Few places on Earth embody the thrill of low-level fighter jet flight quite like the legendary Mach Loop — a network of valleys in west-central Wales that has become synonymous with high-speed military training. Designated as a low-flying area for the UK’s Royal Air Force and other NATO partners, the Mach Loop offers challenging terrain where pilots practice fast, low-altitude maneuvers, often roaring through the valleys at altitudes as low as 250 feet.
Over the years, aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, Eurofighter Typhoon, and C-130 Hercules have regularly thundered through the region, drawing aviation photographers and enthusiasts from across the globe. Viewpoints like Cad East, Cad West, and Corris Corner have become iconic locations for those hoping to witness the breathtaking spectacle of jets slicing through the mountains at incredible speed.
Now, for the first time, the public has a chance to experience the Mach Loop from the cockpit. Aero Legends, the UK’s leading provider of vintage and ex-military flying experiences, has announced its Mach Loop Jet Experience — allowing passengers to fly the same legendary route in a BAC Strikemaster jet, piloted by former RAF and Red Arrows aviators. The response has been overwhelming. The first 30 flights, offered exclusively to existing Aero Legends customers, sold out within 72 hours. An additional 15 flights were later added for September 2026 by Chief Pilot Sean Chiddention, and those too were fully booked within days. In total, all 45 flights from Aero Legends’ new base at Hawarden Airport near Chester have sold out months in advance — making it the fastest-selling aviation experience in the company’s history. More than a year in development, the Mach Loop Jet Experience was created in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority and Hawarden Airport. The program expands Aero Legends’ Jet Legends operations beyond North Weald and offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the same low-level route flown by professional fast jet pilots. Each mission includes a comprehensive pre-flight briefing, ejection seat orientation, and — under pilot supervision — an opportunity for hands-on control during flight. Passengers will soar through the Welsh valleys below the mountaintops at speeds exceeding 300 knots, retracing the very path where generations of NATO aircrews have honed their skills.
“This level of interest was far beyond even our most optimistic expectations,” said Chief Pilot Sean Chiddention. “It shows just how special these experiences are — and how passionate our customers are about aviation.” All 2026 Mach Loop Jet Experience flights are now fully sold out. To stay informed about future flight releases and new jet experiences, Aero Legends invites enthusiasts to register their interest via the company’s website. For more information, visit www.aerolegends.co.uk.
