Microlighting Somerset

Go flexwing microlighting Somerset style, with coast, countryside, national parks and famous landmarks everywhere you look! Westonzoyland Airfield is your departure point for these microlighting flights over Somerset - and it's a fascinating place in the heart of a picturesque county.

Having opened in the early 1920s, Westonzoyland is one of the country's oldest airfields. It has served as both RAF and USAAF air bases, when the skies around the airfield were filled with the sound of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Harvards during the Second World War. Since closing in 1968, the airfield has been returned to agricultural use and main runway has been turned back into the main road through the area…but in amongst all that, there's still a very active microlighting presence!

You'll be getting airborne in Somerset with microlight man Andy Buchan. He loves his light aviation and has been flying longer than he'd care to admit. He's massively qualified too, as he is a BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft Association) chief flying instructor, examiner, senior inspector and check pilot, so his enthusiasm for microlighting in the skies of Somerset is bound to rub off.

And no-one can deny that in Somerset, microlights are the ideal mode of transport as there's so much good stuff to look down on from the air. One possibility is passing over Glastonbury and its famous tor. Then there are the likes of Bridgewater Bay, the Bristol Channel, the Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills, all in the close vicinity of Westonzoyland. On the 60 minute microlight flights, you can get as far as the lovely Somerset coast or Exmoor National Park.

As well as time to witness all the sights, you'll be invited to 'have a go' at the controls of the aircraft. It's a pretty amazing feeling the moment you realise it's you who is actually flying the microlight. And with Andy being an excellent teacher, if you're up for it, you'll learn a lot whilst you're airborne.

With the chance to master a bit of straight and level flying and maybe even a bit more, microlighting in Somerset certainly is great aerial fun in stunning setting.

• Minimum age 14
• Under 18s must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult
• There is no maximum age limit but a flight in an open cockpit aircraft may not be suitable for an elderly person
• Maximum weight 16 stone
• Maximum height 6ft 2inches
• The aircraft can be quite narrow so it may be restrictive for those with a wider build
• A good, general level of fitness and health is required
• You must be agile enough to climb into the cockpit
• If you have any medical conditions please check this with your doctor as proof of a doctors note will be required to ensure that you can fly