Be a pilot for a day with an airborne experience like no other in the Northwest! Blackpool airport is busy with tourists arriving and departing throughout the summer, but most of them won’t have control of the flight themselves. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to take to the skies in a variety of aircraft and turn those dreams of flying into a reality. Aeroplane flights in Lancashire are available year round (weather permitting) and to all kinds of people - there are no limits on experience and competitive prices make this an accessible experience for all.

Soaring through the skies is an exhilarating experience, and looking down gives you a new perspective on the local landscape. On a light aircraft ride in Lancashire, you’ll see Blackpool pleasure beach shrink away from you, before getting views of natural beauty spots in Wales in the South to the Lake District in the North, and as far as the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Piloting a plane is a bucket list experience that you won’t forget in a hurry, or why not arrange it as a gift to surprise a loved one and mark a special occasion?

Kinds of light aircraft that you can fly

While jumbo jets and fighter aircraft are reserved for a more advanced level of pilot, there are many types of plane in which a newcomer can take the controls, keep reading to find out what’s on offer in this region.

- Cessna: When most people think of a small recreational plan, they think of Cessna. Since the 1950s this American manufacturer has been a market leader in terms of volume, meaning that their aircrafts are among the most common that you’ll find for a flight experience. Blackpool airport is home to several models, from the two-seater Cessna 152, to the four-seater Cessna 172 Skyhawk - the most successful aeroplane ever with more than 44,000 units sold. You can trust a Cessna for a comfortable and safe flight, without missing out on the excitement.

- Piper: Another tried and tested name in aviation, a Piper plane is a good choice for first time flyers or more experienced pilots. The Piper Cherokee has 2 and 4 seat models, which pack a bit more punch in comparison to their Cessna rivals. At the higher end of the scale is the Piper Archer. From the outside it’s almost indistinguishable from the Cherokee because it has the same fuselage, but the cabin is more luxuriously equipped to give you a high-class, high-altitude adventure.

- Diamond: In recent decades, Austrian manufacturer Diamond has emerged at the cutting edge of aviation. As well as excelling in terms of performance, Diamond aeroplanes have a proven safety record. If you want to live out the fantasy of soaring through the skies in a sleek modern aircraft, a Diamond DA40 or DA62 is the plane for you! With cruising speeds of almost 200 miles per hour you’ll be able to take a tour of the Lancashire area from the skies.

Requirements to do this activity

All aspiring pilots are welcome - and even the youngest ones won’t have long to wait for their chance to fly as the minimum age for flying a light aircraft in Lancashire is 12 years old. So long as they’re accompanied by an adult, there’s nothing stopping your son or daughter having the ride of their life already! Sitting in the cockpit and taking the controls of a plane is a very different experience than being a passenger on a commercial plane, so if you want to know what being an aviator is really like, look no further than this.

In a two seater aircraft, the second seat will be reserved for your instructor. This is of paramount importance as they are licensed pilots who will take you up into the air and safely down again, while monitoring the conditions - and your technique - throughout the flight to ensure that you take advantage of every minute spent in the air. On the other hand, a four-seater aeroplane has extra places for a passenger or two (though there are 4 seats, depending on the weight of the occupants three might be the maximum occupancy of the plane). Share your airborne experience with your loved ones and admire the views together with this option.

How long does a flight experience last?

The coastal weather around Blackpool airport is comparatively reliable, and its long tarmac runway remains in use in conditions when a grass runway would be out of action. All of this means take off and landing can take place here throughout the day and the year. As such, there are a number of different length of flight experiences on offer.

A 20 minute taster flight will take you up several hundred metres to fly around, touring the beach, the pier and the famous Blackpool Tower. You’ll take the controls as these landmarks glide by beneath you, before you return to the airport and the instructor guides your descent.

A 1 hour trial will give you much more time at altitude and cruising speed, meaning you can cover far more ground. Why not visit Lake Windermere in the Lake District, home of England’s highest peaks, before returning to the initial point in time for lunch? Or fly your plane over the Irish sea and enjoy the views towards the horizon. A full hour experience will give you more time to get to grips with the controls of the aeroplane, and to try some basic manoeuvres such as ascending, descending and turning.

This is a bucket list experience, and we want to help you tick it off. Whether you are 16 or 60, a nervous newcomer or a veteran pilot, this area can offer you what you need to enjoy soaring like a bird through the skies. Let us help you make a dream come true!