Flying Lessons
Give them a gift like no other with a flying lesson from Red Letter Days! Learning to fly a plane is the perfect gift for lovers of all things aviation, giving them time in the sky with a trained pilot by their side. Planes? Flight simulations? Microlights? Take control of them all.
A flying lesson is a wonderful gift for any special occasion. Commemorate someone's 50th birthday or get the ultimate Christmas gift for her. Flying lessons are picture-perfect presents for aspiring aviators and for those who love to try new things and learn new skills.
Learn to Fly a Plane
Take to the skies with a flying lesson. Choose from a variety of light aircraft flying lessons at a number of locations across the UK and hop aboard a light aircraft. After being briefed by a professional pilot, passengers are taken for a ride in the sky. After enjoying the views from above, the co-pilots are given the opportunity to take control of the plane themselves! Explorers walk away with a taste for aviation and newfound skills that could develop into an ongoing hobby! Typically, a flying lesson lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, but longer lessons are also available.
A Variety of Aircraft to Choose From
There are a number of aircraft options to choose from when booking a flying lesson. Learn to fly a variety of microlight planes and gliders with expert tuition from start to finish. Alternatively, opt for a helicopter flying lesson. Learn how to command a chopper and take off vertically from the ground, before soaring over stunning countryside and cityscapes, all while under the care and instruction of a trained pilot. For those looking for an experience a little closer to the ground, a flight simulator experience is a perfect gift! With amazingly realistic controls and HD displays, this immersive experience is not to be missed and serves as a great introduction to flying and aviation.
Regions
Flying Lessons FAQs
We offer flying lessons starting at ages 12+, though minimum and maximum ages vary by experience type. No prior flying experience is required, so beginners and experienced pilots can enjoy our flying experience packages. Younger participants (12-17) may require parental consent and valid ID. Physical fitness is important, so if you have mobility issues, joint problems or cardiovascular concerns, discuss suitability with the provider before booking. If you are pregnant or have medical concerns, please check the specific product page or contact the provider before booking. Most flying lessons can be adapted for different ability levels.
All our instructors are fully qualified, experienced pilots holding current licences from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Minimum qualifications include commercial pilot's licence (CPL) or airline transport pilot's licence (ATPL), with extensive flight hours and safety records. Instructors specialise in training, so they're experienced at teaching nervous first-time fliers and advancing confident pilots. Before your flying lesson, you'll meet your instructor and can discuss their background. Safety is our absolute priority. All aircraft are maintained to strict CAA standards and regularly inspected.
Weather significantly impacts flying experiences. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, poor visibility, thunderstorms), your experience will be rescheduled at no extra cost. This is a safety measure we never compromise on. Most venues have flexibility within your voucher validity period (typically 12 months). Light rain rarely cancels flights, but heavy rain or strong winds often do. Your provider will contact you if poor weather is forecast and won't confirm your flight until conditions are safe.
Certain medical conditions restrict flying: heart conditions, severe asthma, recent surgery, ear/sinus problems and some medications. Pregnancy is not recommended beyond the first trimester. If you're on prescription medications, inform us at booking. Mild anxiety about flying is common and manageable with our experienced instructors, so discuss this when you book. For peace of mind, consult your GP before booking if you have health concerns.
Flying lessons come in several formats: light aircraft experiences (30-60 minutes in Cessnas or similar planes), microlight flights (20-60 minutes in open-cockpit aircraft), helicopter lessons (take-off vertically, explore stunning views) and flight simulator experiences (perfect for those who prefer ground-based learning or as an introduction to aviation). Each offers different thrills and learning opportunities. Light aircraft are ideal for first-timers, microlights suit thrill-seekers, helicopters provide unique vertical perspectives and simulators offer risk-free, immersive training. All formats include instruction from qualified pilots. Choose based on your interests, budget and goals.