Let's Fly, Let's Fly Away... (Flying in general)

Member Name: bluenovember

Product:	Flying in general
Date:	16/12/04 (592 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Flying, I think I saw my house, Fantastic experience

Disadvantages: Coming back down to earth

Ever since I can remember I’ve hated heights. When doing PE at school I would never go up the climbing frame, because it made me feel unsafe. Even being up a ladder can make me giddy. I’ve been on flights to go holiday, but despite the enjoyment of being on a plane I have always been nervous. Nevertheless, one thing that I have always wanted to do is fly an aeroplane.

Last year I was talking to a work colleague about flying when he mentioned that he used to have flying lessons. He took them at Bournemouth Flying Club and said that they do one-off flights for those who want to try it. Knowing that I had the opportunity of doing this for real, I looked on the internet and found their website:
http://www.bournemouthflyingclub.co.uk/.

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About Bournemouth Flying Club
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The flying club are recognised as one of the top training establishments in the UK. They are fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to teach a wide variety of courses from the National Private Pilots License to Commercial training. The club is renowned for the quality of training to its social activities.

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Trial Flights
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Trial flights are a great idea, whether it’s to give yourself a treat or as a gift to someone else. The lessons are either for 30 minutes or 60 minutes. It offers almost anyone the opportunity to take the controls of a two or four seat light aircraft.

The prices are:
30 minutes (one person) - £70
60 minutes (one person) - £125
30 minutes (2-3 people) - £80
60 minutes (2-3 people) - £135

Believe me, 30 minutes is not enough. I took the 60 minutes and it still isn’t enough – you don’t want to come back down! After your Trial Flight, you can have a certificate to show that you’ve flown an aeroplane.

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Private Courses
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If you want to learn more, to achieve a PPLA or NPPLA, they offer extensive course for allsorts of light aircraft. The courses are not cheap. They range from £4493-£7294. But if you get a license, or already have one, there are other courses like night-flying or aerobatics!

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Commercial Courses
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The Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training Centre is located at Bournemouth Airport, not the flying club. If you’re interested in gaining a commercial flight license then be prepared for lots of training – ground and flight. The BCFTC has a high pass rate and you’ll be trained by some very experienced instructors. This is worth considering if you’re looking for this type of career.

The direct web link is: http://bournemouthcommercialflighttraining.co.uk/.

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Buying A Trial Flight or Course
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I applied for a Trial Flight online using their website form. This can also be used to buy any of the other courses on offer. You can also telephone on 01202 578588. Alternatively you can go to the club and buy over the counter. What you will receive is a Flight Voucher and a booklet about the lessons and what to expect. After you receive the voucher you can then book the lesson by phoning them. You can only book within six months of receiving the voucher.

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The Flight Experience!
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So of course I booked the flight. Nerves really caught me on the way there, with me telling my brother that he could turn round if he wanted to. While my family went into the clubhouse, I went to the Flight Operations Centre to let them know I had arrived. After a short wait my instructor arrived, and after a briefing we went to the Cessna. My family were able to watch from where they were at the clubhouse, so they could see the take-off and landing.

Inside the plane, the instructor showed me the instrument panel and explained what does what. After starting the engines, and showing how the plane moves, we taxied to the runway and waited for permission from the tower. This feels like forever. But as soon as we got permission, we were off – speeding down the runway and then we glided into the air. As soon as we got to sufficient height (I think it was about 9,000 feet) I was able to take the controls. Because it’s a first flight you do not take-off or land, but that’s no matter when you’re up there.

I was then shown how the controls work, banking left and right and then up and down. I had a problem with down – because of the feeling it put in my stomach, and the rate you seem to fall, I thought I was going to die! But this all under the guidance of an experienced instructor, so you won’t. I was asked where I would like to go. It was a beautiful, clear June evening, and I got to fly around the Isle of Wight. The views were absolutely spectacular, and knowing it’s you flying makes it really special. I booked the 60 minute flight, but we arrived back (all too soon) a half hour late. I was the last customer of the day, so I don’t think they were too worried.

So am I still nervous in planes? The answer’s still yes, but I have flown to Ireland since then and found that I could enjoy it even more, by understanding what is actually happening. Flying a plane was probably the best experience I’ve had so far and would recommend it to anybody.

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How To Get There
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If you’re coming from the West, then you need the B3073 and head for Hurn, where Bournemouth Airport is located. You must drive past the airport to Hurn roundabout, take a left, then left again which is Matchams Lane. If you’re coming from the East then again take the B3073 to Hurn roundabout, take the second exit, then take the next left. Matchams Lane is a long road, but you will see a sign, and the flying club is on the left. I’ve added a map below.

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Facilities
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There’s a car park with space for 30 vehicles and an overspill car park. There are two buildings – one is the Flight Operations Centre where you go to meet your instructor and are briefed; the other is a licensed clubhouse where you can get something to eat and drink, and has a patio overlooking the main runway.

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Contact Details
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Bournemouth Flying Club
Aviation Park East, Off Matchams Lane
Bournemouth International Airport
Christchurch
Dorset BH23 6NE

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 578558
Fax: +44 (0)1202 578509

http://www.bournemouthflyingclub.co.uk/

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