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 AN AEROBATIC 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 clothing, radio intercom, helmet and goggles, and a parachute when necessary. Then you'll get strapped along with the instructor into an aircraft ranging from vintage ww2 biplanes to the latest competition aircraft. The crews will assist you 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 vouchers are aerobatics only without any trial lesson, 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 but you may need medical certification for certain flights.

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.

AEROBATIC 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 a light aircraft. Aerobatic aircraft are weather dependant and can be cancelled if the conditions are not suitable:
- Strong gusting winds 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, you may get free entry tickets to air displays, Air shows, champagne picnic etc.