So: you’ve plucked up the courage [or perhaps been presented with it as a gift!] and booked a Trial Lesson at your local flying school. Well done!
Sometimes called an ‘introductory lesson’ or an ‘air experience flight’, a trial lesson is your first step on the journey towards obtaining a Private Pilot’s Licence. It is your chance to pilot an aircraft safely, with a qualified instructor sitting next to you. Be warned though: flying is addictive! I speak as someone who was bought a trial lesson for my birthday 25 years ago, and afterwards couldn’t wait to get back into the air …
Gaining a full licence in the UK requires at least 30 hours of flying training, but an introductory lesson requires no such commitment. It really is the perfect gift: a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a thrilling memory. And, should you catch the flying bug, your first flight will count towards the total flying time required to qualify.
What sort of plane?
Trial Lessons are available in all sorts of aircraft: microlights, biplanes, Spitfires and even jet fighters! The costs vary though, and at the upper end can be substantial: so let’s assume you’ve gone for something mid-range, perhaps a four-seat piston single like the one in the picture.
Hazy days in summer
On the day of your lesson, it is important to contact the airfield to check that the weather conditions are acceptable. Even if the weather seems fine where you are, it might not be at the airfield. Also, your view of good weather may not be good for
aviation. Warm, hazy days are great for the beach but can be unsuitable for flying because of poor visibility. It is best to check. If conditions are poor, the flight school will happily rearrange for another time.
Prepare yourself
Assuming all is well and you are flying, dress appropriately. For most aircraft this just means comfortable clothes. Aircraft usually have effective heaters, but if you are due to fly in an open-cockpit machine be aware that it may get very cold! Any specialized gear needed will be provided for you, but it is best to be prepared by bringing extra layers of clothing – you can always remove a layer if you’re too warm.
Once you have arrived at the airfield, your flight will begin with a briefing. This is your opportunity to meet your instructor and familiarize yourself with the airfield and aircraft, and to ask any questions you may have ahead of the flight. Don’t be shy about asking as many or as few questions as you wish – the instructor will be eager to make this the best experience possible for you. Be prepared to fill out one or two forms; all schools will need you to sign documents for insurance purposes and may require that you become a ‘temporary member’ even for a single flight. All admin costs will be included in the price of the lesson voucher. Once the formalities are out of the way, it is time to board the aircraft. Have a good look at it as you walk out, and don’t forget to take pre-flight photographs.
How you climb aboard depends on the aircraft type. If you have restricted mobility, mention it when you make the booking. In general you don’t need to be particularly agile, it’s generally no more difficult than getting into a car. However, some aircraft do have a high step up onto the wing: if that’s likely to be a problem ask about it.
Don’t be surprised if getting in takes a while – your comfort and safety are the most important things, and your instructor will want to ensure you are secure and relaxed. Do speak up if you have any concerns, your flight will be much more enjoyable if you are feeling calm.
In most cases you will be seated in the left-hand seat – this is the captain’s side – and your instructor will occupy the co-pilot’s seat. Don’t panic, you will not be expected to take control immediately! All training aircraft have dual controls so that the instructor can take over at any time.
Once you are aboard and the instructor has carried out final checks “the walk-round”, you will be given a safety briefing. Just as in a commercial passenger plane this will include everything you need to know in order to remain safe during take-off, flying and landing. Ask as many questions as you want, this is another chance to find out about the aircraft and flight training.
Buttons, dials and levers …
The instructor will show you round the cockpit before starting the engine. Don’t be put off by the fact that there are lots of dials and levers: for this first flight only a few of them matter, and your instructor point out the important ones as the flight progresses.
After the final pre-flight checks are completed, the engine will be started. Be prepared for this to be quite loud! Light aircraft have little of the insulation that protects passengers in commercial planes from the roar of the engines. You will be given a headset to protect your ears and let you speak to your instructor. You will also notice a lot of radio chatter from the airfield – don’t worry about trying to understand it all. Your instructor will identify any transmissions that matter.
The take-off:
Your flight starts as soon as the brakes are off. The instructor will steer the aircraft to the runway and, once the all-clear comes over the radio, the engines (and the noise) ramp up to full power. The plane rolls along the runway, getting faster all the time, and just as you think “this isn’t too bad, I go this fast on the motorway” the plane will leave the ground.
It will take some time to reach cruising altitude, and since your instructor will be in full control during this period, you’ll have an opportunity to get used to the sensation of flying in a light aircraft. You may be surprised at how bumpy the flight feels – small aircraft more sensitive to winds and turbulence than large and heavy jet planes. As you climb higher the ride normally gets smoother. You won’t be taking control of the aircraft during the initial ascent, so this is an ideal time to take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you’ve brought a camera (highly recommended) take lots of pictures.
Once the aircraft is cruising at a safe altitude, the time has finally come for you to take the controls. Hopefully by this point you will be accustomed to the sights, sounds and sensations of flight and will be feeling relaxed, but if you are nervous or don’t feel ready to hold the stick or yoke there is absolutely no obligation to do so – your instructor will be happy to allow you as much or as little control as you feel comfortable with. Remember that this is your experience and your instructor will want to make it as much fun as possible. It’s also worth remembering that flying is far, far safer than driving, not least because in the open sky there are no unexpected obstacles for a first time pilot to hit!
Assuming you are happy, your instructor will let you to pilot the aircraft for most of the flight, perhaps trying some simple manoeuvres and talking you through everything as you go. You will be surprised at how easy and intuitive the controls can be. Don’t worry about navigation, your instructor will be keeping a good lookout!
and landing …
You will be surprised how quickly the time passes, and as you turn back towards the airfield and begin your descent, the instructor will retake the controls for landing. You will be amazed at how small the runways look! Many people find this the most exciting part of the whole flight – the view from a small cockpit as you approach a runway is like nothing you can experience in a large passenger plane. As the pictures show, airfields come in all shapes and sizes …
As the aircraft finally slows and begins to taxy towards its parking spot, there is just one thing left for you to ask… When can I have another lesson?