I want to get my PPL, but not for a career... (Kent UK)

[Stephen Furner]

Great to hear you are in it for the enjoyment, excitement and challenge that aviation can offer. These are fantastic times to getting into leisure aviation, there are just so many opportunities out there and so much to try out.

What would I do if had a £1.5K budget no licence and wanted to find out about the experience of being a pilot? It’s simple book trial flights on as many different types of flying machine as my budget would allow – I would draw the line at bungee jumping but everything else would be up for grabs.

My suggestion is to work your way down the following list having trial lessons on each type to see which one you like the most.

Light aircraft
Flexiwing microlight
Helicopter
Hot air balloon
Gyrocopter
Glider
Para motor
Hang glider
Parachute

When you do have enough time and money to take it further you will know where to make the investment.