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> Experience Flights

Experience Flights

January update ***We are not flying Experience Flights throughout January. Please get in touch with us from the 2nd February, or later should the same level of restrictions still be in place on this date, in order to book your flight***

Flight Experiences

What to Expect

Once you have called us on the morning of the flight to check on the weather, and we’ve given you the go ahead, you’ll arrive with us about 30 minutes before your booking time.

Choose your route
You will fill out a couple of temporary club membership forms before we introduce you to your pilot. They will ask you about where you want to go during your flight – you might want to fly over your house or a particular area – and you’ll decide together the route you’ll take. You will then have a safety briefing and an introduction to the controls and systems of the aircraft.

Take control
If you would like to experience taking the controls during your experience flight, then please let us know when booking so that we can ensure you are allocated one of our professional Flight Instructors. In this case, the instructor will carry out the take-off and landing, but you can be at the controls as much as you want during the flight, under their guidance. You will then enjoy the breathtaking experience of flying a light aircraft over our beautiful surrounding countryside at 2000 feet!

Memory of a lifetime
On touch down you’ll be presented with a certificate as a memento. Our café is the perfect place to unwind and recount your flying stories – hopefully the first of many! You can call us to book a table if you would like to have lunch. Coffee, afternoon tea, or perhaps a glass of bubbly are also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book?

Just call us on 01747 811767 with your voucher number to hand. Usually we need a minimum of two weeks' notice in busy periods. We suggest a month if you have a specific time or date - but it is always worth ringing on a nice sunny day if you find yourself free.

How do I get a voucher?

You can buy an experience voucher online or you can ring the airfield and we'll arrange it for you over the phone. You will need to purchase a voucher before you are able to book in for a flight. Vouchers are valid for one year from date of purchase and we suggest booking the experience within the first few months of validity to allow for weather cancellations and subsequent rebooking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Weather can change throughout the day so you should always ring us to check conditions just before you plan on leaving to get here for your flight. If we cannot fly that day then you simply rebook another date of your choice. Bear in mind the expiry date of your voucher and the possibility of weather cancellations when you choose your date to fly.

When can I fly?

Compton Abbas Airfield is open Tuesday to Sunday - closing for just a week over Christmas. We operate from 0900 until 1700. We normally fly the two seater C42 and Piper Warrior aircraft Tuesday to Sunday subject to weather and demand, and the Chipmunk, Stearman and Harvard mainly on weekends. There may be other periods of time when the aircraft are in for maintenance outside of this time so you should always call to check if you have a specific date in mind before you purchase the voucher. We are also open on Bank Holiday Mondays.

Where can I fly?

You can choose where you want to fly in your given time, which you will do in the pre-flight brief. There are some restrictions on where pilots can fly and these can change on a daily basis - although it is more than likely you will be able to fly where you choose. Have a further look under the Experience Flights section on the website to see where you could fly with the voucher in question.

Can I take someone else up with me?

The only aircraft with space in the back is the Piper Warrior aircraft. If you have a friend who would like to observe the flight (with an interest in possibly carrying out flying training in the future) then they will need to take out membership of the club for the day at a small cost. This is weight and weather permitting and your flying instructor will make a decision on the day of the flight.

  • "This place is truly one-of-a-kind"

    You literally get to sit and have lunch adjacent to an active airfield. It's exactly as cool as it sounds!

    Nick Smith, Weymouth

  • "Loving It!!!"

    Brilliant place to learn to fly, eat, drink or just hang out. All the staff are really friendly, helpful and sincere. Mid-PPL and loving it!!!

    Martin Childs, Wareham

  • "Thank You!"

    Just a quick note to thank you for the service today when we called in. What a fabulous change to come across a happy, vibrant and cheerful bunch of people. I'm looking forward to returning.

    Jeff, Cotswold Helicopters

  • "This is what it's all about!"

    With stunning scenery, this active and vibrant airfield made a very good impression to my guest of what private aviation and getting a PPL is all about.

    David, Kemble

Terms and Conditions

Are there weight restrictions?

Yes – as with all flights including commercial we do a weight and balance calculation beforehand.

We have the following weight restrictions/guides for our aircraft: Piper Warrior – Please contact the operations desk if the intended voucher holder is over 20 stone. We may well still be able to accommodate you but may have to make some provisions. Two Seater C42: Maximum weight 14 stone. Chipmunk: Maximum weight limit 16 stone. Harvard: Maximum weight 20 stone. Stearman: Maximum weight 18 stone. Please note that these are a guide and we still have the right to refuse flight should there be any conflict with full and free movement of the flight controls once you are seated in the cockpit.

Are there age or health restrictions?

Health: You just need to sign a temporary membership form on the day. In doing so you will state that you feel ok in yourself mentally and physically that day. If you have any concerns or medical conditions that you feel may restrict you from flying then please contact your doctor. We regret that we are unable to fly any persons with a mental or physical disability. We can however recommend 'Aerobility' who have a flying club specifically set up for anyone who might fall into this category.

Age: There is a minimum age of 14 years for all our aircraft apart from the four seater which has a minimum age of 7 years. There is no upper age limit. If you have any concerns about age-related mobility then we usually say that if you can get in and out of the bath unaided you'll be fine! Please note that this is particularly relevant for the Stearman and Harvard which are more challenging to get into and out of.

How long is my voucher valid for?

Your voucher will be valid for a year. Due to our generous validity period and ease of booking we do not offer refunds or complimentary extensions, although 3-month extensions can be purchased.

Please remember that your flight may be cancelled due to weather, so you should allow plenty of time to re-book should this be the case with your flight. We strongly recommend that you book the voucher within 3 months of the purchase date.

Can I transfer my voucher?

Vouchers are not refundable once purchased. If you, or the person who you have bought the voucher for, does not want to fly then the voucher can however be re-issued in a different name for a small admin fee.

Vouchers cannot be transferred between the Vintage aircraft and the two seater or piper warrior aircraft as the former are run by DH Heritage Flights Limited, and the latter by Compton Abbas Airfield Ltd.

Can I change my flight booking/what happens if I don’t turn up for my flight?

Please note that if you cancel your booking with less than 24 hours notice then there will be a cancellation fee which will go to the flying instructor that was booked for your flight. You will be able to book in for another day once this fee has been paid.

Do I need to wear any special clothing?

We suggest that you wear comfortable clothing and leave the high heels at home - wearing enclosed shoes. If you're flying in the Stearman you will need to wear soft shoes such as trainers. Those flying in the Chipmunk, Stearman or Harvard will be lent a military issue flying suit to wear for the duration of the experience.

Can I take another person with me?

The Piper Warrior is the only aircraft with seating for more than one person. Whether or not you can take another person up to occupy one of the rear seats depends on weight and weather restrictions. Usually two medium sized adults in addition to the pilot/flying instructor is fine - the additional person will just need to become a member of the club for the day for a small fee.

Please note that T's and C's and FAQ's are subject to change without notice.

Get in touch

Whether you’re up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the skies over Dorset, want to learn to fly or just come for breakfast in an outstanding location, Compton Abbas is the place! Our friendly team are always on hand to help, so feel free to get in touch.

01747 811767

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