MX-5 OC Forum

I recently had a trial flight at Lasham Airfield (east Hants, just off the A339 between Alton and Basingstoke), and it was a brilliant experience - a weird blend of serenity and adrenaline with breathtaking views. It wasn't until I got back down to earth that I realised how much it shared with MX-5 driving as an experience - noisy, fun (despite the comparitively slow speeds compared to higher-performance alternatives), tiny cabin and excellent all-round visibility. It was nothing at all like flying in a commercial aircraft - much more viceral and 'felt', if that makes any kind of sense.

Anyway, included in the cost of my taster lesson was three month's membership of the club so I'll be going along a few times in the next few weeks just to see if it's something that really takes my fancy down the line, and whilst at the clubhouse I noticed that Lasham offer a taster flight discount for groups of 6-20 people.

Just wondering if the idea of a meet somewhere fairly central - Winchester say - and then a jaunt out to Lasham for a group flying lesson is something that might appeal to people. I've not really been all that active within the Solent MX5OC group since becoming an roadster owner last year (despite attending Beaulieu and the Silverstone OPL session of the National Rally), but it'd be a good way for folk to meet up, do the MX-5 thing for a bit then try something a little new. They also have an excellent cafe/restraunt on-site too so anyone not up for the flight could have a cuppa and watch, or we could round the whole thing off with some slap-up grub.

My missus might be interested in giving the flight a try, and there's a chap on MX5Nutz that's also interested - so would just need a couple more people keen to give it a try for this to be a go-er.

The only drawback is that the flight itself isn't exactly a no-cost activity; £50 gets you a 20-30 minute flight with an instructor, including some hands-on stick time where you're in control. It has to be said that my instructor was excellent and was very good at explaining things in a way that meant it didn't sound patronising and did everything he could to find a decent thermal so we were able to gain a bit more height and so spend longer up there than we otherwise would have done. There was no pressure to get back down quick so the next punter could go up, very much aimed to make it an enjoyable experience.

Sure it'd be right up the street of more than a few in the area - anyone fancy it?

I would certainly be interested. It sounds great fun

I would also be interested. What sort of discount would you get it you had more people?

 My wife would be up for it......so I'm interested...for her....I would just sit on the ground and talk cars....she would love it for the experience....and make a great xmas/birthday present

 Hi

I have just been looking at a glider flight for my partners birthday present so this is just the thing for us. A great excuse for us to take our mx5 out for the day. The only issue would be the date. have you any idea when your thinking of doing this as we have a lot booked up to do already.

Nicky & Nigel

Well, looks like there should be enough interest to make this doable.

Date & time-wise, it will be an evening as this is when Lasham run their group sessions. In terms of dates - it will need to be before the end of July because it's then that airspace restrictions over London kick in due to the Olympics and there will be no group-type events at the airfield as the airspace over the field will be too packed with light aircraft that are having to avoid flying over more or less everything east of the A3.

I'll give them a call early this week and see what their availability in the evenings is going to be like in early June. Price will be £50 for anyone flying, as that's the group cost. A single trial flight/experience as a non-member with them will cost from £60 to £85 or so, so it's not an insignificant saving.

As soon as I've got some available dates at their end, I'll contact everyone who's posted here and see which date is doable for the most people. We'll need a minimum of six flying to make it a go-er, although obviously more are welcome to come just to watch or for the drive.

Alex.

 Hi there. I,ve just read this post and I,ve allways wanted a flight in a glider. Have you got a date yet? I am on holiday for the first week of June.

Hi,  a bit late on to this one, but just wondering whether it has already happened, or if not is there a date planned? My partner Chris might be interested.

Thanks.