What Can I Expect

Flying lessons at historic Lydd Airport in Kent! We are offering vouchers for 30 and 60-minute trial flights with this Approved Training Organisation in four-seater light aircraft in South-East Kent.

Lydd (or London Ashford Airport as it is often called) first opened in July 1954 with two runways, a control tower, maintenance hangars and a passenger terminal with a restaurant, the airport prospered with the birth of the modern package holiday, making air travel more affordable.

In fact, the airport was one of the busiest in the UK in 1959. When commercial traffic declined in the 1980s, as roll-on roll-off ferries became available, general aviation and flying lessons at this delightful Kentish airport were taking off.

Established more than 20 years ago, this flying school will get you airborne over Kent in a four-seater training aircraft. As it’s a proper lesson, you’ll be in the left-hand seat, (the captain’s seat!), which makes this experience even more exciting!

Pre-flight checks done, it’s time to start the engine and taxi along to the start of this 1500m tarmac runway.

After obtaining approval from air traffic control your pilot will line up on the runway and suddenly you're moving, the ground beneath you falls away and you're airborne over Kent on your very first lesson in flying! What a thrill it is to see the patchwork of fields below you, as you head out over the towns and villages of this most picturesque part of the Garden of England.

On all flying lessons you will take the controls under your instructor's supervision: you will be flying on your very first lesson

When Is It Available

• 7 days a week throughout the year
• Ask the club for available slots on your preferred day
• Weekends are always busy so book early

Suitable For

• No minimum age but participant needs to reach the controls. The Club can advise on booking
• Under 14s must be accompanied in the aircraft by a parent or nominated guardian
• No maximum age
• Recommended maximum height 6ft 3ins (1.9metres)
• Recommended maximum weight 16 stone (101kg)
• Participants need to provide photo ID and sign in on arrival

Spectators

• There is an outside patio area where family and friends of the participant can watch the take-off and landings
• If staff numbers permit there is often a chance for 1 or 2 family members to walk out to the aircraft with the participant for photos
• There is an indoor Club area where family can wait.  W-Fi and TV available.

Anything Else

• Because the Club is a Training Organisation approved by the CAA “passengers” are not allowed on training flights. However, a person with an interest in the flight, such as a family member, may be allowed to fly as an observer in the back seats. This will be entirely at the pilot/instructor’s discretion. The Club can advise further when booking your date and time slot.
• All light aircraft flights are more restricted by flying conditions than commercial aircraft. Poor visibility, strong and turbulent winds, low cloud base may all prevent a flight.  The Club want you to enjoy the flight and will try to advise as your flight date approaches.
• All participants are recommended to phone the club before leaving home – or the afternoon before, if it is an early morning flight – to check the aviation forecast.