What Can I Expect

Flying lessons from Compton Abbas! Flights in a four-seater aircraft to give you a taste of pilot life in a bustling location near Shaftesbury, all with wonderful Dorset countryside views that are hard to beat.

Compton Abbas airfield is a worth a visit in its own right. You'll find a large collection of warbirds and vintage aircraft, many of which regularly take to the skies, making for a wonderful spectacle for any aviation fan.

The same operator also provides pilot training in modern aircraft. The instructors are all hugely experienced, with backgrounds in military and commercial aviation. Together this team has and continues to clock up many flying hours in all sorts of aircraft.

Your lesson at Compton Abbas will be in a four-seater light aircraft, which is a wonderful trainer.  A great many pilots have earned their wings in this reliable little plane, which is a pleasure to fly.

And what a choice of venue for your inaugural flight! - Compton Abbas has one 803m long grass runway that sits proudly at 800ft above sea level, with Cranborne Chase as the backdrop. You get superb panoramic views of the rolling Dorset hills just from the restaurant terrace, so imagine what you can see from your privileged seat in the plane's cockpit!

It's this setting that makes this airfield unique. During your flight out of Compton Abbas you could be flying over local sights and landmarks such as Studland Bay, Old Harry's Rocks or Longleat - all jewels in Dorset's crown. It's not just about seeing sights though. This is a lesson and you will be flying that Piper!

Compton Abbas flights operate year round and you can choose between a 30, 45 or 60 minute flying lesson at this well-known school. And don't forget, with the restaurant's large terrace right on the edge of the runway, family and friends will love seeing you take off and land!

When Is It Available

• Weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Dates are subject to availability and weather conditions

Suitable For

• Minimum age 14
• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult on the airfield
• Maximum weight limit is 16 stone
• Maximum height 6ft 4ins
• An interested observer may join the flight and view the lesson from the rear seat on the day, subject to maximum combined weight restrictions and at the pilots discretion

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome

Anything Else

• Food and drink can be purchased from the onsite cafe with great views of the runway
• The cafe is open Tuesdays to Sundays throughout the year