Scenic flight
Scenic flight: pick what suits you. Options for beginners, families or groups, in the finest settings there are.
Difficulty
Very easy
Duration
15–90 minutes
Location
Airfields and airports that run leisure flights
Season
All year round, depending on the weather
What is a scenic flight?
A scenic flight is a leisure experience: you go up to look at the landscape, not to get anywhere.
The routes are worked out to take in natural sights, towns, mountains, lakes or the coast.
The flight can be made in different kinds of aircraft, depending on the operator and the destination.
People value it for the views, for photography and for marking a special day.
Types of scenic flight
Flight in a light aircraft
An air tour in a light aircraft.
Helicopter flight
A premium experience with an excellent view.
Microlight flight
About as close as you get to free flight.
Sunrise or sunset flight
The emphasis is on the light and on some striking scenery.
Private tour
An experience put together for one person or several.
How does a scenic flight work?
Briefing
The pilot goes over the safety rules and the route.
Boarding
You get on board the aircraft.
Take-off
The aircraft takes off from the runway or approved surface.
The air tour
The pilot follows the scenic route agreed on.
Landing
The experience ends with the return to the airfield.
Who is a scenic flight for?
Beginners
No previous flying experience is needed.
Visitors
A striking way of seeing a whole region from the air.
People who photograph
Ideal for taking photographs and video from the air.
Couples
Something to do for a birthday or another occasion.
Families
Some flights take several family members, depending on the aircraft.
Experience gifts
One of the most popular premium experiences to give as a present.
Level of the experience
Scenic flight
The emphasis is on comfort and on the views.
Extended air tour
Longer routes, taking in more of the area.
A premium experience
A private or bespoke flight with a route to suit.
At a glance
Weather
Visibility and weather shape how the flight goes.
A licensed pilot
The flight is made by a qualified pilot.
Route
The route can change with the flying conditions and the package you pick.
Booking
Booking ahead is worth doing, especially in season.
How much the passengers weigh
The operator may ask about weight so the seats can be allocated.
Photographs
You can take photographs if the operator's rules allow it.
Gear
Seat belt
Required for the whole of the flight.
Headsets
They let you talk to the pilot and cut the noise.
Comfortable clothing
Recommended so you are comfortable throughout the flight.
Camera or phone
It can be used if the operator allows it.
Sunglasses
Useful when the light is strong.
Safety
Following the pilot's instructions and the operator's rules is what keeps the flight running smoothly.
Frequently asked questions about scenic flights
No. You travel as a passenger; a qualified pilot flies the aircraft.
Depending on the package, roughly 15 to 90 minutes.
Yes, if the operator allows devices to be used during the flight.
The flight is moved or cancelled for safety's sake.
Comfortable clothes suited to the season.
Depending on the operator, it may be a light aircraft, a helicopter or another machine used for leisure flying.
Seeing the landscape from above and getting to know a region from a new angle.