Flying Lesson For An 80Yr Old!

[Jemisa]

I didn't know really where to put this Q but I'm sure someone in CB will be able to help.
My dear brother will be 80 later this year & for a special birthday surprise I would like to treat him to a flying lesson. He has always wanted to fly one of those 2 seater planes we see hovering over us in the summer.
He's pretty healthy no heart probs. I was wondering if any of you know of anyone who has done this? Will I have to get his Docs permission? Will the flying club want some sort of Certificate to prove he's healthy enough?
Do you think the flying club will have an age limit?

I know I can get this info from the flying club but I thought I'd ask my AB friends first. We are talking Sept. here, one has to book well in advance.

Jem. Thanks in advance.

[grasscarp]

OK. Find a flying club in the area that you or he live. Give them a call. For a trial flying lesson I doubt that they will put a limit on age of person because basically the whole flight is in the hands of the instructor. Your brother will be allowed to "take the controls" but they other person will ultimately be in charge. This sounds a lovely idea and on a day with good weather will be something for him to remember. You dont need to book very far in advance either.

[DJHawkes]

we sell these at work
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Flying

[237SJ]

There a few flying schools at Southend Airport. My friend and her other half worked in a couple of them. They do 1/2 hour trial flights. You wouldn`t need to book far ahead. They do helicopters too.

[Jemisa]

Yes GC I have found a clubquite near to where he lives and I will phone them but I would like to have heard of someone's experience, have you had a go? Personally it frightens me to death.


Thanks DJ, I looked at your link not near enough.

jem

[grasscarp]

Try! I went for a free flying lesson offered to females in girl about town magazine circa 1973. It shaped my whole life. I went on to learn to fly. I instructed in ground subjects. I worked for an airline and now still work in aviation. Flying is an addiction. No regrets!

[EcclesCake]

I can't comment on the health side of things, as each club will have it's own rules. However as you sign you life away on the disclaimer it probably won't be a problem!!!

What is most likely to happen is prior to the flight he will have a briefing from the pilot who will answer any questions your brother may have. He will then take your brother out to the plane and go through the checks explaining what he is doing and why.

They will then get in the plane and the pilot will explain the controls and dials to your brother. Your brother will have a headset so that he can communicate with the pilot and hear the comms with air traffic control. Once the onboard checks have been made they will commence their flight. Through out taxi and take off the pilot will be talking your brother through what he is doing.

Once airborne the pilot will continue to explain to your brother what he is doing, once your brother is relaxed the pilot will invite him to take the controls. Your brother will be talked through some simple manoeuvres which he will execute before handing back to the pilot. They will then return to the airfield and your brother will have a big grin on his face.

Generally speaking it isn't necessary to book far in advance as the weather plays a big part in these things. For a one off like this have a clear day with good vis will make the experience much more enjoyable. Once he has the voucher he can contact the club to pencil a date, and then confirm on the day whether it's a good flying day or not.

What part of the country is your brother in?

[Jemisa]

Eccles, you make it sound so exciting & I'm sure he will be thrilled to spend his 80th in this way. We all plan to take him there & make a day of it ending up in his fav restaurant as a secret destination & keep him guessing where & what is happening.
We plan to book with 'Earls Colne Country Flying Club' nr Colchester in Essex. My bro lives in Vange.

jem

[grasscarp]

Vange - I know it well. I used to live in Horndon on the Hill.

[Jemisa]

GC, Oh! how lovely & it did shape things for you didn't it, lucky old you. I am sure he will love it but I think he's a little too old now to change things for him. I am full of antisipation for him its his wife who is a bit wobbly about it but I'm C&Ping your reply's to make her feel more at ease.
Thankyou again.

jem

[grasscarp]

Jemisa, I think it is a lovely present. Post back again in September and let us know how it went. My trial flight really did change and shape my whole life. I can remember I took my sister along with me. The instructor said (prophetically) I can see you enjoy it but you wont be able to afford it. Funny that, and to think if I had not accepted Girl About Town magazine at Oxford Circus that day then it would have been totally different.

[Jemisa]

Is G A T mag still going? I bet they'd like to hear your little story GC...

Jem

[grasscarp]

Looks like they are Jemisa. I may contact them and see if they are interested in my story. Thank you for the thought.

[maggiebee]

My daughter and her family gave me a flying lesson for my 60th birthday. It was wonderful and I would love to do it again.