Read below to learn more about trail flights, what they are, and how to prepare for your first trial flying lesson.
Trial flights are an excellent way to introduce someone to the world of aviation. If you have always wanted to fly an aeroplane and sit in the cockpit, there is no better way to experience this than with trial flying lessons.
The benefit of trial flights is that it is suited to your schedule. Don’t have time to commit to aviation? No problem! A trial flight is a scheduled flight that is designed for your convenience. All you need to do is book your flight lesson, show up at the designated time and location, and fly!
Perhaps the best thing about trial flights is that they are super affordable. Not only do they not require the relatively exuberant fees for flight training, but you can also find discounts and offers on trial flights based on the flight club.
Read below to learn more about trail flights, what they are, and how to prepare for your first trial flying lesson.
TRIAL FLIGHTS BASICS
A trial flight offers a flight lesson that is specifically designed for people who have no background in flying. Even if you don’t know the nose of the plane from the tail, you can still step inside the cockpit with a highly trained and experienced pilot and fulfil your dreams.
The only requirement for trial flights is that you bring a good attitude and the will to step out of your comfort zone to enjoy something new and thrilling!
Trial flights don’t require you to have any kind of licence since the flight instructor is in total control and there isn’t much technical skill required in piloting an aircraft for you during such flights.
Trial flights are designed around VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions, which are a set of rules that highlight the ideal weather and visibility conditions for flying planes safely. Combined with the presence of a trained pilot, trial flights are extremely safe and a fun way to enjoy the skies.
TRIAL AND EXPERIENCE FLIGHT DIFFERENCES
When browsing the web for trial flights, you might also have come across “experience flights”. These terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.
Trial flights are essentially the first step that a student pilot would take before deciding whether aviation is suited for them. Most beginners who take trial flights have never flown before, so by taking a trial flight, you get a firm idea about what to expect during your training and the various courses you will require to master to fly aircraft.
Experience flights, on the other hand, are designed for people who want to fly for fun and just check off “flying” from their bucket list. These types of flights are also great for tourists or people who want to go for aerial photography. Like trial flights, experience flights are one-offs and allow people to fully enjoy the thrills of flying without having to think about pilot training.
Experience flights make for great anniversary and birthday presents and are often taken up by people who want to cross stuff out of their wish lists. These flights come in several varieties as well! For example, you can choose the route and the flight time for these flights and even sometimes the plane. Of course, these customisations come at a price and can vary from one flight club to another.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST TRIAL FLIGHT LESSON
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when preparing for your first trial flight lesson:
Choose a Flight School
Flight schools are aplenty! So, finding the right one that offers the most convenience and the best value is important. Ensure that the flight school is certified by the CAA and has positive reviews, especially around trial flights.
You can also check out the website of the flight school to learn more about them, their faculty, facilities, and details about booking the flight. Trial flights often last between 30 to 60 minutes and pricing can vary from £80 to £150 depending on the flight time and the location of the club.
Familiarise Yourself with Basics
Learn the basics by first researching the type of aircraft you want to fly in. Most clubs go for a Cessna 152 or a Piper PA-28 which are both great light aircraft that provide the right level of thrills and control.
You should also familiarise yourself with aviation-specific lingo like rudder, yoke, throttle, and altitude. These terms can help you connect with the flight and understand what is going on.
Dress Comfortably
Your first flight may be uncomfortable so you should wear slightly baggy and comfortable clothing. Do not wear bulky clothing like a puffer jacket. Go for something breathable because the cockpit can get warm and even hot during summertime.
It is also a good idea to get flat and grippy shoes. Do not wear heels or heavy combat boots. Go for light trainers or flat shoes that are known to be the best for operating the rudder pedals on a plane.
Bring Identification
Don’t let documentation hold you back! Bring all the necessary information including your identification at the time of the flight. You will need your government-issued ID as well as a valid passport or driving license to prove your identity.
Keep in mind that while trial flights don’t require you to present a medical document or certificate, you should always inform the pilot about any ailments that you may have, like motion sickness or a fear of heights.
Check Weather
The only thing holding you back may just be the weather in your area! Trial flights operate under VFR, which means that you need ideal conditions to fly. High visibility, clear skies, and no updates on rain, fog, or any other weather phenomenon are all good signs.
When picking a date for your trial flight, make sure that you also cross reference accurate weather information to avoid inconvenience.
Pay Attention
Before you even step into the cockpit, you must pay attention to what your instructor tells you about the particulars of the flight. This information can help you get into the mental space and be prepared for what to expect.
When you get into the cockpit, listen to the pre-flight briefing and take notes if you can. This can help you understand the basics of flight and your notes may help you reflect on the trial flight after you have finished.
After the flight, your instructor will give you a short debriefing about the flight and ask about your experience. This is a great opportunity to discuss any questions that you may have. If you are interested in flight lessons, then this would be the right time to inquire about the pilot training programmes at the flight school including the costs and basic processes.
Have Fun
The trial flight is designed to give you an idea of what to expect after you get your license. We recommend that you remain vigilant, but at the same time relax and enjoy the flight.
If you feel nervous, just don’t worry. New experiences, especially those out of your comfort zone can be daunting, but if you trust your instructor and take it easy, you will have a grand time.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRIAL FLIGHTS?
Trial flights are essentially designed to help you decide whether aviation is for you. These flights give a glimpse into the future and what it could be like when you finally get your pilot license.
There are two types of pilot licenses: Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The PPL is designed for people who don’t want to turn aviation into a career. This license is for pilots who want to enjoy aviation as a hobby and don’t want a traditional job in an airline.
A PPL is the perfect fit for people who don’t want to fully commit to a license. This license allows people to train on a flexible schedule and is not as costly as other more comprehensive pilot licenses.
A CPL on the other hand, is a license that is specifically designed to produce airline and commercial-purpose pilots. These pilots go on to become captains of large airliners with a handsome salary and benefits. However, as you can imagine, a CPL requires more thorough training, and therefore, more training hours and a higher fee compared to a PPL.
By taking a trial flight, researching, and talking to other people who have either decided to become pilots or are currently enrolled in a pilot programme, you can make a more informed decision and stick to it.
If you already have a passion for aviation, then we believe a trial flight will only reinforce your interest in aviation and help kickstart your journey to becoming a certified pilot.
WHAT PLANE WILL YOU GET TO FLY?
Almost every trial flight takes place on a light aircraft which is also frequently used to train pilots. Light aircraft are single-engine aircraft that are specifically designed to provide a “feel” for the elements while in the sky.
These planes are miniaturised versions of larger planes, so pilots who train in them get a good sense of what to expect! These planes offer versatility and can also be quite fun due to their speed and manoeuvring capabilities.
While the type of aircraft for trial flight depends on the fleet and availability of planes in the flight club, there are likely three types of aircraft that you will get to fly during your trial flight. 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, we recommend that you check out the Robin 2160. The good news is that Sherburn Aero Club offers all of these aircraft so you can easily pick and choose the right type of aircraft for your trial flight!
FLYING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Trial flights are an excellent way to bring in friends and family on your decision to become a pilot. However, whether you will be allowed to fly with other people will depend on your Certified Flight Instructor’s (CFI) discretion and the type of aircraft you wish to fly in.
The problem is some planes simply don’t have room to take extra passengers. 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.
The Piper PA-28 is a larger plane compared to the Aero AT3 which offers a different feel but the same level of excitement and thrill.
ELIGIBILITY
Trial flights are highly versatile and are targeted towards a wide variety of people. The minimum age eligibility for a typical trial flight is 12 years old. However, people who are 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult on the airfield premises.
Trial flights also have height and weight limits. For example, some aircraft are not suitable for people who are taller than 6 feet 2 inches and heavier than 16stn in weight. We recommend that you carefully go through the terms and conditions of the flight and talk to an authorised agent at the flight club before signing up to avoid any inconvenience.
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 at 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 Chris Leipelt on Unsplash
