Your first flying lesson begins before take-off. Get a feel for the day at Sherburn, from choosing a flight and the briefing to the conversation after landing.
First flight guide
Taking the controls of an aeroplane for the first time is an exciting prospect
If you’ve always wanted to try flying, a trial lesson lets you experience it with an instructor beside you. You can enjoy a flight over Yorkshire, find out how the aircraft responds and see whether you’d like to learn more.
You don’t need any flying experience to get started. You’ll have questions about the cockpit, take-off and what you’ll be able to do, and your instructor is there to talk you through them. Feeling a little nervous is understandable too, especially if this is your first time in a light aircraft.
At Sherburn Aero Club, our experience flights let you try the controls under an instructor’s guidance. Whether you’re treating yourself, using a gift voucher or thinking about learning to fly, here’s what to expect before, during and after your visit.
Your day at a glance
Step 1: Before
Choose and book your flight
Pick a 30 or 60 minute option, then arrange a date with our Flight Desk.
Step 2: Before
Arrive and settle in
Find the meeting point, meet your instructor and share any nerves or questions.
Step 3: Before
The briefing
Harness, exits, emergencies, the headset and how control is handed over.
Step 4: During
Take-off and the view
Watch Yorkshire open out below, then try the controls with your instructor’s guidance.
Step 5: After
Landing and debrief
Talk through what you enjoyed and ask what you could learn in another lesson.
Before booking: choose the flight you want
A short flight gives you a taste of being at the controls, while a longer booking gives you more time to enjoy the experience. Our experience flights page includes 30 and 60 minute options in the Cessna 152 and Piper PA28. If you’re unsure which to choose, tell our Flight Desk what you’d most like to get out of the day.
Thinking about lessons?
If you’re considering flying lessons, mention this when booking so you can discuss the training side of the experience. The CAA distinguishes a lesson with an instructor from an introductory flight as a passenger. You need an appropriate instructor to try the controls, and passenger time does not count towards a pilot’s licence.
Leave time around your flight for getting settled, the briefing and a chat afterwards. Our Flight Desk can explain what your chosen booking includes, how the flight duration is measured and when to arrive.
Check the practical details
- Our experience flights are available from age 12. An adult must stay on the premises for anyone under 16.
- Please contact us before buying if the person flying is over 6ft 2in or 16 stone, as some aircraft may be unsuitable.
- Talk to us before booking if you have any medical, mobility or comfort concerns.
- If you’d like someone to join you, ask about the PA28. Additional passengers are at the club’s discretion.
Once you have your voucher, contact our Flight Desk to arrange a date. Have your booking details ready and check how to confirm the weather before setting off.
Arriving at the airfield
Give yourself time to find the meeting point and get settled before your flight. Let your instructor know if you’re feeling nervous or there’s something you’re unsure about. Hearing an explanation of the engine sounds or what to expect during take-off can help you feel more comfortable before you climb aboard.
If there’s a local landmark you’d love to see from the air, mention it to your instructor. We welcome requests, although the route will depend on what’s possible on the day.
On the airfield
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that let you move easily, and check with our team about belongings and photography when you book. Once you arrive, follow the team’s directions around the aircraft and wait to be escorted onto the flying area.
The briefing: getting comfortable with the aircraft
Your briefing helps you get comfortable in the cockpit and understand the flight ahead. It covers your harness or seat belt, the exits and what to do in an emergency. You’ll also need to know how to use the headset and when your instructor needs your attention. Ask them to repeat anything you haven’t caught.
Before you try the controls, make sure you understand how your instructor will tell you to take over and hand back. There’s plenty that will be new to you, so ask questions as you go.
Take-off and your first view of Yorkshire
As the aircraft climbs, familiar roads and fields start to look very different. You may spot places you know from the ground, or be surprised by how much countryside surrounds you. Alongside the chance to try flying, that view is a lovely part of the experience.
When it’s time to try the controls, your instructor can demonstrate an exercise and guide you through it. Feeling the aeroplane respond to your own inputs is an exciting part of a first lesson. Take your time and listen to their guidance. You’re here to learn, and nobody expects you to have mastered it on your first flight.
Your instructor will choose activities to suit the lesson and conditions. Follow their directions about the controls and using your phone or camera. During take-off, landing and radio calls, give them time to concentrate and wait until they’re ready for questions.
If you feel nervous or unwell
Tell your instructor if you’re uncomfortable or start to feel unwell. They need to know so they can adjust the plan or end the flight early if necessary. You can also decide not to fly before take-off. There’s no need to keep a concern to yourself.
Weather can change the plan
Conditions at the airfield matter
Wind, cloud and visibility can affect where you fly and whether the flight can go ahead. A bright morning at home won’t tell you everything about conditions at the airfield or along the route, so follow the weather contact arrangements agreed with our Flight Desk.
It’s disappointing to move a flight you’ve been looking forward to. If the weather means postponing, our Flight Desk can explain the next steps for your booking. Your instructor will make the decision about whether conditions are suitable.
After landing: what did you enjoy most?
After the aircraft is parked and the checks are complete, you can talk through what you’ve tried. This is a good time to ask about a turn you made, a control you used or something you noticed in the air. If you’re keen to fly again, ask what you could learn in another lesson.
You don’t have to decide on a full training course after one flight. If you’ve enjoyed being at the controls and want to explore it further, our Learn to Fly page explains the next steps. Talk to an instructor about what training would involve and how it could fit around your other commitments.
Day membership included
A personalised certificate to take home
Our experience flights include day membership and a personalised certificate to take home. If you plan to continue learning, ask your instructor how your flight can be recorded and whether it can count towards training.
Choose your experience flight and call our Flight Desk on 01977 682 674 to arrange your visit. We’ll help you find a flight that suits what you have in mind, from a first taste of flying to the start of regular lessons.
Questions to ask the Flight Desk
- 1Which flight would suit what I want to try?
- 2What is included in the duration, and how much time should I allow for the visit?
- 3When should I check whether the weather is suitable?
- 4What should I wear and bring, and can someone accompany me?
- 5Can this flight be entered in a logbook if I continue learning?
Related reading
- Experience flights at Sherburn
- Learn to fly at Sherburn
- Private Pilot Training
- Choosing an aircraft for your lessons
Ready to take the controls?
We’ll help you find a flight that suits what you have in mind, from a first taste of flying to the start of regular lessons.
Photo by Benjamin Chambon on Unsplash
