Trial flight recommendations

[digger_R]

Having shelved my idea of getting my PPL in Canada next year, I still want to try flying a small aircraft. I doubt very much that I'm going to go for a PPL now but I still want to try flying at least once.

Can anyone recommend a good place/contact where I can do this. I'm in Holland but I'll be back in the Uk over the Christmas period around the Birmingham area so I'd appreciate it if anyone can point me in the direction of a flying school that will let me loose in one of their planes over the festive period.

I know a bit about aircraft having designed and developed a few bits for different planes but actually flying one is a different story. Anything I should know before I sign up?

[eharding]

Wolverhampton is probably your best bet.

No idea if they're open over the Christmas period though - best to call them.

Edited by eharding on Thursday 25th November 13:32

[mattdaniels]

British weather is a lottery! You can get some fantastic winter flying days. More likely unfortunately you get a lot of clag and low cloud and "ground studies" days.

[Simpo Two]

At least you're not gliding. In winter you go down like a brick.

[perdu]

I have no idea how much it cost as it was a birthday present

I flew from Warwickshire Aero Club at BHX

Piper Tomahawk PA38 low wing trainer

I had half an hour and as I'd some hours air experience in Chipmunks I was invited to fly it all the way off the ground and back down after a flight around the Rubery/M5/Halesowen area

So I can/do recommend Birmingham for the flight

I loved it

Wish I had a bigger pension

[ccr32]

I am cracking on with my PPL now, though I got the bug through a (couple of) trial flight(s).

I'm did my trial flights and am doing my training out of Bournemouth, so cannot comment on Birmingham or schools in the area unfortunately. I will however say that a trial flight of an hour or so will give you a great hands-on experience of what flying is all about, and, depending on your proficiency and how your instructor thinks you are doing, you will end up doing a lot more than you might initially expect to during a trial lesson.

My first was in a PA28, and that was a great introduction to flying for me. I then decided to do an aerobatics trial flight in a Bulldog which I cannot recommend highly enough - so much fun (providing you don't mind being chucked about a bit!). I am now learning everything properly in a Robin, which is good for me as it works out a lot cheaper than the other a/c on offer.

I'd expect to pay anything from £80-£150 for an hours trial flight depending on where you are and what you fly.

All i can really say is get up there, you'll love it