate connection to the elements: in the Miles Magister, you experience flying as directly as aspiring RAF pilots did in the 1930s and 1940s. Every turn and every movement of the aircraft is felt instantly. The combination of an open cockpit, classic wooden construction, and direct flight feel makes a flight in the Magister an exceptionally authentic aviation experience.
Flying can be this immediate.
In the Miles Magister, you'll experience flying with minimal distance between you, the aircraft, and your surroundings. In the open cockpit, you'll feel the wind in your face, experience every movement of the plane directly, and enjoy unobstructed views of the landscape below. The classic design and direct feel of the aircraft provide an authentic impression of how aspiring RAF pilots learned to fly in the 1930s and 40s. It's an experience quite different from a sightseeing flight in a modern, enclosed aircraft.
Breathtaking scenery
From Podhořany airfield, you'll discover the diverse landscape of East Bohemia from a truly unique perspective. In the open cockpit of the Miles Magister, you'll enjoy an almost unobstructed view of fields, forests, small villages, and the expansive countryside below. The relatively leisurely cruising speed allows ample time to savor the scenery and consciously take in your surroundings – a setting that perfectly complements the original character of this historic training aircraft.
Personal care & unforgettable memories
Experienced pilots, personalized service, and the team's passion for historic aircraft make your flight a truly special experience. From ground preparation to the actual flight in the open cockpit, you'll experience the Miles Magister up close and immerse yourself in the world of classic aviation. An authentic flying experience that brings the extraordinary history of this rare RAF trainer to life and will remain a lasting memory.
The Miles Magister Mk.I is one of the rarest flying trainers of its era. As the Royal Air Force's first monoplane trainer specifically designed for pilot training, it marked a significant step in the late 1930s in the education of aspiring military pilots. During World War II, numerous RAF pilots were trained on this aircraft type before transitioning to the much more powerful combat aircraft. Climb into the open cockpit of the original RAF Magister N3827 and experience an extraordinary piece of aviation history firsthand.
The distinctive sound of the engine, the wind in your face in the open cockpit, and the immediate connection to the elements: in the Miles Magister, you experience flying as directly as aspiring RAF pilots did in the 1930s and 1940s. Every turn and every movement of the aircraft is felt instantly. The combination of an open cockpit, classic wooden construction, and direct flight feel makes a flight in the Magister an exceptionally authentic aviation experience.
In the Miles Magister, you'll experience flying with minimal distance between you, the aircraft, and your surroundings. In the open cockpit, you'll feel the wind in your face, experience every movement of the plane directly, and enjoy unobstructed views of the landscape below. The classic design and direct feel of the aircraft provide an authentic impression of how aspiring RAF pilots learned to fly in the 1930s and 40s. It's an experience quite different from a sightseeing flight in a modern, enclosed aircraft.
From Podhořany airfield, you'll discover the diverse landscape of East Bohemia from a truly unique perspective. In the open cockpit of the Miles Magister, you'll enjoy an almost unobstructed view of fields, forests, small villages, and the expansive countryside below. The relatively leisurely cruising speed allows ample time to savor the scenery and consciously take in your surroundings – a setting that perfectly complements the original character of this historic training aircraft.
Experienced pilots, personalized service, and the team's passion for historic aircraft make your flight a truly special experience. From ground preparation to the actual flight in the open cockpit, you'll experience the Miles Magister up close and immerse yourself in the world of classic aviation. An authentic flying experience that brings the extraordinary history of this rare RAF trainer to life and will remain a lasting memory.
Customer voice
The sound of the engine is simply amazing! It was a lot of fun.
Questions & Answers about the Miles Magister flight
When do flights take place?
Flights with the Miles Magister take place by individual arrangement and subject to suitable weather conditions. Flights are particularly pleasant on warmer days with temperatures of around 15°C and above. Flights cannot take place in strong winds, rain, fog, or other unsuitable weather conditions. In this case, the flight will be rescheduled accordingly.
Where are we flying to?
The scenic flight departs from Podhořany airfield and takes you over the diverse landscape of the surrounding region. During the flight, you'll experience fields, forests, small villages, and the expansive scenery of East Bohemia from the open cockpit of the Miles Magister. The exact route depends on current weather conditions and flying conditions.
What is the process?
You will first be greeted at Podhořany airfield by the experienced team and get to know the Miles Magister up close. A short briefing will provide you with essential information about the aircraft, its history, the flight procedure, and the upcoming scenic flight. If you wish, you can also try on historical aviation equipment such as a flying helmet, goggles, and boots. Afterward, you will take your seat in the open cockpit and begin your flight over the East Bohemian landscape. After landing, there will be plenty of time for photos, questions, and a personal chat with the pilot.
How long does it take in total?
In addition to the actual flight time, please allow ample time for the entire experience. Besides the briefing and preparation, there will be time after the flight for photos, questions, and a personal chat with the pilot. You will also have the opportunity to see the historic aircraft of RAF Station Czechoslovakia up close.
Is aerobatics flown with the Miles Magister?
During the scenic flight, more dynamic turns and maneuvers can be included upon request. However, complex aerobatic maneuvers are not performed. The experienced pilot will tailor the flight to your wishes, your personal comfort, and the prevailing flight conditions.
Can friends or family come to the airfield?
Of course! Your companions are very welcome at Podhořany Airfield and can witness the preparations, takeoff, and landing of the Miles Magister. During your flight, you will also have the opportunity to discover the historic aircraft of RAF Station Czechoslovakia up close and observe the activity at the airfield.
Can I take photos or videos?
Of course, you are welcome to take photos and videos before and after the flight. Personal recordings are also generally permitted during the flight, provided this has been agreed upon with the pilot and does not impair the safe conduct of the flight. This way, you can also capture your experience in the open cockpit of the Miles Magister photographically.
Who is my pilot?
The flights are conducted by a highly experienced team of professional pilots, flight instructors, and pilots with extensive experience on historic aircraft. The team includes, among others, Andrej Cepko, a professional flight instructor and pilot with experience on historic aircraft, and Ivo Kardoš, a former JAS 39 Gripen pilot and display pilot of the Czech Air Force.
Richard Santus, founder of RAF Station Czechoslovakia, is also a professional pilot with many years of experience flying historic aircraft. All pilots employed are familiar with the specific requirements of classic aircraft like the Miles Magister and ensure a professionally executed and personalized flying experience.
What is the story behind the Miles Magister?
The Miles Magister Mk.I N3827 was built in 1938 by Miles Aircraft in Reading and shortly afterwards acquired by the Royal Air Force. Initially, it served with No. 15 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School in Kidlington and later with No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School. In 1942, it was transferred to No. 2 Flying Instructors School in Montrose, Scotland, where flight instructors for the Royal Air Force were trained.
From this period stems a particularly interesting connection to Czechoslovakian aviation history. In 1942, during his flight instructor training, Czechoslovakian RAF pilot Jan Mokrejš demonstrably completed six flights in this very N3827, spending a total of more than seven hours in the air. His flights with this aircraft are still documented in his personal logbook.
After further service with the Royal Air Force, N3827's military career ended in 1946. It then went to Argentina, where it was used by various aero clubs for decades. In 2019, the aircraft was acquired by RAF Czechoslovakia and brought back to Europe.
The Magister subsequently underwent extensive restoration in England. Remarkably, around 95 percent of the original wooden construction was preserved. According to RAF Czechoslovakia, this makes N3827 the most original, airworthy Miles Magister in the world. Following the completion of the restoration, it received its airworthiness certificate in May 2022 and returned to Podhořany shortly thereafter.
During your sightseeing flight, you will not be seated in a replica, but in a genuine former RAF training aircraft from 1938. The N3827 looks back on more than eight decades of history and today offers the rare opportunity to experience one of the few remaining airworthy examples of this important British training aircraft in the air.
Can I find out more about the Miles Magister?
The Miles M.14 Magister is one of the most important British training aircraft of the late 1930s and 1940s. It was developed by Miles Aircraft as a two-seat trainer with open, tandem cockpits. As a monoplane, it represented a significant step forward compared to the then still widespread biplane trainers and prepared aspiring pilots for the more modern and powerful aircraft they would use in their further training.
With the outbreak of the Second World War, the Magister was used in large numbers by the Royal Air Force for pilot training. It served both at Elementary Flying Training Schools and at other training units. In addition to actual pilot training, Magisters were also used within the RAF as liaison aircraft between various units.
The Magister is characterized by its wooden construction, fixed landing gear, and two open cockpits. The Magister Mk.I is powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Major inline engine. Its relatively simple design and direct flight characteristics made it a suitable training aircraft for pilots who would later transition to significantly more powerful machines.
The Magister thus played an important role at a time when the Royal Air Force had to train a large number of new pilots in a very short period. Numerous Czechoslovakian pilots also came into contact with this aircraft type during their training in Great Britain. The N3827, currently based in Podhořany, has a particularly direct connection to this, as the Czechoslovakian RAF pilot Jan Mokrejš is documented to have completed six flights in this very aircraft in 1942.
Today, the Miles Magister is an exceptional rarity. Only a few examples worldwide are still airworthy. With its open cockpit, classic wooden construction, and distinctive appearance, it provides a direct impression of what the training of aspiring RAF pilots must have been like during the Second World War.
What is the story behind this Miles Magister?
The Miles Magister N3827 looks back on an extraordinary journey through more than eight decades of aviation history. Built in 1938, the aircraft was acquired by the Royal Air Force and initially used by various training units. During the Second World War, the Magister served, among other places, at No. 2 Flying Instructors School in Montrose, where flight instructors for the Royal Air Force were trained.
It was precisely there, in 1942, that the story of N3827 intersected with that of Czechoslovakian RAF pilot Jan Mokrejš. During his flight instructor training, he demonstrably completed six flights in this aircraft. These flights are still documented in his personal logbook, creating a direct link between the aircraft and the history of Czechoslovakian pilots in the Royal Air Force.
After the end of its military career, N3827 left Great Britain and went to Argentina. There, it was flown by various aero clubs for many years. Only decades later did it return to Europe. In 2019, the Magister was acquired by RAF Czechoslovakia and subsequently underwent extensive restoration in England.
During the restoration, an exceptionally large portion of the historical fabric was preserved. Approximately 95 percent of the original wooden structure was retained. In 2022, the N3827 regained its airworthiness certification and subsequently returned to Podhořany.
Today, this extraordinary aircraft is not only preserved as a museum piece but also continues to fly. On your sightseeing flight, you will be seated in a genuine former RAF Magister from 1938, which survived the Second World War, decades in South America, and an extensive restoration. A rare opportunity to experience an authentic piece of aviation history firsthand.
Tell me more about the manufacturer Miles Aircraft
Miles Aircraft is one of the most interesting British aircraft manufacturers of the 1930s and 1940s. The company's history is closely linked to aircraft designer Frederick George Miles and his wife Maxine "Blossom" Miles. Together with his brother George Miles, Frederick Miles developed a range of light sport, touring, and training aircraft, characterized by innovative designs and often the consistent use of wood.
The 1930s saw the development of numerous successful aircraft types, including the Miles Hawk, Falcon, and Whitney Straight. Many of these machines were fast and relatively modern monoplanes at a time when biplanes were still common in British aviation.
One of the company's most significant designs was the Miles M.14 Magister. It evolved from the Miles Hawk trainer and was specifically developed to meet the requirements of the Royal Air Force. As the first monoplane trainer procured in significant numbers for the RAF, the Magister played a crucial role in the transition from classic biplane trainers to more modern monoplanes. During the Second World War, numerous aspiring RAF pilots were trained on this aircraft type.
During the war, Miles developed further training, transport, and experimental aircraft. Among the best known was the twin-engine Miles M.9 Master, which was used as an advanced trainer, preparing aspiring pilots for high-performance combat aircraft. In addition, numerous unusual prototypes were built, with which the company tested new aerodynamic concepts.
Among the most ambitious projects was the Miles M.52. This experimental jet aircraft was developed during World War II for supersonic flight research and was intended to reach speeds exceeding Mach 1. However, the British project was terminated in 1946 before a manned prototype could make its maiden flight. Nevertheless, this development demonstrates how far Miles had progressed within just a few years, from relatively simple light aircraft to cutting-edge research projects.
After the war, the company increasingly ran into financial difficulties. Miles Aircraft was dissolved in 1947 and subsequently acquired by Handley Page. However, Frederick Miles remained active in aviation and aircraft development.
The Miles Magister N3827 is therefore not only a rare historic training aircraft of the Royal Air Force. It is also a flying testament to a British manufacturer that, within just a few years, developed numerous innovative aircraft and played a key role in shaping the transition from classic pre-war aviation to significantly more modern aircraft concepts.
Flights with the Miles Magister take place by individual arrangement and subject to suitable weather conditions. Flights are particularly pleasant on warmer days with temperatures of around 15°C and above. Flights cannot take place in strong winds, rain, fog, or other unsuitable weather conditions. In this case, the flight will be rescheduled accordingly.
The scenic flight departs from Podhořany airfield and takes you over the diverse landscape of the surrounding region. During the flight, you'll experience fields, forests, small villages, and the expansive scenery of East Bohemia from the open cockpit of the Miles Magister. The exact route depends on current weather conditions and flying conditions.
You will first be greeted at Podhořany airfield by the experienced team and get to know the Miles Magister up close. A short briefing will provide you with essential information about the aircraft, its history, the flight procedure, and the upcoming scenic flight. If you wish, you can also try on historical aviation equipment such as a flying helmet, goggles, and boots. Afterward, you will take your seat in the open cockpit and begin your flight over the East Bohemian landscape. After landing, there will be plenty of time for photos, questions, and a personal chat with the pilot.
In addition to the actual flight time, please allow ample time for the entire experience. Besides the briefing and preparation, there will be time after the flight for photos, questions, and a personal chat with the pilot. You will also have the opportunity to see the historic aircraft of RAF Station Czechoslovakia up close.
During the scenic flight, more dynamic turns and maneuvers can be included upon request. However, complex aerobatic maneuvers are not performed. The experienced pilot will tailor the flight to your wishes, your personal comfort, and the prevailing flight conditions.
Of course! Your companions are very welcome at Podhořany Airfield and can witness the preparations, takeoff, and landing of the Miles Magister. During your flight, you will also have the opportunity to discover the historic aircraft of RAF Station Czechoslovakia up close and observe the activity at the airfield.
Of course, you are welcome to take photos and videos before and after the flight. Personal recordings are also generally permitted during the flight, provided this has been agreed upon with the pilot and does not impair the safe conduct of the flight. This way, you can also capture your experience in the open cockpit of the Miles Magister photographically.
The flights are conducted by a highly experienced team of professional pilots, flight instructors, and pilots with extensive experience on historic aircraft. The team includes, among others, Andrej Cepko, a professional flight instructor and pilot with experience on historic aircraft, and Ivo Kardoš, a former JAS 39 Gripen pilot and display pilot of the Czech Air Force.
Richard Santus, founder of RAF Station Czechoslovakia, is also a professional pilot with many years of experience flying historic aircraft. All pilots employed are familiar with the specific requirements of classic aircraft like the Miles Magister and ensure a professionally executed and personalized flying experience.
The Miles Magister Mk.I N3827 was built in 1938 by Miles Aircraft in Reading and shortly afterwards acquired by the Royal Air Force. Initially, it served with No. 15 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School in Kidlington and later with No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School. In 1942, it was transferred to No. 2 Flying Instructors School in Montrose, Scotland, where flight instructors for the Royal Air Force were trained.
From this period stems a particularly interesting connection to Czechoslovakian aviation history. In 1942, during his flight instructor training, Czechoslovakian RAF pilot Jan Mokrejš demonstrably completed six flights in this very N3827, spending a total of more than seven hours in the air. His flights with this aircraft are still documented in his personal logbook.
After further service with the Royal Air Force, N3827's military career ended in 1946. It then went to Argentina, where it was used by various aero clubs for decades. In 2019, the aircraft was acquired by RAF Czechoslovakia and brought back to Europe.
The Magister subsequently underwent extensive restoration in England. Remarkably, around 95 percent of the original wooden construction was preserved. According to RAF Czechoslovakia, this makes N3827 the most original, airworthy Miles Magister in the world. Following the completion of the restoration, it received its airworthiness certificate in May 2022 and returned to Podhořany shortly thereafter.
During your sightseeing flight, you will not be seated in a replica, but in a genuine former RAF training aircraft from 1938. The N3827 looks back on more than eight decades of history and today offers the rare opportunity to experience one of the few remaining airworthy examples of this important British training aircraft in the air.
The Miles M.14 Magister is one of the most important British training aircraft of the late 1930s and 1940s. It was developed by Miles Aircraft as a two-seat trainer with open, tandem cockpits. As a monoplane, it represented a significant step forward compared to the then still widespread biplane trainers and prepared aspiring pilots for the more modern and powerful aircraft they would use in their further training.
With the outbreak of the Second World War, the Magister was used in large numbers by the Royal Air Force for pilot training. It served both at Elementary Flying Training Schools and at other training units. In addition to actual pilot training, Magisters were also used within the RAF as liaison aircraft between various units.
The Magister is characterized by its wooden construction, fixed landing gear, and two open cockpits. The Magister Mk.I is powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Major inline engine. Its relatively simple design and direct flight characteristics made it a suitable training aircraft for pilots who would later transition to significantly more powerful machines.
The Magister thus played an important role at a time when the Royal Air Force had to train a large number of new pilots in a very short period. Numerous Czechoslovakian pilots also came into contact with this aircraft type during their training in Great Britain. The N3827, currently based in Podhořany, has a particularly direct connection to this, as the Czechoslovakian RAF pilot Jan Mokrejš is documented to have completed six flights in this very aircraft in 1942.
Today, the Miles Magister is an exceptional rarity. Only a few examples worldwide are still airworthy. With its open cockpit, classic wooden construction, and distinctive appearance, it provides a direct impression of what the training of aspiring RAF pilots must have been like during the Second World War.
The Miles Magister N3827 looks back on an extraordinary journey through more than eight decades of aviation history. Built in 1938, the aircraft was acquired by the Royal Air Force and initially used by various training units. During the Second World War, the Magister served, among other places, at No. 2 Flying Instructors School in Montrose, where flight instructors for the Royal Air Force were trained.
It was precisely there, in 1942, that the story of N3827 intersected with that of Czechoslovakian RAF pilot Jan Mokrejš. During his flight instructor training, he demonstrably completed six flights in this aircraft. These flights are still documented in his personal logbook, creating a direct link between the aircraft and the history of Czechoslovakian pilots in the Royal Air Force.
After the end of its military career, N3827 left Great Britain and went to Argentina. There, it was flown by various aero clubs for many years. Only decades later did it return to Europe. In 2019, the Magister was acquired by RAF Czechoslovakia and subsequently underwent extensive restoration in England.
During the restoration, an exceptionally large portion of the historical fabric was preserved. Approximately 95 percent of the original wooden structure was retained. In 2022, the N3827 regained its airworthiness certification and subsequently returned to Podhořany.
Today, this extraordinary aircraft is not only preserved as a museum piece but also continues to fly. On your sightseeing flight, you will be seated in a genuine former RAF Magister from 1938, which survived the Second World War, decades in South America, and an extensive restoration. A rare opportunity to experience an authentic piece of aviation history firsthand.
Miles Aircraft is one of the most interesting British aircraft manufacturers of the 1930s and 1940s. The company's history is closely linked to aircraft designer Frederick George Miles and his wife Maxine "Blossom" Miles. Together with his brother George Miles, Frederick Miles developed a range of light sport, touring, and training aircraft, characterized by innovative designs and often the consistent use of wood.
The 1930s saw the development of numerous successful aircraft types, including the Miles Hawk, Falcon, and Whitney Straight. Many of these machines were fast and relatively modern monoplanes at a time when biplanes were still common in British aviation.
One of the company's most significant designs was the Miles M.14 Magister. It evolved from the Miles Hawk trainer and was specifically developed to meet the requirements of the Royal Air Force. As the first monoplane trainer procured in significant numbers for the RAF, the Magister played a crucial role in the transition from classic biplane trainers to more modern monoplanes. During the Second World War, numerous aspiring RAF pilots were trained on this aircraft type.
During the war, Miles developed further training, transport, and experimental aircraft. Among the best known was the twin-engine Miles M.9 Master, which was used as an advanced trainer, preparing aspiring pilots for high-performance combat aircraft. In addition, numerous unusual prototypes were built, with which the company tested new aerodynamic concepts.
Among the most ambitious projects was the Miles M.52. This experimental jet aircraft was developed during World War II for supersonic flight research and was intended to reach speeds exceeding Mach 1. However, the British project was terminated in 1946 before a manned prototype could make its maiden flight. Nevertheless, this development demonstrates how far Miles had progressed within just a few years, from relatively simple light aircraft to cutting-edge research projects.
After the war, the company increasingly ran into financial difficulties. Miles Aircraft was dissolved in 1947 and subsequently acquired by Handley Page. However, Frederick Miles remained active in aviation and aircraft development.
The Miles Magister N3827 is therefore not only a rare historic training aircraft of the Royal Air Force. It is also a flying testament to a British manufacturer that, within just a few years, developed numerous innovative aircraft and played a key role in shaping the transition from classic pre-war aviation to significantly more modern aircraft concepts.
More customer testimonials
Clearly the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Now let's move on to the Mustang!
Absolutely breathtaking! I felt like a bird flying over the Alps.
I always knew this was Pierre's dream. Thank you for making this possible!
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