Business Details
Affordable Flight Training & Aircraft Hire in Bristol
Bristol Flying is a non-profit flight training organisation based at Bristol International Airport, dedicated to making aviation accessible and affordable. Established to serve both aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts, we offer professional flight training programs, aircraft hire, and unique flying experiences. Our members enjoy cost-effective services, with all surplus funds reinvested into the organisation to enhance member benefits. We pride ourselves on transparency, with no hidden fees such as taxiing charges or fuel surcharges. Our fleet includes modern Garmin-equipped aircraft, ranging from Cessna 150s to Piper Arrows, available for hire at competitive rates. With a strong emphasis on community, we host social events, club talks, and group fly-outs to foster camaraderie among members.Our online booking system provides 24/7 access to aircraft and instructor availability, ensuring flexibility for our members. As a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-regulated training school, we maintain high standards of safety and instruction. Our team of experienced instructors is committed to guiding students through theoretical and practical training, tailored to individual needs. Bristol Flyings unique model ensures that members receive exceptional value, with savings of up to 100 per hour compared to commercial providers, while benefiting from the advantages of training at a major international airport.
Services
Flight Training
Aircraft Hire
Gift Vouchers
Ground School
Online Booking
Highlights and features
- We are a non-profit organisation, reinvesting all surplus funds to benefit members.
- Our flying lesson rates are up to 100/hour cheaper than commercial providers.
- We offer modern Garmin-equipped aircraft for training and hire.
- Our 24/7 online booking system ensures flexibility and convenience.
- We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surcharges.
Associations and certifications
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
What people say
Lowest prices
Supportive community
Memorable experiences
Transparent pricing
Modern aircraft
Services
Flight Training
Bristol Flying offers CAA-regulated flight training programs, including EASA PPL and LAPL licenses. Our curriculum combines theoretical exams and practical flying phases, delivered by experienced instructors. Members benefit from cost-effective rates and flexible training packages tailored to individual goals.
Aircraft Hire
Access modern Garmin-equipped aircraft, including Cessna 150s, Piper Warriors, and Skyhawks. Hire rates start at 169/hour, with no minimum hours or hidden fees. Members enjoy preferential pricing and 24/7 online booking flexibility.
Gift Vouchers
Purchase vouchers for introductory flights, advanced training, or scenic experiences. Options include the Thrilling 60 Minutes Flight and Historic Bath Flight, starting at 279. Ideal for unique gifts or career milestones.
Ground School
Comprehensive ground school covers meteorology, navigation, and flight planning. Instructors provide one-to-one tutorials or small group sessions, ensuring thorough preparation for CAA exams and practical flying phases.
Online Booking
Our 24/7 online system allows instant booking of aircraft and instructors. Track reservations, manage logs, and receive real-time updates, streamlining the planning process for members and reducing administrative stress.
Questions
What flight training programs do you offer?
We provide EASA PPL and LAPL licenses, with training tailored to individual needs and budgets.
Are your aircraft hire rates competitive?
Yes, our non-profit model ensures rates up to £100/hour cheaper than commercial providers.
Can I book flights online?
Yes, our 24/7 online system allows instant booking of aircraft and instructors.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, we provide vouchers for flight experiences, starter courses, and aircraft hire.
What makes Bristol Flying unique?
We are member-owned, non-profit, with no hidden fees and a focus on community engagement.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Anna Sibley
Dec 20, 2021
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No communication since August when I booked the vouchers. No money back, vouchers expired. Scam, avoid! I even found out during a Facebook search that some of the positive reviews were written by his staff. After leaving this review I was contacted suddenly by a very angry man who demanded me removing this comment and yelling some other threats. Spend your money elsewhere.
Chris Peace
Aug 24, 2021
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The pandemic has changed everyones life, hugely difficult for businesses, so I wasnt surprised not to reach Bristol Flying on the phone. When I was in Bristol I dropped into there premises to see if I could book a flying lesson. I was greeted by a person called Gary, who told me Bristol Flying was not trading and I should book my flight with him, at a grossly increased fee. I should also put up a poor review about them online. Not wanting to accept his word, I kept trying Bristol Flying and I later got through. They explained that they had been closed due to the Virus and had only just reopened
Alison Udall
Aug 14, 2021
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Critical:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Purchased a gift voucher as a present for Christmas 2020 Still trying to book flight no one answers emails or calls you back. Avoid at all cost unless you want to lose your money
Purchased a gift voucher as a present for Christmas 2020 Still trying to book flight no one answers emails or calls you back. Avoid at all cost unless you want to lose your money
Ross Windows
Aug 08, 2021
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I had a 90min lesson as a 40th birthday present. Both me and my wife spent ages trying to contact them by phone, email and social media. After months of trying we went to the airport in person. Only to find nobody mans the office. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. We managed to get our money back luckily as paid via groupon and pay pal and went with wessex flying who are available on the phone, and will help anyway they can. Oh and if u were to book with bristol flying question why they charge for parking and security pass.!!!!
Brian Lees
Aug 04, 2020
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I have been paying for my son to have flying lessons for over a year, my son has not flown at all but the money is still being taken by these cowboys. There is always excuses, no instructors, no aircraft, bad weather or blaming other random issues. The owner is very rude man who isnt interested. Please do not get conned like I have and use a reputable company, I will be taking these to the small claims court. AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!!
Tom Bland
Jun 25, 2020
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Why do people use other clubs in Bristol? With Bristol Flying, the price I was given was the price I paid. Forget the fuel surcharges and taxiing fees of the other clubs, all hidden charges until you pay the bill. I calculated Bristol flying is 80 an hour cheaper! Beat that for aircraft rental
Tom Savage
Jun 08, 2020
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Do a search on the BBC website for Bristol Flying and Richard Nightingale. Do NOT learn to fly with this company. Don't just take my word for it, call Dunkerswell airport, other flying schools and so on. Almost everyone that deals with Bristol Flying on a long term basis has problems - with the owner refusing to give back flying notes, overcharging, bad relationships with ex instructors, threatening people when they leave and so on. Please do your research properly and do not be drawn in (as I was) by the reasonable prices. Please note that most of the reviews here are for people who have visited
