| The first step you should take before committing to | | | | Shortly after your instructor has started the engine, |
| learning to fly is to contact your local flying school | | | | you will be taxiing to the active runway and he will |
| about a trial lesson (air experience or demo flight). | | | | be completing some final checks along the way. You |
| Most flying schools offer these at very reasonable | | | | will also hear him talking on the radio to air-traffic |
| prices, the average being around £90 for 30 minutes | | | | control and may even understand some of the things |
| flying time. | | | | he is saying. |
| There is no need for any preparation before your trial | | | | At the end of the runway, with all checks performed |
| flight as the instructor will explain everything you need | | | | and permission to take off, your instructor will apply full |
| to know on the day. Don’t worry, he wont go into | | | | throttle and the aircraft will begin to move. Even at |
| too much detail as a trial lesson is designed to give you | | | | this early stage your instructor may ask you to follow |
| a feel for being airborne and gives you a taster of the | | | | him through with the take off, meaning placing your |
| freedom you can achieve once you gain your licence! | | | | hands lightly on the controls. Soon you will be |
| What To Expect On The Day | | | | airborne and gaining height. After your instructor has |
| Most flying schools will ask you to call them on the | | | | levelled off at a safe altitude, he will allow you to take |
| morning of your flight to ensure that your flight has | | | | the controls and demonstrate some simple menovours |
| not has been cancelled due to the weather conditions | | | | to get a feel of what it's like to fly and how the |
| or technical problems. Weather that would not permit | | | | aeroplane reacts to your movements. Whilst you are |
| you to fly would be for example rain, strong winds or | | | | in the air you may ask you instructor for the |
| fog. | | | | opportunity to take some photographs and admire the |
| On the day it is best to wear comfortable clothing and | | | | scenery below. As soon as it all began you will be |
| flat shoes. Be sure that you are fit to fly on the day | | | | heading back to the airfield and preparing for landing. |
| as any illness will make the experience uncomfortable | | | | When your back at the flying school, your instructor will |
| and not at all enjoyable. Following this you will be taken | | | | brief you again on the trial lesson you have just |
| out to the aircraft. | | | | taken. He will be happy to answer any questions |
| The Flight | | | | you may have with regards to the flight and any |
| There will be many instruments, buttons and | | | | other flying related queries. Most flying schools issue |
| switches in front of you but you will not be required to | | | | a certificate for your first flight and the flying time will |
| know the purpose of them at this point. | | | | count towards your licence if you decide to learn to fly. |