Trial Flights
Due to high demand, we’ve suspended sales of our Trial Flight Gift Vouchers
An air experience flight (trial flight) is actually your first lesson in a microlight aircraft – to be precise, Flight Exercise 3 from the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) Syllabus of Microlight Pilot Training. It’s your chance to experience the truly amazing sensation of flight in one of these tiny, yet incredibly robust, flying machines. Like the earliest pioneers of powered flight, you will experience for yourself the sensation of open-cockpit flight in a small aircraft. The school’s microlights fly at around 45-60 mph, no faster than a sedate cruise on a motorcycle, and we’ll be at around 1000-1500 feet, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the unrivalled view you get from the back seat.
You can book 15, 30, or 60 minute flights. All the equipment you need for your trial flight – flying suit, gloves, helmet and intercom headset – will be provided.
There are NO age restrictions for trial flights, and we’re happy to take youngsters from about 9 years of age. There is no upper age limit. People with physical disabilities can also fly, depending on the nature of the disability and providing they are able – with the help of a relative or carer where necessary – to be seated comfortably and securely in the aircraft. Check with us if you’re not sure.
“I enjoyed my recent microlight experience so much that I have purchased another two vouchers. Can’t wait to do it again! You made it for me too, as you and your colleagues made us feel so at ease and very welcome.” Maureen Whelan
When you arrive for your flight, you’ll become a member of Microflights Flying Club as a Trial Flight Day Member (your membership fee is included in the price of the trial flight). Then we’ll discuss the route of your flight, fix you up with a flying suit, helmet and intercom headset, and get you securely strapped into the aircraft.
After briefing you on the flight and carrying out full pre-flight safety checks, we’ll taxi out onto the runway at Long Marston, first used sixty years ago by RAF bomber crews, and take off. Once airborne, we’ll climb to around 1000-1500 feet, which gives us a marvellous view of Stratford-upon-Avon, the River Avon and the surrounding countryside. If the flight you have booked is long enough, we’ll take a look at your home town or village. Depending on the flight conditions and your wishes, you’ll get the chance to have a go at flying the aircraft from the back seat, using the student training bars fitted to the control frame.
How much will my trial flight cost?
£40
15 mins
£75
30 mins
£140
60 mins
Please note that flight times are calculated from engine start to engine stop, so they include engine warm-up, pre-takeoff checks and taxiing to and from the runway.
When do you fly?
We fly all year round. The school is open every day except Mondays and Thursdays, and we fly our trial flights on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30 am until just before sunset. Please bear in mind that trial flights are booked into the diary about 6 – 8 weeks ahead throughout the year.
Where can we go on my trial flight?
It depends on how long your flight is and what the weather and wind conditions are like on the day. If you live close enough, we’ll try to include your home in the route we fly. We offer three flight durations (please bear in mind that we might need to vary the route depending on flight conditions).
15 Minutes This is the “introductory” flight, ideal for those who think they might be a little apprehensive of flying. Once securely aboard the aircraft, we’ll taxi out, take off and have a look at Long Marston Airfield from the air, and then it’ll be time for us to line up for our landing.
30 Minutes Our half-hour flight allows us to fly from Long Marston Airfield and follow the River Avon to Stratford-upon-Avon, where you will have a panoramic view of Shakespeare’s birthplace and the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
60 Minutes This is our “grand tour” flight, which gives us lots of time to take in all the sights. We can take you north to admire the grandeur of Warwick Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, and the spectacular ruins of Kenilworth Castle, the imposing medieval fortress once home to Robert Dudley, favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Or we can fly south towards the start of the Cotswold ridge and soak up views of England’s world-famous Cotswold villages. We tend to fly two “standard” routes from which you can choose.
What will I need to wear for my trial flight?
Even on warm summer days (they do happen occasionally), it’s a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or top with you to wear under the flying suit you’ll be provided with – no slip-on sandals or flip-flops, please! On particularly warm days we dispense with flying suits and gloves altogether and can fly comfortably in jeans and t-shirts. In winter, you’ll keep warmer if you wear several layers rather than one heavy top. In colder weather, extra pairs of socks are also a good idea, worn with trainers or shoes (wellingtons or heavy boots aren’t suitable).
Can I book a longer trial flight?
Certainly you can. We offer half-day excursion flights, with a landing and tea break or lunch stop at another airfield.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. Since our aircraft’s maximum all-up weight limits are assessed as the total of pilot, passenger and fuel load, we can’t take you flying if you weigh more than 100 kg (15 stone 10 lb). There are no height restrictions. If you’re unsure, call us!
Do we fly if the weather is bad?
Microlights are unaffected by rain and are perfectly safe to fly in quite rough atmospheric conditions. However, we want you to get the very best out of your flight and so will make every effort to ensure you get a flight in pleasant conditions. If weather conditions are not conducive to flying, we’ll simply re-book your flight.
How do I book a trial flight?
Once you’ve decided the length of flight you want, BUY ONLINE and we’ll email you a Trial Flight Gift Voucher. This is valid for twelve months, which gives you plenty of time to book your flight. Once you have the voucher, just email our Bookings Administrator, John Harris, with the information requested below, and he’ll book your flight in the diary. You must call us on the day to check on the weather before you set off and, if it’s okay, just plan to arrive about 5 minutes before your booked flight time. Please bear in mind that trial flights are booked into the diary about 6 – 8 weeks ahead throughout the year.
When you email John to book your flight, please make sure you let him have the following information:
- Your name
- Your voucher number
- Your mobile telephone number
- Weekend dates about 6-8 weeks ahead on which you would be able to fly.
What happens if my voucher runs out?
Your voucher is only valid for flight until its expiry date. However, you may (at our discretion) be able to extend your voucher for a further six months on payment of a £25 extension fee.