Let’s look at what experience flights are, what to expect, and the top five scenic flights from Sherburn Aero Club.
Sherburn has a lot to offer and if you are someone who has always wanted to fly but doesn’t want to invest in flight training then experience flights may be exactly what you need.
Experience flights are an excellent way to, well, experience the glory of flight without committing to a flight career. These flights are targeted towards people who have no background in aviation or are complete beginners when it comes to aviation in general.
It is the best way to get flying off your bucket list and we believe that several locations within Sherburn will give you your money’s worth.
Let’s look at what experience flights are, what to expect, and the top five scenic flights from Sherburn Aero Club.
WHAT IS AN EXPERIENCE FLIGHT?
An experience flight, which is extensively offered by Sherburn Aero Club, can be thought of as a way for the everyday Joe to enjoy the thrills of aviation, without actually committing to a licence or any type of flight training.
Why would you want to go for an experience flight?
Experience flights are executed by trained professionals who are there to make your flight as smooth and fun as possible. They are open to everyone, and you can go for one to enjoy peaceful skies and get a taste of what aviation has to offer.
Apart from everyday folks, people who want to commit to flight training but are on the fence about fully investing in a pilot licence can get a definitive answer through experience flights on whether they will enjoy flying an aircraft.
Experience flights are also an excellent way to make a special occasion even more special by giving someone this experience of a lifetime as a gift. Imagine spending Valentine’s Day or your loved one’s birthday up in the sky!
If you wish to find out more about what experience flights are, where you can find them, and what you have to do to sign up for one, then you have come across the right article.
Here we have listed down everything you need to know about experience flights to get you excited about your next big adventure in the sky!
The only downside is that these flights are highly structured and custom-built to make sure you can fly safely. You are accompanied by a trained professional, most often a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), who makes sure the flight goes smoothly and that you are kept well away from any dangerous situations.
Of course, the CFI is the main person in control, allowing you to pilot the aircraft without worrying too much. This means that if you want, you can also take some time for aerial photography while the CFI controls the aircraft.
These flights are normally fairly straightforward and don’t require too much skill. They are designed to be easy, and you probably won’t be allowed to fly in any unsuitable weather conditions either.
Just like driving a car, once you are in the sky, you will find flying aircraft in a straight and level line easy. Furthermore, the CFI will always be there to help you at any time if you feel nervous or too anxious, making experience flights incredibly controlled and safe.
If you want even more then you can also sign up for an aerobatics experience flight which truly offers a glimpse into more adventurous flights that involve simple and complex manoeuvres.
Top 5 Scenic Flights from Sherburn Aero Club
Since Sherburn Aero Club is ideally located in the heart of Sherburn, Elmet, you will get access to not only two but up to five amazing spots that will guarantee a great experience.
The great thing about flying from Sherburn Aero Club is that you can pick a suitable route depending on why you want to fly. For example, a solo flight can be done on virtually any route but if you want to take a special loved one with you, then you might want to pick a scenic route, like the Yorkshire Coast Flight experience.
Let’s take a look at five scenic routes from Sherburn Aero Club:
Yorkshire Coast Flight Experience (90 minutes – £388)
Yorkshire offers one of the best scenic routes in the region. With access to the jaw-dropping Yorkshire coastline, this 90-minute flight will knock your socks off and give you your money’s worth.
Take in the stunning vistas of the coastline and fly over the Humber Estuary. You can also pass by Hornsea and follow the coastline up to Bridlington. The journey can further continue over Flamborough Head, Bempton Cliffs, Filey, Scarborough and even cover the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay.
This experience flight will also provide access to the historic town of Whitby. Even if you have visited these places on the ground, we guarantee that flying over them will give you an entirely new and exciting perspective.
On your way back to the club, you can get views of the North York Moors and the beautiful city of York, providing a comprehensive aerial tour that is perfect for any occasion.
Dambusters Flight Experience (75 minutes – £322)
This experience flight lasts about 75 minutes and is perfect for people who want to retrace the training routes of the RAF’s 617 Squadron, who were famously known as the “Dambusters”.
During this flight, you will fly over the Emley Moor transmitting mast which is the tallest freestanding structure in the UK. You will also be able to cover the Derwent Valley and visit the historic Howden, Derwent, and Ladybower dams. These dams have a lot of history and were crucial training sites for the squadron during the Second World War.
If you think that is enough, then you get even more! You will also be able to experience the elegant Chatsworth House, which offers a blend of historical significance and jaw-dropping beauty.
Yorkshire Dales Flight Experience (90 minutes – £388)
The Yorkshire Dales is a no-brainer for people who want to experience the natural structures in the region. Explore the rolling hills and charming villages of Yorkshire Dales and get awesome panoramic views of the national park’s stunning landscapes.
This includes the River Wharfe and the stunning towns nestled within dales. This experience flight is ideal for people who love nature and want to explore Yorkshire’s countryside with a unique perspective.
Ultimate Yorkshire Flight Experience (90 minutes – £430)
Go full throttle with this flight experience option! The ultimate Yorkshire flight experience is exactly what it sounds like. This flying experience is specially designed to also provide a trial flying lesson with a personalised scenic tour.
Upon registering for the tour, you will get a comprehensive pre-flight briefing where you will have the opportunity to take the controls under the guidance of a certified trainer. Not only can you customise your flight path to include landmarks such as York Minister, Harewood House, or Castle Howard, but you can also tweak the route to cover your own home as well!
That’s right, if you ever thought what your home would look like from the skies, then this is the experience flight for it! This flight is the crown jewel for Sherburn Aero Club and is one of the best ways to convince people to become a part of the aviation community.
Tiger Moth Vintage Flight Experience (30 minutes – Price varies)
If you love vintage aircraft, then this is the best way to experience a 30-minute thrill ride in a Tiger Moth biplane. Known as one of the most popular vintage aircraft in modern times, you will get to experience this flight in an open cockpit giving all your senses a surprisingly pleasant jolt.
You will fly over the Yorkshire countryside and get a feel for what pilots experience regularly. It is one of the quickest and most fun rides you will ever take and if you bring your camera along, you will truly get once-in-a-lifetime shots from the skies.
WHAT AEROPLANE WILL YOU GET TO FLY?
The industry standard aircraft for these types of flights is light aircraft. These aircraft are designed to be lightweight, manoeuvrable, and highly responsive giving you an excellent flying experience.
Light aircraft come in two categories: fixed-wing and flex-wing. The fixed-wing aircraft is the default choice for people looking for a traditional flying experience. These aircraft have a closed cockpit, room for up to 2-4 passengers and space for your personal belongings. These aircraft can go the distance since they are designed to be the miniaturised versions of larger aircraft.
Flex-wings, on the other hand, are designed to provide a more personal and thrilling flight experience. These aircraft may be less powerful, but they offer several unique benefits.
For example, flex-wings offer an open-cockpit design where the only thing separating you from the outside world is a thin windscreen. If you sign up for a flight experience through a flying club such as Sherburn Aero Club, you will get to fly one of the aeroplanes that are part of the club’s fleet.
Some examples of aeroplanes include the Piper PA-28 as well as the Aero AT3. While the Piper is the aeroplane of choice for most pilots who fly single-engine aircraft, the Robin 2160 is better suited for those who are interested in aerobatics as well. Sherburn Aero Club’s fleet is specifically designed for versatility and is suitable for a range of flying experiences.
The club’s aeroplanes are well-maintained and guarantee a smooth flight experience with virtually no risk.
There is another type of light aircraft that is designed for shorter but more thrilling flights: microlights. These aircraft are perfect for aerial photographers or people who want to “feel” the elements while flying. If you wish to sign up for an experience flight on a microlight, you have the option to do so through Sherburn’s partner company, Breeze Aviation, which specialises in microlights.
IS THERE A LICENCE REQUIREMENT?
The short answer is, no – and that is the entire point of experience flights! Licences are not a requirement for an experience flight. Since you will be accompanied by a CFI who will hold a Commercial Pilot Licence, you don’t need to do anything but enjoy the flight.
The only thing that you will need is a valid ID which clearly states your age to be eligible to fly.
HOW CAN YOU SIGN UP?
The process of booking an experience flight with Sherburn Aero Club is not only straightforward but hassle-free.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of everything that you need to know:
Pick your preferred experience.
You will start by picking the right type of experience flight or route for you. There are a few different types of experience flights, varying according to the aircraft being flown and the amount of time you will be in the air.
As mentioned in our list above, flight times range from 30 to 90 minutes, and can be scheduled on the Piper PA-28, the Aero AT3, or the Robin 2160.
Easy-Payment
Go cashless and make worry-free payments on time using the secure payment gateway offered on Sherburn’s website. The club goes beyond to offer convenience to its members which is why they also offer customers to easily purchase a voucher for the flight and then make a payment via debit/credit card or PayPal within minutes.
Call to book
Want a more personal experience where someone can guide you to your perfect trip? Then call us! To make sure you secure a spot on the date that you are available, be sure to book well in advance. Flight experiences are popular and tend to fill out fast, especially when the weather is warm and lovely. You can call Sherburn’s main desk, which will then assist you in scheduling a flight.
Pre-flight preparation
We recommend that you ask the helpdesk or a CFI for the details of your trip. You can discuss whether you can bring along a second passenger and the landmarks that you would like to see during your flight. Keep in mind that you can only take another person with you on the Piper PA-28 since this is the only aircraft with enough seating capacity for more than two people.
You must be 12 or over to be able to fly. Be sure to check the website’s eligibility criteria concerning height and weight before signing up.
You will be briefed about what to expect during the flight during this time and the CFI will help familiarise you with the controls.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Sherburn also offers pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward. You are required to take medical exams to prove you are fit enough to take to the skies when applying for a licence, and the facility at Sherburn allows you to start your aviation journey on the right foot.
Our in-house AME, Dr Mark Bellamy, is rated to perform EASA Class 2 and LAPL. He also holds a fixed-wing PPL. Appointments are available every Monday and Tuesday, as well as on occasional Saturdays.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on flight experiences as well as how to book your experience flight at Sherburn.
Photo by Matthias Wesselmann on Unsplash
