Flying over Cumbria

Experience the exhilaration of flying at this family-run school and aeroclub in Cumbria offering lessons out of Carlisle airport, you will receive training in either a two seater Piper Tomahawk or a four seater Piper Warrior from expert instructors headed up by Chief Flying Instructor (CFI), examiner and owner Alan Rayson.

Following a brief introduction to the light aircraft you'll be flying in, your instructor will help you into the cockpit and get strapped in before running through the pre-flight checks. Once ready for take off you'll taxi along the tarmac runway, increase the speed and before you know it the nose lifts up and you're smoothly climbing with the Cumbrian countryside falling away beneath you.

All aircraft used are dual-controlled, so once stable you will take control under the supervision of your instructor. In normal weather conditions you cruise at around 2000ft and depending on flight duration, you can see sights such as Hadrian's Wall, the Solway Coast and the stunning Lake District from your privileged aerial viewpoint. If you choose the four seater flying options you can also take someone with you to enjoy your lesson too.

All lessons include a pre flight briefing. Your pilot will then fly you out of the airfield before giving you the chance to take the controls yourself. 2 seater flights are taken in a Tomahawk aircraft, 4 seater flights are usually in a Warrior aircraft. After the flight you will be presented with a personalised certificate.

Flights take place on weekends and weekdays throughout the year, weather permitting. IntotheBlue offer a selection of nationwide flying lessons at airfields and flying clubs around the UK.

Carlisle Airport, Cumbria.

Minimum age is 14. Maximum height is 6'4". Maximum weight is 12 stone for 2 seater aircraft. 4 seater flights allow an additional guest (at pilots discretion) to accompany you on the flight, observing from the rear seat. The maximum weight for a 4 seater flight is 25 stone (split if additional guests accompany). Photographic ID may be requested.

Spectators are welcome, there is a Cafe at the airfield. Nearby pubs can be recommended by the flying school. Framed Photos of the experience can be purchased from the school for a fee of around £5.00. The airport is also home to the Solway Aviation Museum which has a number of aircraft on display.