TRIAL LESSONS

Whether you are considering starting a PPL course or simply finding out what taking control of an aircraft feels like, the Trial Lesson will provide an unforgettable experience for anyone who samples it for the first time.

As a CAA authorised Flying Training Organisation, we conduct our Trial Lessons with same level of professionalism and attention to safety as we would any of our pilot courses or flights. All our aircraft are equipped with dual controls, and you will occupy the captain's seat alongside one of our experienced flying instructors.

Throughout the Trial Lesson you will be encouraged to take the controls for most of the flight with the instructor intervening mainly during the takeoff and landing phases of the flight. Trial lessons are conducted in either a two or four-seat aircraft.

If you opted for a four seat aircraft, one or two of your friends or relatives may travel in the back as observers.

All lessons are preceded by a full briefing to explain the basic controls and to discuss the flight route.

Any time flown during a Trial Lesson will count towards the PPL course should you decide to take up flying.

See details of what to expect on your Trial Lesson by clicking on "First Flying Lesson"

There are four types of Trial Lesson currently on offer.

All four options are available on both 2 and 4 seater aircraft types.

THE STANDARD

This will give you approximately 30 minutes in the aircraft, enough to fly around the local area, say to Rye, Ashford or Hythe.

THE STANDARD PLUS

This lesson lasts a full hour. In that time you could, for example, fly right around Kent - Dover, Deal, Margate, Ramsgate, along the Thames Estuary, then south towards Rye before returning to Lydd or, alternatively, you could go into East Sussex and fly around the Hastings area.

THE TRAVELLER

This lesson consists of two flights as you will depart Lydd, land at another airfield for a cuppa and then fly back to Lydd. In a 2-seater, the away landing will be at Headcorn and in a 4-seater at Rochester. Allow about two hours for this lesson.

THE ADVENTURER

You will need to bring a passport for this one! Your flight will take you across the Channel to the chic coastal resort of Le Touquet. On a clear day this trip provides a spectacular view of the shipping in the English Channel (La Manche), the White Cliffs of Dover and the headlands at Cap Gris Nez. After checking in at Le Touquet airport there will be plenty of time for refreshments in France before your flight back to Lydd.

Your Trial Lesson Voucher and Information Pack will be sent to you by First Class Post

BUY TRIAL LESSONS ONLINE Prices shown per aircraft (not person)
LESSON	PRICE	CLICK TO BUY
TWO SEAT AIRCRAFT
The Standard - 30 mins	69.00
The Standard Plus - 60 mins	139.00
The Traveller (Landaway at Headcorn)	149.00
The Adventurer (Landaway at Le Touquet)	239.00
FOUR SEAT AIRCRAFT
The Standard - 30 mins	89.00
The Standard Plus - 60 mins	169.00
The Traveller (Landaway at Rochester)	229.00
The Adventurer (Landaway at Le Touquet)	289.00

CONDITIONS RELATING TO VOUCHERS/TRIAL LESSONS

1. Vouchers are valid for six months from the date of issue and the expiry date is shown on each individual voucher.

2. All vouchers must be used before the expiry date.

3. Lydd Aero Club may, at its sole discretion, extend a voucher’s validity for up to thirty days provided the customer requests such extension within the thirty days prior to the voucher reaching its expiry date.

4. Once a Trial Lesson is booked, the Customer may cancel or change the date and/or time of the booking subject to the following charges:

Notice Period Cancellation/Re-booking Charge

Over 48 hours     No Charge
24 - 48 hours      25%
Under 24 hours   50%

Lydd Aero Club may, at its sole discretion, cancel and /or re-schedule a Trial Lesson due to weather, safety or technical reasons. In such instances no cancellation charges shall apply.