Is advance preparation required?
The instructor will not expect the student to have done any preparation in advance, and it is not necessary. He will explain all that the new student needs to know before they actually go flying. However, the student will learn more and probably find it more enjoyable if he has done some reading in advance and knows what to expect.

On the big day
Trial lessons can only take place in suitable weather, and will be postponed if there is heavy rain, fog, or strong winds, for example. The new student may have been asked to phone the flying club before setting out to check that the weather is good enough, but this is a good idea in any case. The student should only fly if he is in good health; any hint of a cold, hangover, or upset stomach could well be magnified in the air and will spoil his enjoyment of the flight. It is always possible to postpone trial flights in such situations. The student should wear comfortable clothing, and if he or she wants a record of the event, it is fine to take a camera!

The trial flight itself
The new student will be given a briefing � a short explanation of what they will be doing and how the aircraft flies. This may take place in a classroom or by the aircraft itself. The instructor and student will then go out to the aircraft, and the student will sit in the captain�s seat � left hand side. The instructor will get into the other seat, which will have the same flight controls (all training aircraft have dual controls). The student will be given a headset so that he can communicate with the instructor, and shown how to put it on. The instructor will then start the aircraft, and do the initial departure from the airfield.

At some point, after the aircraft has reached a safe height, the instructor will demonstrate to the student how the controls work, and then let him have a go at flying. It is important to relax and just enjoy the experience at this point. The trial flight is not a formal lesson, and the instructor will not be judging the student. It is just an opportunity for the student to see what he thinks of flying. If he wishes to stop, or to take some photos, or simply look at the view, he should tell the instructor, who will then take control.

After what will probably seem a very short time, the instructor will take control again, and they will return to the airfield.

And then... the student can find out more about what is needed to get his coveted microlight pilot's license!