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Trial Flying Lessons in the Cotswolds

Become a pilot for the day

Experience the thrill of flying an aircraft with a qualified instructor.

In your trial flying lesson, you take the controls and discover what it feels like to be a pilot and log your first hour of flying.

From your pre-flight briefing to your landing and debrief, your trial lesson will be clear, calm, and memorable. You’ll take off from our base at Enstone airfield and enjoy unmatched views of the Cotswolds with one of our qualified instructors by your side every step of the way.

Fly with a qualified instructor

Choose your aircraft. Take the controls.

Stuart

Really enjoyed my surprise taster lesson today. Great welcome from Nigel with superb communication before and after. John took us up and had just the right blend of humour and desire to make us feel relaxed amazing views over Dorset and despite him saying there was cross wind and to expect it to be bumpy he landed perfectly. 10/10, hugely recommend.

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What Happens During a Trial Flying Lesson

Pre-Flight
Briefing

Meet your instructor, run through the controls, and plan the flight.

Aircraft Walkaround

Safety and an introduction to the aircraft you will pilot.

Takeoff
and Flight

Your instructor handles takeoff, this is an opportunity for you to relax and enjoy the cockpit.

Take the
Controls

Once airborne, you fly the aircraft while your instructor guides you through the basics.

Landing and Debrief

Chat through what you’ve learned and, yes, the time counts toward your PPL logbook.
Book a Trial Lesson
  • Aspiring pilots. For a real taste of flying, a trial lesson is the place to start.
  • First-time flyers who want a safe, guided introduction and the excitement of taking the controls.
  • Aspiring pilots who are curious about lessons, aircraft, and what training is really like.
  • Career explorers considering aviation who want first-hand insight into the cockpit environment.
  • Future PPL students who want to try before they commit, and start their logbook with a first hour.
  • Locals and visitors looking for a standout Cotswolds experience with a story to tell afterwards.
  • Trial lessons also make brilliant gifts, especially for people who are hard to buy for:

Ready to book? Send us an enquiry and a member of our team will be in touch to help you pick the aircraft and duration that works for you.

Pick Your Aircraft & Duration

Aircraft 30 MIN 45 MIN 60 MIN
Cessna 152 £169 £209 £269
Piper PA-28 Warrior £189 £229 £289

Ready to try flying for yourself? Book your trial lesson and log your first hour.

Yes! If you decide to continue training, your trial lesson can count as the first hour of your Private Pilot Licence training.

Daniel

I purchased a training flight lesson for my partner as a surprise at compton abbas airfield. The experience for both of us was incredible! Thomas, nigel, John and all the staff where super kind and so friendly aswell as so helpful in all the organising. My partner is now a member and working towards getting her licence, we are both thrilled and so grateful! Would recommend to absolutely everyone to enjoy the experience and beautiful countryside. Thank you so much!

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Fly over the Cotswolds

Take off from Enstone and fly over some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside: rolling hills, honey-stone villages, and patchwork fields stretching for miles.

On a clear day, you’ll spot standout landmarks like Broadway Tower and enjoy big-sky views that make every minute in the cockpit feel unforgettable.

Gift a trial flying lesson

Give someone an experience they’ll talk about for years: a trial flying lesson over the Cotswolds, guided by a qualified instructor.

A brilliant gift for

  • Milestone birthdays (18th, 30th, 40th, 50th+) and “bucket list” moments.
  • Partners, parents, and friends who’ve always said “I’d love to fly a plane one day”.
  • Graduation and exam celebrations for anyone with big goals and a sense of adventure.
  • Christmas and Father’s/Mother’s Day when an experience beats “more stuff”.
  • Retirement gifts for someone ready to try something unforgettable.

How gift vouchers work

  • Contact our team who will help you select the right aircraft and duration for the occasion.
  • The recipient can redeem and book a date that suits them (subject to weather and availability).

Booking is easy. Just send us an enquiry and we’ll take it from here.

Tip: Popular dates fill quickly in summer and around Christmas, book early if you have a specific occasion in mind.

Get in touch to book

FAQs

Do you need experience to take a flying lesson?
No experience is required. Trial flying lessons are designed for complete beginners.
How long is a trial flying lesson?
Most trial lessons last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the flight option selected.
Can I take the controls during the flight?
Yes. Under the supervision of your instructor, you will have the opportunity to fly the aircraft during the lesson.
Is it safe to try flying a plane?
Yes. Trial flights are conducted with qualified instructors in certified training aircraft and follow strict aviation safety procedures.
Can I bring someone with me?
Some aircraft allow an additional passenger to sit in the back seat, depending on aircraft type and weight limits.

Book Your Trial Flying Lesson

Ready to try flying for yourself? Book your trial lesson and log your first hour.

Booking is easy. Just sent us an enquiry and a member of our team will take it from there.

Get in Touch