Experience Flights

Trial Lessons and Experience Flights


See how our aircraft are flown and experience the joy of flying a light aircraft out of our base at Norwich International Airport.
You will be fully briefed before the flight by your instructor/pilot, and dependent on your interests, the weather and any limitations on the airspace for that day will decide upon a route, with the aim of providing you with the best possible experience.
Photography is welcome (both selfies, and views from the aircraft!), and your pilot will be more than happy to take photographs of you and the aircraft on the ground, too!


If you have chosen a Trial Lesson, your instructor will demonstrate various gentle manoeuvres and invite you to follow through on the controls, eventually flying the aircraft yourself under their close supervision. Should you wish to pursue further flying, or continue with the course with the aim of obtaining the Private Pilot's Licence, then this first trial lesson hour is able to be logged as your first hour of dual instruction.

Trial lessons and experience flights are available to purchase via our online shop, click here to view, or alternatively telephone us on 01603 400527 to speak to a member of our Operations Team who will gladly guide you through the purchase and booking process.


If the lesson/experience flight is for a gift, we can issue a personalised voucher for the recipient, and the booking can be made at a later date at their convenience. There is also the option of purchasing a trial lesson information book and logbook, to make the gift even more special.  

How does it work?

Choose your Aircraft/Number of Passengers

Our two-seater Cessna 152 aircraft provides a single occupant flight experience* - just the participant and the instructor. Our Piper Cherokee will accommodate up to two passengers and our Piper Seneca up to five**.

*please note there is a maximum passenger weight limit of 14 stone for our Cessna trial lessons.
**weight and balance calculation dependent.

Air Experience? Or Trial Lesson?

Wanting to sit back and enjoy the view with a qualified pilot at the controls, then an experience flight could be the way to go. 
Or, if you're a pilot-in-the-making wanting to see if flying could be the career for you or to just experience the pilot's life for an hour, then check out our range of trial lessons. 
(Note: a trial lesson counts as the first hour towards your PPL licence issue!).

Choose your duration

All flights are available in durations of both 45 and 60 minutes. Both will of course enable you to take in the beautiful views that Norfolk has to offer.
The additional 15 minutes does enable you to travel that little bit further, particularly if you are looking to take in as much of our fantastic coastline as possible.

Add some Catering

Wanting to make the experience just that little bit more special? Turn your experience flight into a VIP experience flight through our partnership with Saxonair. Step directly out onto the apron from Norwich's private charter terminal, and by selecting one of our three exclusive packages, enjoy food and drink options from breakfast, to post-flight champagne, to a full afternoon tea.

Experience Flights

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Trial Lesson or Experience Flight?

    This question really depends on whether or not you'd like the option of having an input at the controls of the aircraft. If doing some of the flying once you've reached cruising level appeals, then a trial lesson is a good choice! 

    But if you'd prefer to sit back, relax and wield the camera (instead of the aircraft controls!) whilst your qualified pilot does the flying, than an experience flight (possibly even with champagne afterwards!) will be a great fit. 

  • Are there any restrictions?

    Unfortunately we are unable to take you on a trial lesson if you are pregnant or have a life-threatening medical condition. 

    There is no age restriction as such - all we ask is that any youngsters are of an age to be able to maintain a little bit of quiet whilst the pilot is in contact with Air Traffic Control. 

    Under 18s will need parental permission, and Under 16s will need to be accompanied by an adult. 

  • What Should I Wear?

    There really is no official dress code for these. Something which you feel comfortable in is the most important thing, bearing in mind you'll need to step up onto the wing of our PA28 aircraft in order to board! 

  • How far in advance of my slot do I need to arrive?

    We usually request that you arrive 10 minutes in advance of your booking time. There is a small amount of paperwork to complete before your pilot takes you off for your pre-flight briefing. 

  • What if the weather is bad?

    It is of course inevitable that the Great British weather will preclude flying on some days. The decision whether to fly or not will be taken by the pilots/instructors, with safety being our very top priority (with fun coming a very close second!). 

    If the weather doesn't play ball, we will of course transfer the booking to another suitable date, and cross our fingers for some sunshine! 

  • What is your refund policy?

    Vouchers are transferable, but other than in exceptional circumstances, are not refundable. 

  • Can I Bring Spectators?

    By all means! However, the view of the aircraft and the runway from our premises is limited. We will always try our best to listen out for departing aircraft, and help point them out to you, but close-up views/photographs are limited to those travelling in the aircraft. 

    If you come by car, we are also be happy to direct you to a parking location at the end of the active runway on the day, so you can view the departure directly overhead! 

  • What do I need to bring?

    If you have been provided with a voucher for the flight by either ourselves or an internet supplier, please do bring a copy of this. 

    We also require photo ID for anyone going air-side and travelling in the aircraft, which is a requirement stipulated by Norwich International. 

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