Training Options
Tiger Moth Flights
Why not simply enjoy flying around the beautiful Somerset and Dorset countryside, or better still have one or two friends or family flying alongside you in our other Tiger Moths. What could be better !
Trial Lessons
Trial lessons are flown all year round and are subject only to there being suitable weather conditions.
This often is the first introduction to flying in an open cockpit, vintage aircraft and gives the trainee pilot a marvelous opportunity to fly over the Blackmore Vale and possibly over an area they know or their home. All flights are flown with experienced Tiger Moth instructor/check pilots and the new ‘Pilot under training’ will be briefed and encouraged to take the controls. This flight can be logged and counts towards a License.
As much as we would welcome the income we would not advise ‘would be’ pilots to gain their initial pilot’s licence in a Tiger Moth
While such training would provide an excellent understanding of the basics of flying , it would also be, by far, the most expensive route to obtaining a licence. Two main reasons are, the hourly cost of running a Tiger Moth and the second is the very restrictive cross wind limits on the airframe which means that there are many days one could train on a Cessna or PA28 which would be well beyond the Tiger’s limits.
If a pilot then wanted to qualify on a Tiger it would normally only require a 5 hour conversion course.
Basic Aerobatics
The manoeuvres learnt include: rolls ( aileron and barrel) loops, stall turns, spins and recoveries. Diving engine restarts are a stimulating section. Slow rolls, cubans and clovers may be added to this list but require a deeper understanding in order to be able to achieve these manoeuvres in a Tiger Moth.
Type Conversions
This can be done in your own aircraft (we can even help with nose wheel aeroplanes!). Clive has a wealth of experience converting people onto warbirds so we look forward to seeing you with them. The course will be tailored to you depending upon previous experience. We are also happy to discuss your conversion with your insurance company to include any flying requirements that will help with the dreaded premiums.
Formation Flying
Formation flying is another marvellous undertaking that stretches the capabilities of a pilot. It is hugely satisfying to be able to lead and take part in a formation of lightly loaded biplanes. Great team work.
Biennial Flights
Every second year a licensed pilot should fly with an Instructor for an hour. This hour may be the start of a new outlook on life for a pilot if it is flown in a Tiger rather than the normal Cessna,PA 28 etc.etc.. An hour in one of our Tiger Moths counts towards a conversion course.
Tiger Moth Conversion Course
This course is open to a license holder who wishes to be able to fly and handle a lightly loaded biplane from grass runways and crosswinds. It will stretch and improve any pilot’s technique, skill level, appreciation and ability. Fundamentally it will improve a pilot immeasurably.
Upset Training
Commercial pilots seated in cockpits with multiple screens and disconnected from their controls with a computer may in time lose the sharpness of their handling skills. Flying a Tiger Moth will restore these skill sets and allow them to handle departures. Stall and spin recoveries are of primary importance.