Northumbria Flying School offers everyone the chance to experience the joy of flight. With our history stemming back over 80 years, we are the no.1 choice throughout the North and beyond.

'Taste of Flight' experiences are most often bought as gifts for friends and relatives or as a reward for yourself. Absolutely no prior knowledge or experience is required and should you wish to continue your training, this flight counts towards your course. The flight has no commitments attached - you are solely here to enjoy yourself and perhaps appreciate a pilot's office - the sky!

These Air Experience Flights or Trial Lessons as they are commonly known, make a perfect Birthday or Christmas gifts. A Trial Lesson is also a perfect gift for aviation fanatics or somebody who has it all. When you can't think of a present to get that somebody special, choose a trial lesson and watch their eyes light up when they open our quality hand crafted card containing their unique voucher and your own personal message. Here at Northumbria Flying School, we realise that a trial lesson voucher from 'internet-only' companies, which is often just a piece of paper, is not something you would want to receive on your Birthday. So we have built up a reputation for our beautifully hand crafted cards with Birthday, Christmas, Valentine's and other designs that leave our rivals embarrassed.

Trial lessons are offered 7 days per week including Bank Holidays. They can be taken anytime in the six months after the issue date. Packages are dispatched first class to the address of your choice.

"Absolutely Fantastic"  - just one of the many responses we hear afterwards.

Look at some of the fantastic photos in our Aerial Photos Gallery.

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The Day of Your Flight

The big day has finally arrived and you are a mix of nervousness and excitement. You have your camera and friends to bring to the airport in order to share your memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. You ring the Flight Operations Office to reconfirm the time of your flight. You are given the thumbs-up and you start on your journey to the airport.

On arriving at the airport you meet the friendly folks in the Flight Operations Office that make it all possible and then you are introduced to your flight instructor for the day. All our staff share the same passion for aviation as the early aviators that first took to the skies. We hope that you too feel the passion and sense of excitement as you help pilot your aeroplane into the air from the runway.

Before the excitement comes a small amount of preparation. Your instructor will familiarize you to the cockpit controls and give you a routine safety briefing, before being led out onto the apron and climbing into the aeroplane. From this point on you are free to participate as much or as little as you wish in the flight. Typical tasks you could perform include: Engine starting; Checklist Drills; Aircraft Taxiing; Takeoff; Cruise; Turns and Descent. On your return you are presented with a Certificate of Achievement which we hope you will treasure for the future.

The route of flight is up to the individual. Particular favourites are Newcastle City Centre, Hadrian's Roman Wall and the Ancient Coasts and Castles of Rural Northumberland.

Choosing the Experience

Northumbria Flying School offers experience flights in two types of aircraft and also two durations.

You can choose between a Cessna 152 - a two seat aeroplane or a PA28 Warrior - a larger four seat aeroplane. Those in receipt of any PA28 Warrior experience are encouraged to bring one friend along to sit in the back of the aircraft to observe the flight. For this reason the PA28 Warrior is an excellent gift for a family member. Vouchers are fully upgradable.

The two durations available are 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Our recommendation is that you consider the longest time that your generosity allows. Time certainly flies when you are having fun!

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Happy Flying!

Capt. John Corlett

Chief Flying Instructor