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Flying Lessons (1080p)
Should I buy a flying lesson experience?
Who it's for
A trial flying lesson is so much different to being a passenger on your typical commercial airliner flight. You're in the cockpit of a light aircraft sitting next to your flight instructor and the whole experience is treated like a first flight lesson for anyone undertaking training for their private pilot licence (PPL). It gives you a real, hands-on insight into flying a plane and we recommend it to anyone!
Who it's not for
If you really don't fancy the idea of learning how to fly, but do like the idea of getting airborne in a light aircraft and going a bit of a tour, have a browse of our range of pleasure flights . You get to go up in a light aircraft or helicopter and see some amazing sights from the air.
Flying Lesson FAQs
- Isn't learning to fly really expensive?
- Do you pay per hour for these flight lessons?
- I don't want to be a pilot but fancy having a go. Is a trial lesson for me?
- Will I get to have a go at actually flying the plane myself?
- What does 'straight and level' mean in flying?
- Will I be doing the take off and landing?
- You offer 'landaway' experiences.' What are they?
- Is a trial lesson a good place to start if I want to get my pilot's licence?
- I've read that flight times are 'chock to chock' what does that mean?
- What actually happens on a trial flying lesson?
- How do you fly a plane?
- Does the time count towards pilot licence training?
- What sort of aircraft will I flying in?
- Who will be with me on the flight?
- Can passengers comes with me?
- Can anyone take flying lessons?
- Do I need a medical for these experiences?
- What sort of airfields do you use?
- Where will I be flying to on my lesson?
- Can spectators come to the airfield to watch?
- Is Into The Blue a flying lesson specialist?
- Where can I book a flying lesson near me?
Isn't learning to fly really expensive?
Yes it is. It takes time, commitment and money to get your Private Pilots Licence, which is why we offer these trial flying lessons. They give you the chance to see what learning to fly is all about, before committing to a costly flight training course. But don't worry if you have no intention of going for your pilot's licence, these lessons are ideal as one-off taster experiences too.
Do you pay per hour for these flight lessons?
When you enrol at a flight training organisation you do pay per hour, but on our website the prices are for the experience, which can vary from a 20-minute flight, to a full day with multiple flights included. This way of pricing gives you loads more choice, with something to suit every budget.
Will I get to have a go at actually flying the plane myself?
Yes! If you're up for it your instructor pilot will, at some point during the lesson, hand the controls to you, so it will actually be you flying. And believe us, the first time you do this it'll be a real moment. No-one forgets the first time they flew a plane.
What does 'straight and level' mean in flying?
This is what happens once take-off has been completed and you've climbed to your desired cruising height. It's also when your pilot is going to hand you the controls, as you'll be flying straight and not climbing or descending. Having said that, keeping the aeroplane flying straight and level is not as easy as it looks!
You offer 'landaway' experiences.' What are they?
A 'landaway' experience is where you take off from your base airfield, fly cross country to another one, land, have a cup of tea in the clubhouse (an essential part!) and then take off again to fly back to base. The great thing about landaways is that they give you double the take offs and landings.
Is a trial lesson a good place to start if I want to get my pilot's licence?
Yes it is. The trial lesson is undertaken just as a first pilot lesson at flight training school would be. It also gives you a real insight into what it's all about and your instructor will be only too willing to explain what learning to fly involves and how you go about it.
What actually happens on a trial flying lesson?
After meeting your instructor and having a safety briefing, you'll head out to the plane on for pre-flight checks. After start up (at this point you'll understand why you're wearing an intercom headset - it can be pretty noisy in these small planes), it's time to taxi to the runway. Once the delicate matter of taking off has been completed and you're out of your initial climb, it's your chance to shine on these flying lessons. As you utter those immortal words 'I have control' it will be you handling the plane. After that control goes back to your instructor and you start your approach, then land back at base.
How do you fly a plane?
You'll get an insight into this during your pre-flight checks. This is when you verify that pulling back on the stick pushes the elevators up (and the plane into a climb) and inversely, pushing forwards forces the elevators down causing you to descend. Then check the pedals at your feet control the rudder, which helps you turn. And then a check that moving the stick left or right lifts the ailerons left or right for you to make your turn.
What sort of aircraft will I flying in?
The most popular light aircraft trainer is a Cessna 152. This, like the also popular Piper Tomahawk, is a two seater trainer. Some schools also offer flights in four seater light aircraft such as the Piper PA28 or the Cessna 172. For full details on aircraft in the fleet, please refer to each individual product page.
Can anyone take flying lessons?
In essence yes. There are requirements such as minimum age (often around 14 years), maximum weight (between 14 for two seater planes and 16 stone for four seaters) and maximum height of around 6ft 4" and minimum height of 4ft 6". If you need any more info on requirements, don't hesitate to call us, use the online chat or email us.
What sort of airfields do you use?
We use flying schools based everywhere from small, private general aviation airfields, to ones that fly out of international airports. You can be flying in restricted air space with strict air traffic control protocols, or free to fly circuits in unrestricted areas.
Where will I be flying to on my lesson?
In general, you will stay within the vicinity of the airfield, especially on shorter flights. You'll be surprised at how far you can cover in an hour's flight though. And depending on where you chose, you might well be treated to some lovely views over coastlines, countryside or well-known landmarks as an added bonus to your lesson.
Is Into The Blue a flying lesson specialist?
Well, yes, without blowing our own trumpet, we started off with flying lessons and they have remained a major focus ever since. We're based at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent, borne out of the days of the Biggin Hill Air Shows, which took the skies by storm and were much-loved by aviation fans. We're still just as passionate about flying and put all that energy into bringing you flying lessons and all sorts of other experiences too.
Where can I book a flying lesson near me?
Amongst all the activity gift voucher websites, we've got the widest range of trial flying lessons. Working with flying schools and clubs the length and breadth of the country there's bound to be an airfield offering flying lessons near you. Locations include:
- Biggin Hill
- Liverpool
- Redhill
- Coventry
- Shoreham
- Birmingham
- Durham Tees
- Staverton
- Duxford
- Glasgow
- Newquay
- Turweston
- Shoreham
- South Wales
- County Durham
- Oxfordshire
- Prestwick