Light Sport Aircraft East Sussex

Fancy flying over Brighton? East Sussex is a glorious part of the country for a flight in a light sport aircraft aircraft, with stunning coastline, rolling countryside and ancient woodlands, all connected by a lovely patchwork of fields. Sounds rather idyllic doesn't it? Well, that's because it is.

The instructing team at this base near Brighton is super qualified. From instructors who have worked up through the ranks after gaining the pilot's licence at this very school, to ex-RAF fighter pilots and commercial captains too. They all love nothing better than 'teaching nervous newbies the art of flying' and, as you might suspect, this teaching comes with a good dose of enthusiasm and humour too, quickly putting you at ease.

The base for these light sport aircraft experiences is Deanland Airfield, just North East of Brighton. Built as a temporary RAF Advanced Landing base in 1943, it was operational until 1944, which may sound like a very short career, but it was a very illustrious one. It is mooted that the very first aeroplane providing cover for the D-Day landings left from Deanland, heading over the Sussex coast and out over the English Channel.

Post-war the airfield was bought by a farmer, who used it privately for him and his aviator friends. In 1991 it was sold to two families who have owned and and run this discrete and charming little airfield not far from the coast ever since. Aimed purely at light aviation, it's the ideal base for microlighting as it's nice and quiet, so no hanging around waiting for a take off slot and the whole crew is really friendly.

As for the fleet of aircraft here in Sussex, they are all lightweight, modern, high-tech Ikarus C42 sports aircraft ,which are standard aeroplanes but are technically classed as microlights.

It may be a little bit nerve-wracking the first time you clamber into the compact cockpit, but once airborne, you can't help but be wowed by the panoramic views across East Sussex and beyond. And when you take control (they are very sensitive and light!) your light sport aircraft flight out of Brighton will be a proper first lesson.

• Welcome introduction and safety briefing
• Choose from a 30, 45 or 60-minute lesson or opt for the Landaway flight
• Once airborne you will be given the option to take the controls and fly the light sport aircraft yourself
• Time flown can be counted towards a qualification

30 Minute Flight

• Allow approx one hour for this experience
• Choose from one of the following flight options:

Beachy Head & Seven Sisters

• Experience panoramic views of the Sussex Downs, coastline and cliffs and the Beachy Head lighthouse
• Follow the Cuckmere River on your return to Deanland

The AMEX

• Fly directly over the pitch of the AMEX Stadium
• See the historic town of Lewes and Lewes Castle. Take in views of the South Downs on your return flight

Eastbourne

• Fly over Arlington Reservoir, The Long Man and Eastbourne Pier
• See Beachy head in the distance as well as views on the South Downs

45 Minute Flight

• Take in the Cuckmere River, see Beachy Head and follow the Sussex Coastline to Brighton
• See the Brighton Pier and i360 up close before heading inland
• On the return flight you will see the AMEX Stadium, Lewes and the South Downs
• Allow approx one and a half hours for this experience

60 Minute Flight

• Choose your own route or let your instructor show you the best sites!
• Allow approximately two hours for this experience

Landaway Experience

• A return flight to Headcorn Aerodrome with a total flight time of approximately one hour
• Pass the Heathfield Mast, Bewl Water and Cranbrook Windmills with excellent views of the Kent countryside
• Experience joining air traffic control, radio calls and airfield procedures
• A cup of tea and quick walk around at Headcorn with your instructor
• Opportunity to be in charge of the take-off on your return flight to Deanland and experience some more advanced manoeuvres
• Allow two and a half hours for this experience