Please Note!

Due to the England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, our Aviaries, lakes and Sanctuary area are closed to the public. We do NOT have this virus at Raystede. We are still open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site.

Wing Walk FAQs

Everything you need to know to get you ready to take on a Raystede wing walk!

Health and Safety


Height and weight limits

The wing walker must be aged between 18-80 years of age.

Maximum weight is 89kgs (14st) (with clothes and shoes on)

Maximum height is 6ft 2inches (189cm)

When you sign up for a wing walk, you certify that you weigh no more than 89kgs (14st) and are no taller than 6ft 2inches (189cm).


What if I don't meet the above health and safety requirements on the day?

On the day of your wing walk, you will be weighed. If you are over 89kgs (14st) or taller than 6ft 2inches (189cm), due to the rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority, you will not be able to wing walk and Raystede will still be charged for your booking. Or, if you wish, a friend or family member can complete the wing walk on your behalf.


Can I fly with a medical condition?

Wing walkers will be required to sign a declaration of fitness at the briefing.

If the wing walker suffers from high blood pressure, epilepsy, blackouts/dizziness or heart or lung disease, you will be unable to participate. If your medical condition is being managed, you may be able to participate and should discuss this with your GP/consultant and provide proof of this before you fly to your Raystede Events Fundraiser at fundraisingevents@raystede.org.

If the wing walker suffers from drug or alcohol addiction, mental health issues or is pregnant, they will not be able to participate.


Can I fly with lost limb(s)?

Yes, we have flown wing walkers with multiple lost limbs. Please contact fundraisingevents@raystede.org as soon as possible upon booking your place for any accessibility arrangements.

Wing walk FAQs

Who can I talk to about my Raystede Wing Walk experience?


Your Raystede Fundraising Events Fundraiser will be delighted to support you with any questions and additional information you might need, at any time in the lead up to your experience. Please email fundraisingevents@raystede.org or call 01825 840747.

Please do not contact The Wing Walk Company directly for enquiries related to charity events.

When and where will my wing walk take place?


Your Raystede Events Fundraiser will communicate the exact time, date and location of your wing walk experience, and will be there to answer any questions you might have along the way.

Airfield addresses (Raystede will confirm your booking location)


Headcorn Airfield, Shenley Road, Kent, TN27 9HX (Main Location). There is a small charge per car for parking (£2-£3 all day).

Henstridge Airfield, Henstridge Marsh, Templecombe, BA8 0TN (Only for events between 29-30 May & 4-6 September 2026).

Wickenby Airfield, Langworth, Lincoln, LN3 5AX (Only for events between 26-28 June & 21-23 August 2026).

Sywell Aerodrome, Hall Farm, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN (TBC 19-20 June and 7-8 August 2026).

What happens if the weather is bad and we can't fly?


For safety reasons, wing walks are unable to go ahead in strong winds or rain. The chief pilot checks the forecast regularly. Please contact 07594987433 at 12:00 midday, the day before your experience, to confirm if your flight is going ahead or not.

If your flight is cancelled due to bad weather, Raystede will re-arrange your experience and communicate the new date with you. Please do not contact The Wing Walk Company or airfield directly.

What is appropriate clothing for my wing walk?


The wing walker must wear tight fitted clothing (e.g. leggings) and laced trainers. Hoodies and jeans are prohibited. If the wing walker arrives and is not appropriately dressed, we will provide alternative clothing to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.

Goggles and earplugs are compulsory to wear and are provided by The Wing Walk Company on the day.

Can I wear a fancy dress outfit?


Fancy dress costumes and themed clothing can be worn, but must adhere to the guidelines in the above question.

Can I wear contact lenses or glasses during my wing walk?


Due to the wind and high speeds reached, unfortunately contact lenses are not recommended. Glasses can be worn and the Wing Walk Company can provide you with goggles that can be worn over most glasses.

Can I wear a hijab?


Yes, you can wear a hijab. You need to ensure it is on tightly so it does not fall off. The Wing Walk Company can support you with this on the day.

Do I need insurance?


The Wing Walk Company and Raystede hold public liability insurance policies, which you can request from your Raystede Events Fundraiser if required by emailing fundraisingevents@raystede.org.

What can I expect on the day of my wing walk?


• A warm welcome by The Wing Walk Company team.

• A 15 minute briefing video which shows you how to climb up to the rig, what to expect from your wing walk, and health and safety procedures.

• Please allow 2 hours between your health and safety briefing and completing your wing walk.

• A 10 minute airborne flight.

• Opportunity to tailor your flight with the pilot to achieve maximum adrenaline, or a more relaxed flight.

• Viewing area in front of the aircraft for friends and family to come and watch.

• Option to purchase a recording of your wing walk from two on-board HD cameras, with pilot commentary at an additional price of £50. Available to take home with you straight away.

• A certificate to confirm the completion of your wing walk experience.

Am I strapped in for the duration of my wing walk?


The wing walker is secured to the rig of the aeroplane by a qualified team member, using a 5-point harness and a back up safety pin to prevent accidental unlocking. The wing walker is not allowed to touch the harness during the flight.

How high and fast does the aeroplane fly?

Between 100ft and 700ft, at speeds between 80-110mph.

Can the pilot perform aerobatics during my wing walk?

Wing walking is an extreme experience; therefore, no aerobatics are permitted for a wing walkers' first flight. However, the wing walker will have the opportunity to tailor their flight with the pilot, to achieve maximum adrenaline, or a more relaxed flight, if they wish.

If you would like to return, you can do aerobatics during a second flight, which can be booked directly with The Wing Walk Company.

Can I communicate with the pilot during my wing walk?

The wing walker can only communicate with the pilot by using hand signals, which are fully explained during the health and safety briefing.

Can I wear my own GoPro/action camera during the flight?


Yes, if it is on a secure harness on the wing walker's wrist or chest only. This will be checked by the pilot before the flight.

Can I purchase a HD video?

You can purchase a HD recorded video with commentary from your pilot on the day of your wing walk at the price of £50. It is ready to take home with you to watch with friends or family as soon as you land!

Please note:
Video equipment can fail on some occasions. Though it is very unlikely, if a video failure occurs (i.e. you have no footage of your wing walk) The Wing Walk Company will offer you a full refund of your video purchase only.

The Wing Walk Company or Raystede can not offer any other form of compensation when a failure to record your wing walk experience has occurred.

Can I bring friends and family to watch or consume alcohol?


There is no restriction on the number of guests that can watch your flight. Guests are allowed to view your experience from a designated viewing area.

To avoid the possibility of a serious accident, alcohol consumption of any kind is not allowed under any circumstances.

Please note: Flights cannot be delayed if guests have not arrived. Please ask them to arrive with you.

What facilities are available at the airfield?


Each airfield has a café serving hot and cold food and drinks, toilets, car parking and excellent viewing facilities of the wing walking. A small car parking fee applies at some locations.

Can I bring my dog to the airfield?


Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a lead at the airfield.

Fundraising FAQs

How do I pay in fundraising money to Raystede?

Pay via JustGiving

If you have set up a JustGiving page or similar, we will receive your donations automatically.

Send us a cheque

Send us a cheque to Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, The Broyle, Ringmer, BN8 5AJ. All cheques can be made payable to 'Raystede':

Over the phone

Contact us on 01825 840747 (Monday-Friday 8am-4pm) – and have your bank card ready.

We strongly advise not to send cash in the post.

Can I become a Fundraising Volunteer for Raystede?

We rely on volunteers to help maximise our fundraising opportunities so we can continue to support the animals in our care. From helping at events to manning awareness stands and bucket collections, we need you!

Follow this link to find out more about Volunteering for Raystede.

Can I use the Raystede logo for promotional materials and my website?

Your support means the world to the animals in our care, so if you are considering using the Raystede logo, please don't hesitate to contact us so we can ensure you have the right logo and are fully supported.

Please complete our quick contact form, which we monitor during the working week from 9 to 5, here and we will get back to you right away.

What fundraising materials do Raystede provide?

From collecting tins to a Raystede speaker for your event, sponsorship forms and branded supporter T-shirts, we can help ensure your fundraising success.

Please visit our resources hub to learn more about how we can support you, here.

What events do Raystede offer?

Raystede has a programme of events, including running, treks, walks, and adrenalin adventures like Wing Walks and Abseils.

Every step, leap, and stride helps Raystede continue caring for needy animals.

Find out more here.

How will the money I raise help Raystede?


Raystede is one of the most diverse rescue centres in the UK because we care for a wide variety of animal species with the help of our staff, volunteers, and people like you.

We look after more than 1,200 vulnerable animals from our site nestled in the Sussex Downs each year.

We also pledge to improve animals' futures through our education programme and activities.

To find out more about our work and history, please click here.

We're here to help!

If there are any questions you'd like to ask us that aren't on our list, or for any accessibility enquiries, please contact 01825 840747 or email fundraisingevents@raystede.org.

Please do not contact The Wing Walk Company directly for enquiries related to Charity Events.

Meet Albert, who is one of our most heartwarming transformations.

When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.

At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.

You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.

Donate