Airplane flight: frequently asked questions and answers
For your flying experience to be perfect and safe, we are recommending you to read our frequently asked questions about flying with an airplane.
What is an introductory panoramic or scenic flight?
Introductory flight is a flight with an airplane with the purpose of introducing the sports aviation and recreative flying to a wider audience. Taking into account that on every airplane flight there are stunning views and sceneries, the introductory flight can also be called a panoramic or scenic flight.
How long does the flight last?
To give you an idea or to inspire your personalized route, we are offering you a few standard routes. If it is your wish to visit your home or maybe some other particular place from above, in coordination with our staff you can choose your own routing lasting up to 30 minutes.
At which height does the flight take place?
Introductory panoramic flight is usually flown at 300 meters above the ground. Deviations can be made due to laws, regulations or your wishes. The 300 meters height will make you enjoy the scenery to the fullest if you want to see all the characteristics which you can see on your introductory panoramic flight.
Which aircraft will be used?
The flight is flown with the most frequently used airplane in general aviation – Cessna 172. This airplane model is usually used for pilots who are learning to fly. It is a four-seater and is characterized by a very good stability in the air. Cessna 172 is powered by a four cylinder piston engine with 160 horsepower. The lift is derived from the wings which have a span of 11 meters. More about the airplane itself can be learned from the pilot during the flight.
Where does the airplane fly during our flight?
We are offering you a few standard routes for you to choose from but you can also suggest a custom route according to your wishes and in coordination with our staff for your flight to be perfect and unique. The maximum duration of your introductory panoramic flight is 30 minutes.
Can children fly?
Due to safety reasons, the minimum age for introductory panoramic flight is 7 years. The children must be accompanied by an adult.
How many people can go on a flight?
Airplane Cessna 172, which is used for introductory panoramic flights, can fit up to four persons including the pilot. Due to safety reasons and airplane limits, the total mass excluding the pilot must not exceed 200 kg and 110 kg per person.
What happens in the case of engine failure?
Opposite to the common opinion, if the engine stops the airplane will not fall down but will continue to fly using the speed which ensures maximum range and thus enables the pilot to land on a site of his choice. Our airplanes are undergoing regular maintenance and the pilots are thoroughly trained for reactions in emergency situations.
Are the pilots who are flying experienced?
The pilots who are flying introductory panoramic flights are holders of commercial pilot licenses with ratings for single and multi engine piston airplanes and with instrumental ratings. Most of our pilots are flight instructors also and have a vast experience in general aviation as well as in commercial aviation. Some of our flying team members are also active and awarded competitors in precision flying competitions.
How can I become a pilot?
If you are attracted to aviation and you decided to seek joy in airplanes or you simply want to be able to fly your friends and loved ones, we will be happy to direct you to flight schools with which we are cooperating with. Those flight schools can offer you courses to become a private or a commercial airplane pilot and thus enable you to fulfill your dreams.
What is the difference between “introductory flight”, “panoramic flight” and “become a pilot for one day” ?
Introductory flight, panoramic flight and “become a pilot for one day” are basically pretty similar except the fact that they are regulated by different laws and regulations. All three modes of flight have the main thing in common, and that is that your pleasure comes first and that you will experience something new and interesting.
Is it noisy in the airplane?
Every engine, and so the one in the airplane, makes some noise but probably not in the amount you think. There is a certain amount of noise isolation in the airplane and if you want you can fly with us using the special headset which ensures even more noise cancellation while enabling you to communicate with the pilot.
Do we have a special headset that enables us to communicate in the airplane?
The sounds and noises are not really loud in the airplane so you can communicate in the airplane using the normal tone. However, if it is your need or wish, we can equip you with a headset that additionally cancels the noises while enabling you to communicate.
How long does the pilot school last?
The duration of pilot’s training depends on a lot of factors, the main ones being the level of license for which you are aspiring to, your financial situation and the time you have to put into the training. If you want to become a holder of a private pilot license – PPL(A), you will have to spend time for theoretical training and will need to fly 45 hours. If you want to work as a pilot you will need at least a commercial pilot license – CPL(A). Training for that can last up to several years. Depending on various ways of training, you will need to fly 200-250 hours after undergoing very detailed theoretical training.
Where can we try an introductory panoramic flight?
Aeroclub Aviator offers Varaždin and Zagreb (airfield Lučko) as a primary destination for your introductory panoramic flights. If you want to take-off from another place, feel free to contact us and we will do everything in our power to make it happen.
Is the flight safe?
Opposite to the common opinion, air transport is considered to be the safest mode of transportation. Even in the case of engine failure on a single engine airplane, the plane will not fall down but will continue to fly and will land on a site the pilot chooses. The pilots are thoroughly trained for emergency situations and the airplanes are undergoing regular maintenance according to the laws and regulations.
Can I become nauseous in the airplane?
There is a possibility that you will become nauseous during the flight. That will have nothing to do with the meals you had but with motions and accelerations that your inner ear is not used to. We are recommending that you eat something light before the flight (fasting will not stop nausea) and if you become nauseous be sure to inform the pilot. There are special nausea bags in the plane and the pilot will perform the flight as smooth as possible and will ventilate the cabin.
Are there any medical conditions that will make the flight risky?
Medical condition which will make the flight with any kind of aircraft risky is congestion of sinuses because the oscillations of pressures while climbing will evoke strong headaches. Also, flying is not recommended for pregnant women. If you have some serious medical condition such as fractures, spine injuries, mental problems, you should consult with your physician first. It is also important that you do not consume alcohol or drugs for 12 hours before the flight.
Which meteorological conditions are preventing the flight?
Introductory panoramic flight is conducted in visual meteorological conditions which means we cannot enter the cloud and there must be minimum horizontal and vertical separation from the clouds as well as minimum horizontal visibility. Also, the flight will not be conducted if there are dangerous storm clouds nearby as they will make a lot of turbulence in the air.
Can the cross country routes be arranged, like a one-day trip to the coast?
That kind of flight is possible on a principle of shared-cost flights. In this way, all the persons in the airplane are participating in the cost of the flight. Feel free to contact us via email with your wishes and we will do all in our power to make it happen.
Which is the highest altitude we can fly?
Airplane Cessna 172 can climb up to 14000 ft above mean sea level which corresponds to around 4200 meters. This ceiling depends on the total mass of the airplane, usable fuel, outside temperature, air pressure etc. Introductory panoramic flights are usually flown at 1000 ft above ground which is around 300 meters as that is the height that will enable you to cherish and enjoy the scenery the most.
Are the flights possible throughout the year?
Aeroclub Aviator is offering introductory panoramic flights throughout the whole year but there is a possibility that the flight in the wintertime will be canceled due to meteorological conditions that include fog and low clouds.
Is it cold in the airplane? Is there heating during the wintertime?
During the summertime, it is quite warm at 1000 ft above ground where the introductory panoramic flights are usually flown. For the flights in the wintertime, the airplane is equipped with cabin heating so you will be comfortable.
What should I wear for the flight?
We are recommending that you put on some comfortable clothes and footwear like t-shirts, jogging pants, sneakers, and for the winter something a little bit warmer.
Is there any special training required for the panoramic flight?
Introductory panoramic flight does not require any special training. Nonetheless, your pilot will give you a short briefing on what will happen and how should you react during the flight.
Fear of heights – is it a problem?
The answer to this question depends on you. If you want to overcome your fear of heights, our staff will do everything in their power to help you accomplish your goal. Keep in mind that during any phase of the flight the pilot can always return for landing if that will be your wish.
Alcohol and drugs?
Consumption of alcohol and any type of drugs is not allowed nor advised at least 12 hours before the flight due to safety reasons.
Is there a flight insurance?
All the airplanes we are using have insurance of crew, passengers, third persons and the airplane itself from every kind of incident or accident.
Is it allowed to use mobile phones or cameras during the flight?
It is allowed to use mobile phones and cameras during the flight. Feel free to take pictures and record videos to have memories to remember the flight by.
Are you offering a video option?
For your experience to be long-remembered, our staff will take your picture in front of the plane. Also, during the flight your pilot will be your tour guide and will point out all the amenities you might want to record.
Is transport to the airport available?
If there is no public transport to the airport available, we will try and arrange the transport for you. If you need the transport, be sure to put the note about it in the remarks while filling out the booking form.
How can I book my flight?
Introductory panoramic flight can be booked on our web page by filling out the booking form and paying the deposit. After that, you will be contacted by our staff to arrange the date and the time of the flight.
Do I need to pay the deposit?
For booking your introductory panoramic flight you will need to pay the deposit which also serves as the membership fee. You will be redirected to the deposit information page once you have successfully filled out the booking form.
Do you have gift vouchers and how are they delivered?
Aeroclub Aviator is offering gift vouchers for introductory panoramic flights. The vouchers for your loved ones are delivered to your e-mail address once you have made the payment.
In what time do you have to use the gift vouchers?
The gift vouchers are valid for one year. After that, they expire and cannot be used anymore.
Is there a diploma for introductory panoramic flight?
Considering the fact that you decided to try something new and different, Aeroclub Aviator will send you a diploma for having successfully done introductory panoramic flight so your experience and memory will be even better.
Which flight route are you recommending?
To us in Aeroclub Aviator, all the flight routes have the same virtues as they are tailored exactly for you. If you want to see blue lakes and idyllic vineyards, we will recommend a flight above Varaždin or Čakovec. For visiting the brave knights and ancient times, we will recommend the route to Trakošćan castle. If you want to experience the capital of Croatia from another perspective, we will recommend the flight overhead Zagreb city.
Is there a difference between airports Varaždin and Zagreb (Lučko)?
Every airport is specific so there are some differences. Lučko is the main and the only sport aerodrome of Zagreb and has a lot of traffic which can lead to delays. Also, Lučko has a grass runway which makes the takeoffs and landings a little bit bumpy. On the other hand, Varaždin airport is also a sport aerodrome that has a long, asphalt runway which is better even than some runways of international airports. There is also very little traffic there so there will probably be no delays.
