Freedom 2 Fly

The purpose of the air experience flight is whatever you wish to make it. How much time have you spent in the air? Perhaps you are a seasoned air traveller in big jets. Maybe this is your first ever experience of leaving the ground. What ever your desire or requirement for an air experience flight, remember, you are paying the bill, so make sure you get what you want. If you would like to take pictures either on the ground or in the air, you will need your camera. It is possible to fly around your home if it is a suitable distance from the airfield and not in restricted airspace. Many student manipulate the controls on their first flights.

Some flying clubs and schools are keen to offer trial lessons of between 40 minutes and one hour. This might be a mistake. It is much better to land after 20 minutes wishing the flight had been longer, than to spend time in the air wishing you were on the ground. 20 minutes to half an hour is usually long enough for a first flight.

As regards clothing; light aircraft are warm and comfortable. Think of your first flight as like a ride in a sports car - except that this car probably travels at over a 100 mph, and leaves the ground! Very pointed heals are unsuitable as they might make a hole in the wing, and you might slip. Other than this, there is no special clothing required for training aircraft.

Before getting airborne, your instructor will give some basic guidance for the flight. You should understand where the safety equipment is located (light aircraft carry a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit) and how the doors and seat belts are operated. Your instructor might well then point out the air speed indicator and altimeter, so you will be able to monitor these basic details of your flight.

Instructors vary (and so do students). You may be shown how to move the control to change the aircraft in pitch (nose up and nose down) and in roll (wings up and down). If you are given this opportunity, remember all control movements are gentle and progressive. Try to relax. Your instructor will have flown many students on their first lesson and does not like to be alarmed. You will only be asked to perform tasks your instructor is confident are within your ability. If anything is unclear do not hesitate to ask.

In order to be sure that one person is flying the airplane at any time your instructor will explain how handover of control is achieved. Either "I have control" or "you have control," and you should acknowledge this. There have been accidents when perfectly serviceable aircraft were flown into the ground because each pilot thought that the other was manipulating the controls!

The first flight is a great opportunity for looking at the local area. Even if you are firmly convinced you want to learn to fly, don’t omit to admire the view on your first flight. In the early lessons students concentrate intensively and it is a shame to miss out on the beauty and wonder of the earth from the air.

If anything happens during the flight that alarms you, let your instructor know. If you are too hot or too cold or your headset is uncomfortable, you will not get the most out of the experience, which is what your instructor wants. Remember, or course, that as well as giving you your first lesson your instructor will also be flying the plane, navigating and talking to air traffic, so there may be a short delay in getting back to you with an answer to your questions. He will have been trained to do all this. You can help by point out to your instructor any aircraft you see. Aircraft are difficult to spot and your instructor will be grateful if you can help with the traffic management.

So there it is... your first flying lesson or air experience. Most students are thrilled by the experience and want to continue learning. If this is the case, you should purchase a logbook and ask your instructor to help you record details of the flight. You will need evidence of flight training when you come to apply for your license and your first flight counts towards the issue of any flying license.

Finally... enjoy, and bon voyage!