FOR many pilots, flying a Spitfire is beyond their wildest dreams.

But they are being given the opportunity at Oxford Airport in Kidlington – provided they can stump up £4,500.

The most famous British fighter aircraft of the Second World War will take to the Oxfordshire skies with a new generation at the controls.

More than 70 years after the first recruits were trained for take-off, and 75 years after its maiden flight, a Spitfire Academy is launching in Kidlington.

The Boultbee Flight Academy will offer a two-day £4,500 course for those already in possession of a private pilot’s licence.

Academy managing director Matt Jones, 37, trained as a pilot with the Oxford Air Training Academy at Oxford Airport in 1999 and 2000.

He said the Spitfire, owned by Oxford-based Steve Boultbee Brooks, was one of only six two-seater Spitfires left in the world. Mr Jones said: “Our aim is to play a part in the preservation of the memories of this era and of the skills required to fly and maintain these aircraft.”

There are only about 30 airworthy Spitfires in the world.