Prices correct as of November 2026
The trial lesson is the first step towards gaining your Private Pilot Licence. It will give you an insight into what’s involved in the PPL course, and the time flown counts towards your licence. A trial lesson also makes an excellent gift for those looking to experience the thrill of flight.
30/50 Minute Trial Lessons
When you arrive at the flying school you will be met by your instructor, who will give you a choice of which direction you’d most like to fly in. During the 50 minute flights we usually fly either west towards Southport/Blackpool or east towards the Pennines. We do try to fly over your house, but only if Manchester’s controlled airspace allows. Your instructor will explain the basic flying controls and, after pre-flight checks, it’s time to fly!
Shortly after take-off the instructor will (at their discretion) hand over control to you, and you’ll fly the aircraft for most of the flight… if you want to! All our trial lessons take place in a single-engine light aircraft operating at speeds of around 100mph. On returning to the airfield you will receive a certificate with details of the flight, and can relax in the clubhouse where refreshments are served.
30 Minute Trial Lesson
From £170
- 2-seat aircraft: £170
- 4-seat aircraft: £180
- A great first taste of flying
50 Minute Trial Lesson
From £229
- 2-seat aircraft: £229
- 4-seat aircraft: £254
- Long enough to head for the coast or the Pennines
- Trial lessons are 30 or 50 minutes total time, including taxiing.
- 2-seat aircraft have height and weight limits of 6’1″ and 13 stone.
- In the 4-seat aircraft we can carry one interested observer in the back. This is not guaranteed and is at the instructor’s discretion on the day.
Buy a trial lesson or gift voucher
All prices for gift vouchers and trial lessons include VAT. Please read our full terms & conditions before booking.
Landaway Trial Lessons
We also offer landaway trial lessons, with a light lunch included! Landaway lessons run Monday to Friday only and can’t be bought online. Please call reception on 0161 787 7326 to book or find out more.
Landaway (2-seat)
£499
Light lunch included · Mon–Fri only
Landaway (4-seat)
£549
Light lunch included · Mon–Fri only
Ready to Start Learning?
We have some great value packages to get you started. To buy a package, please call reception on 0161 787 7326.
3 hours
Starter Package
From £915
2-seat £915 · 4-seat £1,019
- 3 hours flying
- Initial membership
- Pilot’s logbook
3 hours + kit
Starter Package PLUS
From £1,095
2-seat £1,095 · 4-seat £1,190
- 3 flight training hours, with pre- and post-flight briefings
- First year’s membership
- 2 hours of starter ground tuition
- Logbook
- Pooleys Air Pilot’s Manual (Book 1)
- Checklist, pilot bag (M), fuel tester and fuel gauge
6 hours + kit
Advanced Starter Package PLUS
From £1,879
2-seat £1,879 · 4-seat £2,090
- 6 flight training hours, with pre- and post-flight briefings
- First year’s membership
- 2 hours of starter ground tuition
- Logbook
- Pooleys Air Pilot’s Manual (Book 1)
- Checklist, pilot bag (M), fuel tester and fuel gauge
- All packages are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
- 2-seat aircraft have height and weight limits of 6’1″ and 13 stone.
- Prices include VAT, are subject to change and are charged at the current rate.
What Happens Next?
If you decide that flying is for you and you’d like to train for the PPL, you’ll need to sign up for membership and have a chat with your instructor or the flying school staff about booking your next lesson. Your trial lesson time will also count towards your PPL.
For more information, please call the flying school on 0161 787 7326. We’re open Monday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00.