How old do I have to be to fly?

Minimum age is 14; under 18's must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult.

Can I take the controls?

Yes — this is a trial flying lesson and many customers are invited to handle the controls under instructor supervision.

What are the weight and height limits?

The stated limits are up to 90 kg and up to about 6 ft 4 in in height.

Is the aircraft wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately our aircrafts are not wheelchair accesiblett (aircraft are not wheelchair accessible).

What if the weather cancels my flight?

Flights are weather-dependent; Saxon Air will offer rebooking where possible and requires at least 48 hours’ notice for customer cancellations.

Where do I meet for my flight?

Check-in is at Saxon Air Business Aviation Centre at Norwich International Airport; please arrive 15 minutes before your flight.

Pilot for an Hour: Pipistrel Explorer Scenic Flight Over Norfolk | Airplane

Adventure Brief

Take the controls for an hour above the Norfolk coast in a fuel-efficient Pipistrel Explorer—an instructor-led trial lesson that’s part sightseeing, part pilot training. Discover why this compact flight experience is a top choice for first-time aviators.

1 hour

easy

From £271.95

The Pipistrel Explorer • 1-hour Flight Experience launches from Saxon Air Business Aviation Centre at Norwich International Airport, putting you above Norfolk’s coast and countryside in a nimble two-seat aircraft. This one-hour trial lesson blends sightseeing with hands-on instruction: expect a pre-flight walkaround, a radio call to Norwich ATC, and time at the controls under the eye of an experienced pilot.

The Explorer itself is the story’s other character: a high-wing light sport aircraft prized for low noise, low fuel consumption, and crisp handling. From the cockpit the landscape reads like a map — ribboned rivers, the patchwork of arable fields, the pale canals of the Norfolk Broads and a coastline that shifts from sandy beaches to salt marsh and shingle spits. On a clear day you can track the line where the North Sea meets the shore, and inland the land tells the story of glacial deposits, peatlands and reclaimed marsh.

This flight is geared toward first-time flyers and aspiring pilots. The instructor-led lesson covers safety briefings, engine checks, runway clearance and basic stick-and-rudder time; many customers are invited to take the controls once the aircraft is safely airborne. Practical restrictions are clear: minimum age 14, weight limit 90 kg and maximum height around 6 ft 4 in. Aircrafts are not wheelchair accessible, and passengers should wear trousers rather than skirts for easier entry and exit.

Why book this over a sightseeing tour? The trial lesson format turns passive viewing into active learning. You’ll leave with a tactile sense of flight — throttle, trim and attitude — and with a vantage of Norfolk few see, from curving estuaries to the grid of historic field boundaries around Norwich, a cathedral city with roots that reach back to medieval times.

Plan for a concise visit: Please arrive 15 minutes before your flight, bring your voucher and photo ID, and dress for the weather. Bookings typically require 48 hours’ cancellation notice. Extras on the day include a branded water bottle and key fob if you want a keepsake.

Logistics are straightforward: the meeting point is Saxon Air Business Aviation Centre, and flights are run one-on-one (group size 1 passenger), giving focused instruction. Under 18's must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult. Trainers walk you through the aircraft systems and pre-flight checks; weather can cancel or reroute flights, so allow flexibility. For a compact taste of general aviation, this is truly hard to beat.

About Saxon Air

Saxon Air is an aviation company based in Norwich, England, offering flight experiences, introductory training, and STEM-focused days. Operating modern light aircraft including the Diamond DA40 and Pipistrel models, Saxon Air delivers trial lessons, scenic flights, and hands-on aviation courses for newcomers, enthusiasts, and those exploring aviation careers.

The company’s program range includes one-hour and 45- to 60-minute trial flights, an electric aircraft experience over local landmarks, STEM aircraft maintenance and ground operations days, and a two-day cabin crew training course. Each experience pairs classroom briefings with instructor-led flying or practical sessions, enabling participants to learn flight controls, aerodynamics, safety procedures, and airport operations.

Saxon Air hosts Introduction into Flight Training sessions that combine simulator practice with live flying in Pipistrel aircraft, and offers Scenic Flights that showcase Norfolk’s coastline, countryside, and historic airfields from the cockpit. The maintenance and ground operations days provide hands-on exposure under expert supervision, ideal for students and career explorers.

Safety and instruction are delivered by qualified instructors familiar with light aircraft operations and local procedures. Flights depart from Norwich, providing easy access for residents and visitors to Norfolk. Booking information, availability, and specific aircraft used are provided by Saxon Air at the time of reservation.

Saxon Air’s blend of trial lessons, STEM learning days, and cabin crew training creates a practical gateway into aviation professions and recreational flying. Customers receive clear pre-flight briefings.

Pilot for an Hour: Pipistrel Explorer Scenic Flight Over Norfolk

Adventure Brief

Keep the Adventure Going

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Local Insights

Related Adventures & Guides

Operated By

About Saxon Air

Book a Flight Experience in Norwich Today

Adventure Tips

Recommended Gear