
Activities on Flying days are all slightly different according
to the voucher type and the suppliers. For more details check
suppliers product descriptions when choosing your flight voucher.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A TIGER MOTH FLIGHT?
All sorts of things can happen, but
first you will be briefed while still on the ground about basic
flying techniques, security, and the aircraft controls. You will
be supplied with a jacket, radio intercom, helmet and goggles.
Then you'll get strapped into the front of a 70 year old machine
made of spruce and fabric with an instructor behind you. The crews
will start the engine by swinging the propeller and you will take
the air for various lengths of time according to your voucher.
For a trial lesson, once at satisfactory altitude you will be
handed the controls and taught elementary flying techniques. Some
Tiger Moth flights include aerobatics, they will be performed
by the instructor.
HOW LONG IS THE ACTIVITY
Flights time vary according to the voucher, but the time advertised
is always the "airborne time", that means the time you
spend from the moment they shout "chocks away" to the
moment the crews put them back in. Crews and Pilots will also
give you a briefing beforehand on the ground. Briefs are not included
in the airborne time. They come on top of the flying activity
(ie: 30mn flight + 30mn brief on the ground = 60mn total experience).
Briefs usually last 20 minutes minimum and are the only opportunity
you'll have to understand how to control the plane or behave during
aerobatic manoeuvres.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
(See the terms and contitions of the
supplier that you chose to get all the details)
To do this activity you must be at least 14 years old.
Maximum weight 102kg (16 stone), maximum height 1.93m (6ft 4).
You must be fit (no heart problems or hypertension), agile as
embarking and disembarking is difficult and requires flexibility.
This may not be suitable for pregnant women.
No previous experience or qualifications are required to take
part in this activity.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN THE PLANE?
It's just you and the instructor.
FAMILLY, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS?
Relatives are often invited to take pictures next to the plane
and film take off and landing.
LOCATIONS?
All over the UK for some flights, only in a specific airfield
for others, check them out before you pick your flight voucher
and save on journey costs and exhaustion.
WHEN CAN YOU FLY?
During the flying season, generally April to October. Vouchers
are most of the time valid for 12 months. You'll have to arrange
your flying day with the supplier, they will offer several possibilities.
TIGER MOTH FLIGHTS ARE VERY POPULAR AND
ARE USUALLY BOOKED BETWEEN 2 AND 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE, SO DON'T
WAIT TOO LONG TO ORGANISE YOUR DAY WITH THE SUPPLIER!
ENGLISH WEATHER?
That's part of the experience in an open cockpit. Tiger Moth flights
are weather dependant and can be cancelled if the conditions are
not suitable:
- Strong gusting winds (over 15 Knots) make taking off and landing
impossible
- Rain does not make the experience pleasurable
- Bad visibility is dangerous and produces bad pictures
CANCELLATIONS
Flights may be cancelled on the day, you have to be in touch with
the suppliers.
It can be mainly due to:
- Bad weather
- Aircraft maintenance or technical failure
As long as you are in touch and show up or ring the suppliers
in case of a cancellation, they will rebook you and offer possible
flying days
LITTLE EXTRAS AND GREAT PLEASURES
There are a lot of different flight vouchers and a lot of different
suppliers. Some include hot drinks, and you may need them after
cruising at 80 knots at 2000 feet, buffet, pictures... Check it
out when comparing the flight vouchers.
A couple of aircraft are fitted with video camera and you can
get a souvenir of your exploits with recorded radio conversations
and screams. You may get free entry tickets to air displays, Air
museums, champagne picnic etc |