If we were meant to fly, we'd have wings. We've got the Wright brothers to thank for the alternative - light aircraft. With this experience you'll get to fly a plane yourself - fantastic fun whether you're trying it as a one-off, or taking your first steps towards a Private Pilot's Licence. Your experience starts with your feet firmly on the ground and a briefing about flying techniques and safety. Then climb aboard your two or four seater training plane with a fully-qualified instructor. Each venue flies different craft but, with famous names from Cessna to Piper on the cockpit, you can be confident you're piloting the 'sports cars' of the aeronautical world. Next it's chocks away for your 30 minute flight, during which time (at the pilot's discretion) you can take the flight controls and experience the absolute joy of flying a plane. The feeling of control is brilliant, not to mention the breathtaking views... you'll never look at the earth in quite the same way again.
£ 97.00
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Have you ever looked up to see a hot air balloon drifting silently overhead? With this experience it'll be you in the basket of the balloon, looking down. First, with your feet still firmly on the ground, you'll meet your pilot and get a flight safety briefing, before helping to prepare and inflate the balloon. Then you'll climb into the basket ready for launching. You'll fly at heights of up to 5,000 feet, enjoying beautiful views of the countryside below, and the restful peace and quiet (except for when the propane burners are going, that is). Because the balloon moves with the wind, you'll feel no wind at all, just sheer enjoyment. After landing you can help the crew pack the balloon away, before a celebratory glass of champagne (or a soft drink) and being driven back to the launch site (who knows where you'll land? - you can't steer balloons!). You'll be presented with a commemorative flight certificate, and some centres also offer the chance to purchase an in-flight photo.
Do you feel the need, the need for speed? If straightforward flying seems a bit tame, try this Top Gun style close-manoeuvre flight. Your experience begins with an intensive flight and safety briefing from your ex-military instructor, before you get kitted out in a Top Gun-style flight suit and a parachute. Then take to the air for a 40 minute flight with your instructor in an Extra 300, a high-performance lightweight aircraft which is one of the premier aerobatic planes in the world. And you'll soon find out why, as you experience an airborne tactic demonstration and formation manoeuvres, accompanied by another Extra 300. Then you take the stick - your chance to try out some manoeuvres yourself and then tailchase the other plane. Make like Maverick as you get behind your 'enemy' and transmit 'gun guns guns', to see smoke billow from the aircraft in front. Back on the ground, there'll be a full debrief and presentation of certificates. Guaranteed thrills and fun.
Gliding is perhaps the most elegant way that humans can get airborne. It's a breathtaking way to fly, soaring on the same rising currents of air that the birds use, with no roaring engine to spoil the peace. This experience is a perfect introduction to gliding, giving you the chance to really get to grips with it. You'll start with a briefing session before climbing aboard your dual-controlled glider with your expert instructor. Then the glider is towed into the air by a light aircraft (okay, this bit is noisy, but you have to get airborne somehow). Once you're at the right height the rope is released, the aircraft peels away and you're free to soar and circle lazily in the thermal currents. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside below you and the sky around you. You'll be able to take the controls and pilot the glider yourself. The course includes three aerotow flights, on-ground tuition and one month membership. It might just be the start of a love affair with gliding!
This experience gives you a unique perspective on the sights of London - and one that doesn't involve being either cooped up on the tube or jostled on crowded pavements. After a short pre-flight briefing your party of four will board a Piper Seneca twin-engine plane for a fantastic half hour sightseeing trip. After taking off in Essex you'll follow the Thames west into the heart of the city, getting a view of the capital that most people only see on the opening titles of EastEnders. You'll see the Millennium Dome, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, the towers at Canary Wharf, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, then turn north to fly over Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and the royal parks, before heading back east to land in Essex. You'll get an amazing perspective on the geography of the city and the beauty of its landmarks - and whether you're tourists or Londoners born and bred, you'll see the capital in a whole new way.
