Articlr

Thinking of giving someone special the freedom to soar on a flying experience. Our fantastic guide to flying experiences includes helicopter flights, hot air ballooning, aerobatic flights, pleasure flights and much more. Lift someone's spirits with an unforgettable flying experience day that will leave their head in the clouds

Tandem Skydiving. Originally developed by the army, skydiving has become a recreational pursuit in recent years that everyone can enjoy. The joy of taking a tandem skydive means you can experience the full thrill of jumping out of a plane at approx 12,000ft and hurtling to the ground at over 120mph, whilst at all times knowing you are in the safe hands of a highly qualified tandem skydive instructor. Let them worry about the parachute and before you know it your freefall is over and you will find yourself floating calmly back to land under canopy and be begging to go up again.

Hang Gliding. Mother nature may not have given us wings, but science has given us hang gliders instead. These experiences let you fly like a bird. After a full briefing, your instructor will introduce you to the glider that you will use and which is specifically designed for tandem flight. You'll be shown how to get into to the harness and once secured, you and your instructor will be towed into the air behind a microlight tug. Once you're at a height of around 2,000ft the rope is released, the microlight pulls away and you're free to soar and circle lazily in the thermal currents above the beautiful countryside, with incredible views of the earth and the sky. It really will take your breath away.

Aerobatic Flying. These experiences often take place in arguably the best aerobatic training aircraft in the world. You will receive a comprehensive briefing before your flight where you will be able to ask any questions you may have. Once airborne, your instructor will demonstrate a full aerobatic sequence for you to watch, learn and enjoy. They will then invite you to handle the controls of the aircraft (only if you want to!) so you can experience the sheer thrill and exhilaration of proper aerobatic flying. A unique experience never to be forgotten!!!!

Helicopter Rides. You will be welcomed and receive a pre-flight briefing by a Qualified Flying Instructor. Once aboard the dual-controlled training helicopters your flight will commence, and you will have the opportunity to take to the controls if you wish. You will fly in the agile and manoeuvrable Helicopter at head spinning speeds. This is great fun and could be your first step towards getting your Private Pilots Licence.

Microlighting. Escape from the boredom of life and conventional flying - experience microlighting! Upon arrival you will normally be briefed on the principles of microlight flying. From there you will be taken to the microlight for a general familiarisation of the aircraft and run-through of the controls. After this it's time to zoom from the airfield into the sky for the 30 minute flight of a lifetime! Once in the air you will have the chance to take controls of the aircraft and so get the thrill of actually piloting a microlight.

Hot Air Ballooning. Have you ever looked up to see a hot air balloon drifting silently overhead? With these experiences it'll be you in the basket of the balloon, looking down as everyone else is still waking up. First off (with 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 climb into the basket, ready for launching. Flying at heights of up to 5,000 feet, you'll gaze down at the beautiful views of the countryside below and enjoy 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 enjoying a celebratory glass of champagne (or soft drink) and being driven back to the launch site (who knows where you'll land? - you can't steer balloons!).

Indoor Skydiving. Imagine a wind tunnel that could be used for testing the aerodynamics of an F1 racing car, turn it upright, jump onto the airflow and you are skydiving. It's a proven concept operating in several countries to the benefit of the skydiving community and anyone else who wishes to taste the thrill of freefall in a completely safe environment. After check-in there's a short class with a video brief and instruction, then it's off to collect your flight gear. You and your group will enter the tunnel and take it in turns to fly... Go on - get skydiving...

Flying. Become the captain of an aircraft in just 30 minutes with tuition from a CAA qualified instructor. Upon arrival at the aerodrome you will normally be given a briefing on the principles of light aircraft flying. From there you are taken to the aeroplane for a general familiarisation of the cockpit layout and a rundown of the controls. After this it's up, up and away for a 30 minute flight of a lifetime! If the instructor feels confident that his new student is ready, they will even be able to take the controls and get the thrill.