£10  off experiences today! Use code 10HELLO at checkout! - T&Cs apply

Learn to be a Pilot Experience

Coventry Airport, West Midlands

What's Included

  • Learn how to carry out aircraft safety checks
  • Learn the functions of the basic flight controls
  • Create a flight plan
  • Participate in two 45 minute flights in a four seater aircraft
  • Hands on control of the aircraft on one leg and navigation on the other
  • Tuition on basic navigation techniques
  • Practice landing techniques in the flight simulator
  • Certificate of completion and log book
  • Complimentary premium gift packaging from Into The Blue
  • This experience takes approximately four hours and includes the following: 

(The order of this experience may vary due to operational requirements)

Itinerary 

  • Introduction: Brief on the basic controls of the aircraft and their effects
  • The 'A' Check: A thorough pre-flight check of the aircraft systems and the reasons behind the check
  • Pre-Flight Planning: Classroom session, learning how to plan and fly a route, reviewing weather, aircraft performance and diversion options
  • Outbound Flight: Take the role of the pilot with instruction. After take-off you will have control of the flight for the majority of the flight
  • Arrival at destination airfield: Stop for an opportunity to have a cup of tea/coffee and sandwich (refreshments not included, can be purchased at participants own cost)
  • Return Journey: You will now be the navigator. Time each leg to see if you are working to your plan. Will you successfully navigate the pilot back to Coventry?
  • What it takes to be a Pilot: The head of training will talk you through the aspects of being a private pilot, including medicals, theoretical training, flight training and exams
  • Simulator Session: Put what you have learnt into practice and attempt your first landing from 3 miles out of Coventry
  • De-Brief Session: Your abilities have been scored during the day. How did you do?

What Can I Expect

Learn to be a pilot with this fascinating half day experience available for one or two people! You'll be based out of Coventry Airport for this most comprehensive of days that'll show you just what being a qualified pilot involves, with exercises both in the air and on the ground.

Before any pilot starts their shift there is a briefing. This will be where you meet your instructor pilot host and get a rundown on how the day will unfold. And will quite possibly include some essential fuel, that's to say a cuppa!

Then it's out the aircraft to carry out pre-flight checks. You'll do a walkaround of the plane, before climbing into the cockpit to verify all the onboard systems and controls. After that, it's time to discuss where your flight is going and in what conditions.

Back in the classroom for this, you'll be shown how pilots plan their routes, check current weather, check for safety concerns on your planned route, with what pilots call the NOTAMs system and create a flight plan, including diversion routes and airports. It's fascinating stuff and the theory applies whether you're piloting a commercial jet, a military fighter or a light aircraft.

Route planned and aircraft ready, it's time to fly. One person flies the outward leg and another flies the return and you'll be given maximum time at the controls as you fly. You'll be fully involved in everything a pilot has to do, from talking to the control tower, to keeping a visual on where you're going - as well as actually flying.

Once landed at the airfield you're visiting, there's time for a chat before heading back to the plane for your return leg back to base. When you're not flying, you'll be taking on the role of navigator, so you're responsible for the flight keeping to time - and going the right way!

Back at base, heading to the flight simulator for some more pilot skills training. The day ends with a pilot debrief and a chat about what is involved in becoming a pilot, covering everything from the cost of a pilot's licence, how to get work as a pilot and what all the training involves.

These brilliant learn to be a pilot packages will certainly show you there's a lot more to being a pilot than just flying a plane!

When Is It Available

  • Available Tuesday to Friday throughout the year
  • Occasional Saturdays maybe available if booking well in advance
  • Flights are subject to weather conditions and availability

Location

  • Coventry Airport, West Midlands

Suitable For

  • Minimum age is 14
  • Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult on the airfield
  • Maximum weight 16 stone
  • Maximum height 6ft 3 inches

Spectators

  • Spectators are welcome to observe your take off and landing
plane from the side
Learn to be a Pilot Experience Get this Experience