Welcome to our Flight of the Navigator Experience, where you become the navigator of your own extraordinary journey!
Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure in one of our state-of-the-art aircraft, as you soar through the skies and choose your own routing.
Experience the exhilaration of flying over your very own home or the landmark of your choosing, all while taking in the spectacular views of Norfolk and Suffolk after departing from Norwich Airport.
We believe that flying is not just a means of transportation; it’s an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and witness the world from a whole new perspective. Our fleet of amazing aircraft is meticulously maintained and equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for our passengers.
Picture yourself in the cockpit, sitting alongside our expert pilot, as you take control and chart your own course. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or a first-time flyer, our experienced crew will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring an exciting and enjoyable experience.
As you embark on your flight, prepare to be captivated by the breath-taking views of Norfolk and Suffolk. From the stunning coastline to the charming countryside, you’ll witness the region’s natural beauty in all its glory. Soar over the iconic landmarks that dot the landscape, such as the striking Norwich Cathedral or the historic Framlingham Castle. You have the power to choose your own routing, making each flight a truly personalised adventure.
Norwich Airport serves as the gateway to your extraordinary journey. Located in the heart of East Anglia, this vibrant airport offers convenient access to the captivating counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.
We are committed to providing you with an unforgettable flight and ensuring your safety and comfort are our top priorities. So why wait? Take the controls and embark on a truly amazing air adventure, where the skies are yours to explore, and the views are simply breath-taking.
Note: All flights are subject to availability and weather conditions. We will ask your weight for the weight and balance calculations of the aircraft please do not be offended. We will need to have a call with you so you can tell us what route you would like to take and what you would like to see. You must undertake this more than 1 week prior to flying; we would suggest speaking to us to confirm your intended routing is permissible for Air traffic control before booking the flight.
Maximum persons- up to 3 people (weight and balance calculation permitting)
Our Air Experience flights are an exhilarating flight adventure that allows you to soar through the skies and witness the breathtaking beauty of Norfolk and Suffolk from above. As you embark on this amazing journey, you will be treated to a truly unforgettable experience aboard one of NAC’s high specification aircraft.
At Norwich Aviation Centre (NAC), we believe in offering our customers the finest aviation experiences, combining luxury, safety, and an unrivalled sense of adventure. Our Air Experience packages are meticulously designed to provide you with a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes, landmarks, and iconic sites of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Imagine taking to the skies and beholding the sprawling coastlines, charming countryside, and historic sites from an entirely new perspective. As you ascend, you will feel a surge of excitement, and as the aircraft gracefully glides through the air, you’ll be captivated by the panoramic views unfolding beneath you.
NAC’s high specification aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and designed to ensure your utmost comfort and safety throughout the flight. Our professional and experienced pilots will guide you on this awe-inspiring journey, sharing their knowledge and love for aviation.
Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a unique experience, an Air Experience with NAC is an opportunity not to be missed. It is a chance to escape the ordinary, to break free from the confines of the ground, and to discover the hidden gems of Norfolk and Suffolk from an entirely new vantage point.
Not only will you witness the iconic sites like the stunning Norfolk Broads, the picturesque North Norfolk Coast, and the historic city of Norwich, but you’ll also have the chance to customise your flight plan. We offer tailored Air Experiences that can be adapted to your preferences, allowing you to explore specific areas or landmarks that hold personal significance to you. Speak with us if you have any requirements because at the end of the day this is your experience.
So, buckle up, and get ready for an extraordinary adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Treat yourself or surprise a loved one with this truly remarkable gift—the gift of flight. Join NAC on an Air Experience, and let us take you on a journey that will awaken your sense of wonder and give you a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Norfolk and Suffolk from above.
No….but…..
Please bring some form of photographic ID with you. We are entering air side of an international airport as such we have to be security aware and conscious. If you do not have a passport, driving licence or other recognised identity card then please call in advance so we can make arrangements.
If you arrive without a pre-arrangement and without ID then we may have to cancel your flight and there is only a refund of 50% in this instance, please don’t forget your ID
We do not allow high heels or shoes which could damage the wing as your try to board the aircraft.
Other than this we do not mind what you wear providing it is sensible and doesn’t interfere with the aircraft controls. (ie no big yellow chicken outfits)
We would recommend nice flat shoes or trainers especially if you would like to have a go at flying.
In the winter we would recommend typical warm winter clothing but in the summer we strongly recommend light cotton clothing because it can become hot in the cockpit before we take off.
If you are unsure give us a call to discuss.
Ok has anyone ever been sick in one of our aircraft? The answer is yes but that is extremely rare.
We have taken people flying who are known to get travel sick and they have always been ok. However; in the event of such an issue we do carry sick bags onboard which we can provide you with before the flight if you feel you might need one….. but we doubt it will be necessary!
Don’t be!
We take people flying who are petrified of flying all the time, in fact some people come to us to try and get over their fear.
We are trained to put you at ease from the start, if you are nervous then do mention this to our staff or your pilot before you fly.
One of the fears of flying is that you can’t see what is going on and the big planes just move without you knowing what is about to happen. In our aircraft your pilot will be talking to you all the time and they will tell you what is going on and you will be able to see it for yourself.
Don’t worry you will have an amazing experience and when you get back on the ground you will wonder what the worry was about.
Yes it is!
Flying in itself presents an elevated risk to you whether you are flying with commercial operators such as RyanAir, EasyJet, BA or in small aircraft like ours.
As we use our light aircraft for commercial operations they are also maintained to a Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA) standard by a CAA approved Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO).
Every 50 hours the aircraft are returned to the AMO for a maintenance check and oil change. Every 100 hours the aircraft are taken to the AMO for an enhanced inspection criteria, then every year there is also an annual inspection. On top of that we have time limited parts on the aircraft which must be replaced after so many hours of operations….Aircraft maintenance and inspection is the biggest expense of running aircraft!
So one thing to consider is we only have one engine on the aircraft, what happens if it fails? Firstly; it is extremely rare for an engine to fail completely in flight. Secondly in the unlikely event that it did completely fall apart and fail, then the aircraft will not fall out of the sky! It becomes a glider and we would glide the aircraft into the nearest airfield, or into a nice long field of which we have thousands of in Norfolk and Suffolk. Our pilots are highly experienced and trained for any such eventuality.
Has it ever happened to us…. no!
NAC have parking at the front of our building. We have limited parking so we ask for only one car per flight. If you plan to arrive in multiple cars please do call ahead so we can arrange alternative parking.
Absolutely yes!
Take your phone and take as many videos and photos as you wish. We may ask you to ensure the phone is in flight mode but that is at the discretion of the pilot.
As a rule the answer is no. This is because the animals need to be restrained in the cockpit from interfering with the safety of the flight.
However; in certain circumstances we may allow it depending on a case by case evaluation of the request.
Please call us to discuss if you feel you have a need to bring your pet.
Absolutely – yes please!
We want you to enjoy your experience and create memories, please share you pictures and videos with us before you leave.
We do not allow the positioning of Action Cameras and Audio recorders in the cockpit for reasons of flight safety.
HOWEVER: NAC do offer a professionally made video of your flight using multiple camera views and with recording cockpit intercom communications including Air Traffic control. Please discuss with us the video packages.
Limits are solely based on a persons ability to access and egress the cockpit unaided and that their size does not interfere with the cockpit controls.
However if you are concerned please call us.
The aircraft does have a weight limit, so we will ask you for your weight, please do not be offended, but do tell the truth as it is essential for flight safety that we properly calculate the aircrafts weight and balance. We reserve the right to weigh passengers prior to any flight.
We are proud to say we are welcoming of all people of all abilities. Access to our office is disabled friendly.
There are some occasions where we need to conduct a risk assessment of the likelihood and assistance needed for a disabled person to evacuate the aircraft in an emergency.
Please do not be put off by this…. call us to discuss.
We want everyone to enjoy aviation!
Nope!
Anyone young and old can come play at NAC and enjoy the thrills of aviation.
Babies and ickle-children are welcome to come enjoy the experience, you can bring your car booster seats or car chairs for them to sit on.
You know your children best, if they want to sit in the front they are welcome to so long as they can listen to the instructions of the pilot
Unfortunately not.
Any food or drink consumed on our aircraft must be purchased through our flight operations centre.
Unless you have a bag of skittles then we love skittles!
No.
We will provide you with a headset and high visibility vest for your experience.
We would recommend arriving 45 minutes before your flight time. This allows you to be briefed on your flight and to take some time to relax before the experience.
Then the time of you flight you have paid for plus an additional 30 minutes for a debrief.
So for a 1 hour flight experience allow us 2 hours and 15 minutes in total
We are happy to take someone out to the aircraft parking area to get some photos of you leaving but they would need to come back to the office once you taxi out.
We would recommend a great parking spot at each end of the runway to go and take some pictures.
At NAC we like to keep control of everything we do but the weather is one thing we cannot adjust.
We will review the weather for the days leading up to your flight, if there is anything forecast that will cause a problem for your flight we will give you the most amount of notice possible to reschedule.
On the day we will check the forecast continuously and update you if anything locally happens that isn’t forecast.
We will always reschedule your flight to your convenience if this happens.
These things happen!
For genuine reasons we will reschedule your flight for you free of charge. We can apply a £10 administration fee in some rare cases.
Give us a call 01603 369928 and explain why your late and your ETA, we should still be able to accommodate you.
For reasons of flight safety we do not allow you to install your own cameras in our cockpits, however we do have our approved camera systems and recording equipment we use to film your flight if you request it.
Our prices are available on the website, contact us to discuss the options.
Yes, all our merchandise is available at our flight operations centre or on our website.
Yes outside our office are the public toilets with disabled access.
We encourage you to go to the bathroom before the flight as there are no toilets on the aircraft.
Yes we do.
We offer gift cards for 1st lessons, air experiences and for account additions for regular flyers.
All gift cards are valid for 6 months.
We require you to declare any medical conditions before your flight booking.
It is rare that we would refuse a flight to you based on any medical condition but in certain exceptional circumstances we may ask for a doctors letter to say you are fit to fly.
We reserve the right to refuse a flight to anyone we believe is not fit to fly.
For reasons of flight safety we do not permit passengers onboard our aircraft who are under the influence of drink or drugs or who we believe may be intoxicated.
Should you arrive for your flight in such a condition then your flight may be refused and you would not be entitled to a refund. However; we may consider a rebooking for the future but that does incur an administration charge of £30.
If you are on medication which may affect your presentation then please let us know in advance.
The short answer is yes! Training to be a private pilot is how we all started in our aviation careers. Whether you want to fly privately for fun or commercially we can help you achieve you dreams.
That is entirely your choice! It also depends on your budget and time constraints with family commitments and work. At NAC we focus on the students experience and we will encourage you to be the best and safest pilot you can be, whilst we make the whole journey an amazing experience.
You can complete a PPL within 6 weeks if you want to work hard to achieve it quickly. Most people complete the 45 hours, courses and exams within 3 months but some just take their time and do it over the course of the year or longer on a part time basis.
The choice is yours, this is your journey.
We offer full-time PPL Ground School courses to help private pilots achieve the highest standard in their PPL exams. This is a 5-day course with the exams being taken after each tuition day or the morning after the relevant subject. Our courses are delivered by talented and enthusiastic instructors, with a wealth of experience, who will make sure they work with you to get through your exams.
Commercial pilots require a class 1 medical
Private Pilots require a class 2 Medical.
It is no secret that the medical is stringent in terms of ensuring you are safe and fit for flight but it is not unfairly stringent. We have experience of people with heart conditions that have managed to get their medical subject to investigation by the Aero medical Examiner (AME). It is all there to ensure you, your passengers and people on the ground are safe.
The medical is an in depth assessment of your health and condition, you are required by law to provide the AME with information on any previous medical conditions, injuries or hospital treatment.
You will require your medical before your first solo so we always encourage you to undertake the medical before committing significant money to your flight training in case something is found which prevents you flying.
Class 1 and 2 medicals can be conducted on site with our resident AME.
Contact us for information and bookings.
To be offered a reduced rate for the PPL you will need to pay Section 1 fees (50%) up front, section 2 fees (50%) will need to be paid before you commence that section of your training.
You can pay per course you do if this suits at the standard hourly rate.
One landing and approach fee is included in the course rates.
Approach fees associated with flight tests will be re-charged to students.
You will become a private pilot where you will be able to fly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) on your own. This means you can fly clear of cloud during the day.
We offer Instrument Rating Restricted (IR(R)), Night Rating and Performance flying courses to enhance your skills and privileges. Get in touch with us to discuss your PPL journey and our advanced ratings courses.
Details are available on our website and you can buy online, otherwise give us a call to discuss you aviation goals and we can put together a package for you.
You are required to complete 45 flight hours as a minimum to obtaining your PPL. As part of your training you will also need to complete 9 online exams.
The exams are not difficult but you will need to do some self study. However; we do have an intense PPL ground school course available where you can complete your exams in 1 week.
You will also need to complete a Radio Telephony (RT) exam and included with that is the English Language proficiency test.
Finally once you are ready for the General Skills Test our examiner will take you up and test your skills and abilities to pass the course.
You are now a private pilot.
No you do not but your license will be a UK CAA National licence unless you opt for our EASA route coming late 2023.
You will need to pass an English speaking exam which is completed as part of your Radio Telephony (RT) exam.
We operate a fleet ofPiper PA28 Warrior 2 aircraft which are maintained to the highest specification.
We are also bringing in:
You will be sold from other schools offering you a private pilots license for £9900. in reality your training will be higher than that,
The real cost of your training including you flying costs, exam fees, pay for your flight equipment and pay for landing fees you will be looking closer to £12,000.
NAC are upfront about the true costs with you, we don’t give you any surprises once you are in the door.
Flying our aircraft are safe.
Our aircraft are maintained to Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA) standards with an approved Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO).
Flying in any aircraft carries an element of risk as does driving a car or riding a motorbike. The safety statistics for General Aviation are far better than driving on the road.
General aviation carries a bit more unavoidable risk compared to commercial jet flying based on factors such as multiple engines on commercial traffic, multi-pilot environments, and more advanced training before flying a commercial aircraft. However; that does not mean GA is unsafe. At NAc our professional commercial pilots train you to handle emergency situations including control failure, instrument failures, control outside of the flight envelope, and engine failures.
You will be trained by the best at NAC to handle anything thrown at you.
There are some medical conditions where you physically wouldn’t be able to obtain a medical to fly but this list is very small.
You need to contact us to discuss your condition and we can see the advice of our preferred Medical examiner who will give advice on your ability to fly with your condition.
In most cases, as long as your condition is evidentially controlled you will be ok to fly.
We will advise you to get a medical before starting your flight training.
Your aircraft is kept on the grass in NAC’s Light Aircraft Park (LAP) between Delta and Echo taxiways here at Norwich
Our grass Light Aircraft Park (LAP) is not boggy and is naturally well drained.
NAC operate our own aircraft from this area consistently throughout the 12 months of the year and we have never had to cease operations due to the conditions.
The LAP is reinforced with plastic grass grids from the moment you enter from the asphalt taxiways.
Our aircraft storage rates are comparable with all the other airfields in the area. The cost is only slightly more at Norwich (compared to a grass strip) due to all the extras you get with your aircraft being based at an International airport.
We DO NOT charge pull-out fees!
We would love to put our fees online but that just doesn’t work because there are so many variables.
Aircraft type, variant, dispatch criteria, etc.
Our storage fees are comparable with local rates, give us a call to discuss, you will not be dissapointed.
No!
Despite rumour suggesting £40-60 for landing at Norwich, this does not apply to aircraft based with us.
We have negotiated rates with the airport that are fair to General Aviation based at the airport. Norwich Airport management are supportive of our GA ambitions.
Nope!
The fuel fees at Norwich for based aircraft are comparable with other airfields in the area.
Whilst AvGAS prices rocketed in the UK after the Ukraine war, Norwich managed to contain their rise to be less that that of other airfields.
The fuel rate is reasonable compared with other UK aerodromes.
Call us for the current fuel price.
Firstly, Don’t Panic Mr Manwaring!
Before your arrive at Norwich to base your aircraft with us at NAC, we will provide you with a written briefing and free instruction online or in our office about working with full ATC at Norwich Airport.
We know all the Air Traffic Controllers in the tower and they are an awesome bunch of people who love working with General Aviation and with NAC. They are there to help you and will assist whenever needed… They are a fully supportive and brilliant team!
Call us or pop in if you are worried about working in a full ATC environment.
Don’t worry, we have you covered!
Depends which end of the runway you take of or land on!
If you are vacating or taking off from the Alpha hold (Eastern End) then the taxi time is six minutes from the Light Aircraft Park (LAP).
If you are vacating or taking off from Delta or Echo holds (Western end) then the taxi time is less than 1 minute from the LAP.
Please don’t worry!
We will help you prior to your arrival here, call us or pop into the office to discuss any concerns you have.
it’s really not as scary as you may think.
Our CEO learnt from a small airfield with A/G radio and he now has his aircraft based here.
Yes you can!
Call us to discuss, we will always have availability to help you and our based aircraft owners and their families have priority for training.
NAC is not a Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) but we have partnered with an AMO locally (20 minutes flight).
Give us a call, we can set you up with our preferred AMO who have the best rates in the county and also have an awesome team of engineers.
NAC can also look after the maintenance flights for you so you don’t ever have to worry about conducting the maintenance runs yourself. This means your aircraft is always ready for your mission.
We do offer storage of your equipment on site for a small charge.
We will organise the fuel for you.
Either you or our staff can taxi the aircraft to Stand 7 for the fuel.
NAC offers a fuelling service where we will refuel the aircraft for you, so you never have to worry about getting ready. You can just arrive and fly your aircraft on your mission.
Yes we can!
NAC offers a service to pre flight your aircraft, re-fuel, oil, or conduct post/preflight cleaning and basic servicing.
Call us for rates.
NAC staff will escort you to your aircraft through our secure access security gate.
Due to DfT airport security procedures we cannot allow you to have a pass for that gate, we will always escort you through to your aircraft and meet you on your return.
You are required to wear Hi-Viz vests at the airport when airside. NAC sell these vests which can be customisable for your aircraft.
NAC do not provide insurance for your aircraft.
NAC is covered by public and employers liability insurance.
The same with all airfields you must ensure you have suitable aircraft insurance at all times to cover the risks of damage to yours or other aircraft up to the Combined Single Limit (CSL).
NAC will require a copy of your aircraft insurance before arrival.
Yes!
We offer a range of services for aircraft cleaning, so that your machine is always spotlessly clean for ramp appeal.
We can provide tie downs for your aircraft as concrete blocks or anchors. These are charged to you on a one off cost for supply and manufacture.
You the owner remain fully responsible and accountable to ensure your aircraft is properly tied down, NAC will offer a service to conduct this for you but you are ultimately responsible for the tie down of the aircraft and indemnify and hold harmless NAC.
Yes!
We have a flight store available in our office. We can get anything we don’t have in stock usually within 48 hours.
Yes – our commercial Pilots courses will start in late 2023 / early 2024.
We are a brand new flight school and we are now waiting to obtain our Diamond DA42 Twin engine, glass cockpit aircraft and our new AL42 FNTPII Simulator. When both land here at Norwich then we will start our first intake of students..
REGISTER NOW FOR THE FIRST INTAKE!
No!
In times gone by it was common that the airlines needed a degree to allow you onto their training programs but that is not the case anymore. Most airline pilots came straight from school into training to be a pilot.
However; you can get a degree level qualification with NAC; get in touch for further information.
Yes coming soon! Watch this space.
Contact us for further information.
We do not tend to link to specific airlines as we believe you should be a rounded individual and pilot to be able to apply to all of them. Former student of our instructors have flown for over 15-20+ airlines.
Norwich Aviation Centre Ltd offers full time (residential) and part time (distance learning) ATPL Modular courses. Our full time Fast Track Modular Course allows you to go from little or no flying experience to a “Frozen ATPL” in approximately 18 months.
At Norwich Aviation Centre we recognise that not everyone can complete their training full-time. Our modular courses enable students to complete training around their lifestyle or other commitments. We do however recommend that the professional courses (MEP, MEIR and CPL modules – 5,6 and 7 are conducted on a full time Monday-Friday basis). Modular pilot courses can also be taken as and when desired, (as long as course pre-requisites are met). From zero experience to holding a frozen ATPL, the training would take around 18-36 months to complete on a part time basis. This of course depends on your pace and commitments in addition to your study.
The pre-entry assessment is required for the Fast Track Course and all commercial flight training courses. This involves a simulator session at Perth Airport, an online test and a skype interview.
Yes! We offer 15, 25, 50, 100, 150 hour builder packages.
Contact our team for pricing
If enrolling onto the Fast Track modular course with a PPL, you can use these hours towards the total time requirement for issue of the frozen ATPL. The actual number of hours credited will depend on when these hours where logged and if your licence and Rating is still valid. The actual number of credited hours would be at the discretion of the Head of Training. If you already have your PPL and some flying hours and would like to know exactly how much your course will cost, contact our team who will be able to advise as per your specific situation.
Where can I start? this flight school is absolutely incredible, the team are very friendly, very professional and extremely well qualified, and have gone absolutely up and above all of my expectations, to give my son the confidence and continued support towards his amazing journey to become the pilot he’s always dreamed of being.
I honestly can not tell you just how amazing everyone is, and I will be forever thankful for everything they have done over the past few days to help me and my son. Five stars and more highly recommended.
Thanks guys
Stacy Howes
(Alfie's Mum)
I’ve not flown for several years and decided to start again and explained my circumstances to Rob and he was very helpful and explained all that was required.
First flight again with Steve and now I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
Glad I decided to go with NAC.
I had my first private hire from NAC this week, what a breath of fresh air!
The online booking facility is great, they have the best fleet of aircraft in the region and the most highly regarded instructing staff to boot!
The rates are very competitive with the loyalty offer and a real game changer for the industry.
Cant wait to fly again, Thank you NAC!
The best aircraft organised by a great team.