This article will explain in detail what trail flights are, where you can find one, and how you can go about booking your next adventure!
Have you always wanted to fly an aeroplane but do not have the time to commit to training? That’s an understandable issue since many people who aspire to fly an aeroplane can't afford to fit the demanding training into their schedules or can't set aside the financial investment required to build a hobby or career in aviation.
If that is the case, then you should be pleased to know that there is a way for you to take to the skies without ever having any flight training on your resume! Trial flights are a great way to experience the thrill and adventure of flying without making a long-term commitment.
You may also be someone who has always wanted to try out aviation but aren’t sure whether it is the right path for you. Given the investment and training that licence acquisition requires, this is a valid concern. What if you sign up for training and then find out on your first day of flying that you don’t actually see yourself as a pilot?
It is good to explore your options and figure out what the right hobby or career for you is before taking the plunge, so it makes sense for you to get a taste of flying before actually making any sort of commitment.
This is where trial flights come in. This handy feature offered by many flight schools as well as flying clubs such as Sherburn Aero Club is sure to help you figure out whether life as a pilot is right for you.
Given how much fun flying is, chances are you will be quick to commit to becoming a pilot after your first experience flying an aeroplane. If you feel like you may need the extra nudge before signing up for lessons or working towards your licence, trial flights are sure to do the job. This article will explain in detail what trail flights are, where you can find one, and how you can go about booking your next adventure!
WHAT IS A TRIAL FLIGHT?
A trial flight is a special kind of flight that is specially designed for people who have no background in flying. All you need to bring along are a good attitude and the will to step out of your comfort zone to enjoy something new and thrilling!
You don’t need any kind of licence when undertaking a trial flight, since there isn’t much technical skill required in piloting an aircraft during such flights. You will be accompanied during the flight by a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) who will be in control so that you can relax and enjoy instead.
The flights usually go along a simple route and are undertaken during ideal conditions so that the journey is smooth and fun. These are a great way for you to climb into the cockpit of an aeroplane and familiarise yourself with the environment and controls so that you can figure out whether a career or hobby in aviation is suited to you.
While it may seem scary, you can rest assured that you are perfectly safe and that the flight is designed to allow you to comfortably fly the plane without fear or risk. Your safety is of paramount importance to the organisers of the flight, so you can enjoy the experience fully without having to worry!
TRIAL VS EXPERIENCE FLIGHTS
While the two are often used interchangeably, a trial flight is usually the first step that a student takes before opting for training. These are made to help a person decide whether they are willing to commit to flying or not.
Most beginners who undertake a trial flight have never flown an aircraft before, and this is their first time in the sky. This valuable experience helps give them a push in the right direction, allowing them to safely invest in training courses and perhaps even shares in aircraft without the fear of not liking the experience when they take to the skies as pilots.
As opposed to this, experience flights are catered more towards people who are not necessarily interested in training long-term, but would like to check off flying an aeroplane off their bucket lists.
These are one-offs that allow people to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft and witnessing breathtaking aerial views. Experience flights make wonderful presents for people that you love and are perfect for when you wish to treat yourself to something fun and exciting.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRIAL FLIGHTS?
Figuring out whether flying is right for you
Given the amount of commitment it takes to get your pilot licence, it is understandable if you want to make sure flying is right for you before taking the plunge into the world of aviation.
Trial flights are a great way to find out whether flying an aeroplane is something you will enjoy doing long-term or not. Once you are in the cockpit piloting the aircraft, it will be much easier for you to decide whether you are willing to put in the hours of training and financial investment to obtain your pilot licence or not.
Chances are, it will only reinforce your passion for aviation and help kickstart your journey to becoming a certified pilot.
Trial flights make wonderful gifts
Is there someone in your life who has always wanted to experience flying but has never gotten the chance to actually pilot an aeroplane? Well, make your loved one’s day by gifting them a trial flight as a gift!
Trial flights make especially great gifts for younger people, given the minimum age requirement is 12 years. Kickstart the love of aviation in a youngster by gifting them this incredibly rewarding and formative experience.
Make a special occasion memorable
There are a few things that are wonderful as spending a special occasion in the sky! Whether it’s your birthday that you would like to mark by doing something adventurous or you would like to make an anniversary all the more special by gifting your loved one a trial flight instead of regular old flowers, this is a great way to make any significant day all the more memorable!
Low-commitment way of enjoying the thrill of aviation
Do you want to fly an aeroplane but cannot make time for the training required to get a licence? You aren’t alone. Many people are bogged down by their jobs, school, or family to invest time and money into flying lessons.
However, just because you can’t do it long-term doesn’t mean you will never get to experience flying an aeroplane! With no licence requirements and a hassle-free one-time payment, you’ll be set to take to the skies in no time.
Trial or experience flights are perfect for busy individuals who would like to check flying an aeroplane off their bucket lists.
DO YOU NEED A LICENCE?
To be eligible for a trial flight, all you need is a valid ID that states your age. There is no previous flying experience or licence required. You can comfortably take off with no commitment, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about certifications and long-term financing.
However, you may find that once you’ve been in the sky, the urge to go back is stronger than ever! If that is the case, then you can easily sign up for flight lessons. The time you spend on the trial flight can also count towards your total flight hour requirement, which means you will manage to get two birds with one stone!
WHAT PLANE WILL YOU GET TO FLY?
Generally speaking, most trial flights take place on the same kind of aircraft used to train pilots. These are single-engine light aircraft. The reason behind this is that the single-engine variety is much easier to fly and control as opposed to the multi-engine variety.
Multi-engine planes are heavier and come with more complex controls not necessarily suited all too well to beginners or people who have no prior flight experience given the more complicated aerodynamics involved.
There are three types of aircraft that you will get to fly during your trial flight with Sherburn Aero Club. These include the Piper PA-28, the Aero AT3, and the Robin 2160. The Piper PA-28 and the Aero AT3 are industry standards when it comes to flight training.
The Robin 2160 is specially designed for aerobatics. If you wish to have a trial flight that is a bit more thrilling and adventurous, you should look into flying the Robin 2160.
CAN YOU FLY WITH OTHER PEOPLE?
Whether you will be allowed to fly with other people will depend on your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) discretion. Out of the three aeroplanes listed above, the only one that has the capacity for an extra individual, apart from you the person flying the plane and the CFI, is the Piper PA-28. This aeroplane is larger as compared to the Aero AT3.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The minimum age requirement for the trial flight is 12 years old. Individuals who are 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult on the airfield premises. Apart from the age requirement, there are also certain regulations in place when it comes to height and weight.
Some of the aeroplanes listed above are not suitable for people who are taller than 6 feet 2 inches and are heavier than 16stn in weight. You will have to make sure you read the terms and conditions before signing up so that you are aware of whether the aircraft is suited to your physical needs or not.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND TRIAL FLIGHTS?
Trial flights are a staple at flight schools as well as at flying clubs such as Sherburn Aero Club. Sherburn has a dedicated trial flight section on the website for people who are interested in signing up. The process is simple and hassle-free. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know.
PROCESS
Pick your preferred experience
You will need to pick an aeroplane out of the three previously mentioned. You will have the option to choose between a regular flight and an aerobatics experience on the website. These flights are timed and the costs vary according to the aircraft and the duration of the flight.
Pay securely
The following is how much each type of flight on offer will cost:
Piper PA-28 (60 minutes): GBP 222
Piper PA-28 (30 minutes): GBP 116
Aero AT3 (60 minutes): GBP 186
Aero AT3 (30 minutes): GBP 98
Robin 2160 aerobatics experience (45 minutes): GBP 166
You can easily purchase the voucher for your desired experience online and pay securely within minutes via either your debit/credit card or through PayPal.
Schedule your flight
Once you have bought your experience, you can call the Sherburn helpdesk to help schedule your flight. Make sure to do this in advance if you are looking to fly on a particular date to ensure that there is availability.
Pre-flight briefing
During the pre-flight briefing, you can discuss any landmarks or sights that you wish to fly over with your CFI. If it is doable, they will be happy to accommodate your request. Listen closely to the instructions given by the CFI at this point, since it will help ensure a smooth, safe, and fun flight.
Enjoy!
After the briefing, you are ready to take off!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licenses, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Sherburn also offers pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward. You are required to take medical exams to prove you are fit enough to take to the skies when applying for a licence, and the facility at Sherburn allows you to start your aviation journey on the right foot.
Our in-house AME, Dr Mark Bellamy, is rated to perform EASA Class 2 and LAPL. He also holds a fixed-wing PPL. Appointments are available every Monday and Tuesday, as well as on occasional Saturdays.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on trial flights as well as how to book your trial flight at Sherburn.
Photo by Metin Ozer on Unsplash
