Trial Lessons vs Trial Flights: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

In this guide, we will go through trial lessons vs trial flights, their differences, and which one you should choose.

Flight training is an expensive and time-consuming endeavour that not everyone might be cut out for. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t try your hand at aviation or experience a flight without the attached training commitments.

If you have wanted to fly an aeroplane without enrolling yourself into a training programme, then trial flights might just be what you need. These flights are a great way to experience the thrill and adventure of flying without making a long-term commitment.

However, if you are on the fence about aviation training and don’t know if it is for you, then a trial lesson may be a much better fit. All in all, both trial flights and trial lessons are a great way to temporarily step into the world of aviation. There are some subtle differences between the two, though.

In this guide, we will go through trial lessons vs trial flights, their differences, and which one you should choose.

What Is a Trial Flight?

The aviation industry is always on the lookout to provide utility and versatility, especially for the general public. A trial flight is an example of this versatility. It is a special kind of flight that is specially designed for people who have no background in flying.

All you need to get a trial flight is a good attitude and the will to step out of your comfort zone to enjoy something new and thrilling. These flights are offered as a service by many flight schools as well as flying clubs such as Sherburn Aero Club.

Trial flights don’t require any training or a licence because you enjoy the flight as a passenger while an experienced pilot takes care of the rest. All trial flights are accompanied by a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) who will be in control so that you can relax and enjoy.

Trial flights are designed to go over simple routes and under very favourable conditions. This is why there is very little that can go wrong during these flights.

Trial Lessons Vs Trial Flights

Trial lessons and trial flights can be used interchangeably. In fact, trial flights are also known as Experience flights.

However, some flight schools may differentiate between the two. In this case, trial lessons are for people who want to enrol in a flight school and pursue flight training but aren’t sure if it's for them.

On the other hand, experience flights or trial flights are for people who just want to fly without any commitment in mind.

A trial lesson is usually the first step that a student takes before opting for training. There is only so much that can be covered in a 30–70-minute flight, so trial lessons can also be thought of as experience flights.

Either way, these flights are designed to inspire and excite!

The experience helps people get a push in the right direction, especially if they are on the fence about aviation training. These flights can allow them to invest in training courses and perhaps even shares in aircraft.

Strictly speaking, experience flights are catered more towards people who are not necessarily interested in training but would like to check off flying off their bucket lists. They are also popularly used as “gift” items or for people who enjoy aerial photography.  

Trial Lessons Vs Trial Flights – All the Differences

Here is an explanation of the differences between these two flight products:

Trial Lesson

Trial lesson focuses more on providing users with their first instructional flight with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Flight instructors are teachers at flight schools with pilot licences. They have considerable experience in leading trial flights and teaching people how to fly aircraft.

If you mention that you are seeking a trial flight for learning purposes, then the flight will be catered in a way to provide you with not just sightseeing opportunities but also to give you hands-on time flying the aircraft with the instructor.

We are using the term “flying” here very loosely because you can’t operate an aircraft without a licence, but you can sit right next to the instructor and observe them. The instructor can also give you detailed instructions about what they are doing every time they interface with the controls and the aircraft in general.

In some cases, instructors may also give you temporary and very minuscule control of the aircraft while flying, although this varies from instructor to instructor. Also, you can’t legally take control of the aircraft when flying with a pilot who is not certified to be an instructor.

If you are allowed to take control, then this small and often negligible flight experience will also count towards your flight hours if you do take up aviation training.

During a trial lesson:

• You’ll get a pre-flight briefing and safety overview, just like regular pilots.
• You’ll be able to interface with the aircraft under the supervision of an instructor.  
• You will follow the very first step of a pilot training syllabus, like the first lesson of a PPL.
• You will typically fly for about 30–60 minutes or more, depending on the length of the flight you book.

Trial Flights

These flights are similar in their structure, but they are presented differently and may even be regulated differently.

They are usually an introductory flying experience with an instructor on board, where you can sightsee and enjoy the skies safely. Not all pilots can give experience or lesson-centric flights because they need to be an instructor and have all the necessary qualifications.

These flights are more centred towards people who want to fly just for the fun of it or people who want to gift an experience to their loved ones.

Which One Is for You?

You can easily choose between trial flights and trial lessons by following a simple guide.

Go for trial lessons if:

• You want to eventually train for a licence, like PPL or LAPL.
• You want real instructions and to experience pre- and post-flight practices.
• You want to gauge the expertise or training style of instructors for a flight school.

On the other hand, go for trial flights or experience flights if:

• You want a fun flying experience or receive a gift voucher for a trial flight.
• You want a leisure flight and want to tick off the experience from your bucket list.
• You’re not yet sure about training or just want to take aerial photos.

Benefits Of Trial Flights and Lessons

Decision-Maker

The biggest benefit of a trial flight can be to figure out if you want to pursue aviation as a hobby or career. Some people go into trial or experience flights just for fun, but for others, it can be a determining factor.

Trial flights are key to knowing if flying is something you will enjoy doing long-term. Most pilots opt for a trial lesson at a flight school to figure out if they are willing to put in the hours of training and financial investment to obtain their pilot licence.

Gift Trials

One of the coolest things about flight trials is that you can book them for your loved ones and surprise them. This makes them a great birthday or anniversary present.

Trial flights are booked via an online portal (more on this below), and if there is someone in your life who has always wanted to experience flying, then a trial flight can prove to be a mighty gift!

These types of experiences are even more well-received by the younger generation. Trial flight vouchers are popular among parents who want their children to develop a passion for aviation. Keep in mind that the minimum age requirement is 12 years, so if you have a curious kid, then don’t hesitate to sign them up.

Licence Requirements for Trial Lessons/Flights

You do not need any type of licence to enjoy a trial flight or lesson. However, to be eligible for a trial flight, you will need a valid ID with your credentials, such as your age.

Since there is no special requirement for this type of flight, you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about certifications and long-term commitments.

After taking the flight, if you have a newfound ambition for learning how to fly, then you can easily sign up for even more flight lessons before deciding to enrol in a flight school. Don’t worry, the time you spend on the trial flight will also count towards your total flight hours, so your time during the trial flight will not be wasted.

Note: only a trial lesson flown with a certified instructor will count towards your flight hours during training. A flight conducted by a regular pilot or someone who isn’t a qualified instructor will not count.

What Plane Will You Get to Fly?

You will typically fly in a light aircraft during your trial flight. Depending on the availability of aircraft in the flight club or flight school, you will be able to enjoy your experience flight in a single-engine light aircraft.

These aircraft are much easier to fly and control, as opposed to the multi-engine variety, and offer a smooth and fun flying experience.

There are three types of aircraft that you will get to fly during your trial flight with Sherburn Aero Club.

These include:

• the Piper PA-28,
• the Cessna C150,
• and the Cessna 152 Aerobat.

The Piper PA-28 and the Cessna C150 are industry standards when it comes to flight training, while the Cessna 152 is specially designed for aerobatics.

Want high octane fun? Then we recommend going the aerobatic route and flying in the Cessna 152 Aerobat. This aircraft is sure to give you lasting memories!

Where Can You Find Trial Flights and Trial Lessons?

Not every flight school offers trial flights and lessons. Make sure that you check the website of the flight school to see if they offer trial flight services. Comprehensive flying clubs such as Sherburn Aero Club offer a variety of trial flights.

Sherburn has a dedicated trial flight section on the website for people who are interested in signing up.

If you don’t know where to start, then don’t worry! The process is simple and easy to understand.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know:

Booking Your Trial Flight or Trial Lesson

Pick

The form starts with a selection of aircraft or routes. You can either pick to fly in a particular aircraft or a specific route like the Yorkshire Dales route, the Dambusters route, or the Yorkshire Coastal route.

You will have the option to choose between a regular flight and an aerobatics experience on the website. These flights are timed, and the costs vary according to the aircraft and the duration of the flight.

Pay

The following is how much each type of flight on offer will cost:

• Piper PA-28 (60 minutes): GBP 258
• Piper PA-28 (30 minutes): GBP 150
• Cessna C150 (60 minutes): GBP 212
• Cessna C150 (30 minutes): GBP 122
• Cessna 152 Aerobat experience (45 minutes): GBP 174

You can easily purchase the voucher for your desired experience online and pay securely within minutes via either your debit/credit card or through PayPal.

Pick a Time

Once you have bought your experience, you can use the online scheduler to find a suitable date or call the Sherburn helpdesk to help schedule your flight.

Make sure to do this well in advance if you are looking to fly on a particular date to ensure that there is availability.

Pre-flight briefing

On the day of the flight, you will be given a pre-flight briefing.

You can discuss any landmarks or sights that you wish to fly over with your CFI. If you are going for a lesson, then you can ask about the specifics of the flight and what will be covered.

Please listen closely to the instructions given by the CFI. Following all instructions and safety protocols will ensure a smooth, safe, and fun flight. Enjoy!  

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 licenses, 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 on 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 trial lessons and trial flights, as well as how to book your trial flight at Sherburn.

Photo by Horizon flights on Unsplash