What is a trial flying lesson?
A trial flying lesson is exactly what it sounds like — a genuine flying lesson, not a sightseeing flight. You sit in the pilot's seat of a light aircraft, and with a qualified instructor beside you on dual controls, you actually take the controls and fly the plane yourself. It's the closest most people ever come to knowing what it feels like to be a pilot, and it's open to complete beginners.
What happens on the day
- Ground briefing — around 20–30 minutes covering the aircraft, the controls, and the basics of how a plane flies.
- Pre-flight checks — you'll walk around the aircraft with your instructor.
- Take-off — handled by your instructor.
- You fly — once airborne, you take the controls, learning to turn, climb and descend.
- Landing — your instructor takes over again to bring you down.
The whole experience typically lasts about an hour, with roughly 30 minutes of that in the air.
Do you need any experience?
None whatsoever. Trial lessons exist precisely for people who've never flown a plane. The instructor explains everything from scratch, and because they're on dual controls throughout, you can hand back control at any moment. All you need is curiosity.
It counts towards a licence
Here's the part many people don't realise: the flight time from a trial lesson can usually be logged towards a Private Pilot Licence if you ever decide to train properly. So it's not just a one-off thrill — it's a genuine first step, and you'll be given a logbook entry to prove it.
What to know before booking
- Weather-dependent. Lessons may be rescheduled if conditions aren't suitable — build in some flexibility.
- Weight limits apply for light aircraft; check with the flight school when booking.
- Bring a camera — the views over the countryside are half the experience.
- Wear comfortable clothes; there's no special kit required.
Who is it good for?
A trial flying lesson suits anyone who's ever looked up and wondered what it would be like. It's a standout birthday or milestone gift, brilliant solo, and genuinely memorable in a way few experiences are — because you're not a passenger, you're flying it.
Ready to take the controls?
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Browse experiences →Frequently asked questions
Do you actually fly the plane on a trial lesson?
Yes. You take the controls in flight with a qualified instructor beside you on dual controls. The instructor handles take-off and landing, but you fly the aircraft for much of the lesson.
Do you need experience for a trial flying lesson?
No. Trial lessons are designed for complete beginners and start with a ground briefing covering the controls and how an aeroplane flies.
Does a trial flying lesson count towards a pilot's licence?
Yes. The flight time can usually be logged and counted towards a Private Pilot Licence if you later decide to train, making it a genuine first step.