Taking to the Skies of West Wales

Taking to the skies

Way back when we first started dating, during that period when you're really trying to impress each other, I booked Marcus a surprise flying lesson for his birthday.

15 years later (Jesus, we're getting old) he returned the favour with a gift voucher for a 30 min flying lesson along West Wales’ beautiful Gower Peninsula, with Gower Flight Centre.

I've jumped out of planes before, but had never piloted one, so I was super excited for the lesson, and to see how the kids would react to their mother taking the controls of a plane.

The C42

The weather was great on the day that I flew, and the kids' started to get really excited as we approached Swansea Airport.

Marcus booked with Gower Flight Centre because his friend Matt is a pilot there (his old job was as a guitarist for sadly missed Welsh rockers The Blackout - check him in action here!), and it was Matt who strapped me in and took me up for my lesson.

Ready to go

Once airborne, we flew over spectacular views of Oxwich Bay, Worm’s Head and the National Trust's Rhossilli. Somewhere between Three Cliffs Bay and the Loughor Estuary, I was handed control of the plane; taking the stick and flying solo. I was a little nervous to take over from Matt and was surprised at how difficult it was to keep the aircraft steady. I was encouraged to steer in different directions but I think I was too cautious to make any sudden movements in such a tiny plane. All in all, it was a fun experience.

View from the Cockpit

Gower Peninsular

Whilst I was in the air Marcus and the kids explored around the airfield. The boys watched in amazement as skydivers jumped out of planes above, saw the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter come and go, and got up close with the old jets scattered around the site.

An old jets lays in wait for eager young explorers

The family met me at the plane on my return and the kids took turns exploring the cockpit. Matt the pilot then very generously offered to take Marcus up for a quick joyride before his next student arrived, and off they went!

The boys exploring the Cockpit

We all had such a great time at Gower Flight Centre and the kids loved seeing their parents take to the skies, exploring the airfield and getting snapped in the cockpit.

A flying lesson is such a great experiential gift to give, and it will live long in the memory. At Gower Flight Centre Trial Gift Flights start from £59.00 for 20 minutes, but prices will obviously vary with other companies elsewhere. It was well worth the money and Matt and his team put us at ease and looked after us well.

Thanks to the guys at Gower Flight Centre for an excellent day!

Pilot Matt & The Boys

In such small aircrafts flying is weather dependent, to ensure your safety. Our flight was cancelled 3 times due to bad weather, so be aware of this when you book a lesson.

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