Learning to Fly

A young Beth Moran arrives at Brighton City Airport to start her training as a Private Pilot with Sussex Flying Club. There are so many new things to learn but the thrill of learning to fly makes this a journey she would not miss for the world. Beth visits the control tower and talks with the head of engineering - so much to learn.

Beth learns the basics of flying and what happens when you fly too slowly. There are 9 written exams to do and she passes her first exam with flying colours. Whilst not flying there are many other interesting things to learn about like going on a runway inspection and talking to the captain of a police helicopter that has arrived.

Beth learns about slow flight and stalling before flying to Goodwood to land on a grass runway. Things don't quite go to plan. A visit to a paragliding school shows her another form of flying. More and more takes offs and landings. Every landing takes her closer to the day she will fly on her own for the first time. Should be soon.

The big day has arrived. Beth flies solo for the very first time. A remarkable moment then celebrated with friends and family. She is on her way to becoming a pilot. On a work trip to Canada she experiences her first flight in a helicopter. On a walk in the countryside she meets the owner of a World War 1 replica plane - landing 'in his back garden'!

Chief flying instructor James Crabbe takes Beth to Lydd airport as she starts her cross country flying both dual and on her own. Beth completes her final written exam and experiences her first flight in a glider with gliding expert and former world champion Guy Westgate. Her final flying exam is very soon.

The final flying test sees Beth qualify as a Private Pilot. Beth takes her father flying as her first passenger and experiences her first flight in a twin engine aircraft. Beth makes aviation history by becoming the youngest guest to fly with the United States Air Forces Thunderbirds in an F-16 and pulls 9.2g. What a journey!