What to expect from a... flying school

Can I have a trial lesson at a flying school?

• Flying schools offer trial lessons lasting from 20 minutes to an hour to help you discover if you really want to learn how to pilot an aircraft.

What will a trial flying lesson entail?

• One of the flying school's qualified instructors will talk you through what to expect on the flight, how the controls work and what to do in case of an emergency.
• Although the flying school's instructor will handle take-off and landing, they should let you take over the controls at some point.

Can I qualify for a pilot's licence?

• If you're bitten by the flying bug, flying schools offer courses to enable you to fly a plane for leisure.
• The UK National Private Pilot's Licence course involves passing exams and flying for at least 32 hours. This licence allows you to fly a small aircraft within the UK.
• If you want to upgrade to the European JAR Private Pilot's licence, you will need to have completed a minimum of 45 hours' flying time.

How do I choose the right flying school for me?

• Proximity is a major factor. You don't want to have to drive for two hours to a flying school for a one-hour lesson.
• A bigger flying school will mean a busier airfield, and although a bigger flying school may offer more facilities, you could spend more time waiting to take off than in the air.
• A less busy flying school will get you airborne more quickly, and a smaller flying school can often have a more sociable atmosphere.

What other services do flying schools offer?

• Once you've obtained your licence, you can hire aeroplanes from a flying school—you don't have to own your own aircraft to fly.
• Many flying schools also offer private charter flights and corporate charter flights for business or pleasure. They fly to your own schedule so you don't have to worry about missing your flight or a business meeting over-running.