Flying experiences can be a great way for you to get into aviation and there are a good number of different experiences you can book. Scenic Tours are designed to show you around the sights of a particular location, while tactical lessons are designed to give you a chance at being in the front seat. Thrill-seekers might enjoy an aerobatic experience but be warned – don’t forget to pack a sick-bag! Others might enjoy a flying experience that allows them to arrive at a particular venue in style. Many a helicopter operator offer a helicopter air taxi service that can take you to your wedding or your prom! People that want to experience controlling an aircraft should book a trial lesson. Most Flying Clubs offer some form of flying experience and these can be browsed here.

Trial flying lessons are designed to give you a snippet of what you can expect, should you decide to learn to fly. They can be particularly valuable to people who aren’t sure which type of aircraft they’d like to learn on, or which airfield they’d like to learn at. For example a prospective trainee may wish to complete a trial lesson at a grass-strip airfield (such as City Airport Manchester) and then an airfield with a concrete runway (such as Blackpool Airport), so they can find-out which set-up they prefer. They might also wish to fly at airports that offer different levels of air traffic, since some trainee pilots feel more comfortable learning at airfields that have a radio or information service, as opposed to a tower service. We recommend trying-out a few different aircraft types before you commit to a flight training course, as airplanes can be like cars – some you just don’t enjoy flying as much! Browse the different flying schools and flying clubs that offer trial lessons, on the AvPay Flying School & Club Directory.

Since gliders are non-powered aircraft that don’t have expensive engines requiring regular maintenance, it’s one of the cheapest ways of getting into the air. Gliders are typically launched either by winch or by aerotow. To stay aloft gliders need to find lift. Thermals are rising bubbles of air and if a glider circles in a strong enough thermal, they’re able to climb to greater heights. Thermals are associated with cumulus clouds. Mountain wave is found on the lee side of a mountain or hill range is associated with lenticular clouds.