MICROLIGHT FLYING EXPERIENCE WITH SMILEY WINGS AVIATION - STAFF REVIEW

Jan 31, 2024
Flying Lessons , Staff Review

Owen Young

Microlight Flight Experience With Smiley Wings Aviation

On Wednesday, Bissy and I took a break from our desk jobs and were treated to a jaw-dropping microlighting flight experience courtesy of Smiley Wings Aviation! Whilst I've been in my fair share of Easyjet Airbus A320s for family holidays over the years, I can safely say this did little to prepare me for the childlike excitement and stunning views of taking to the skies in a two-seater microlight. We made the journey to their Essex site at Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster, however to provide some welcome flexibility, there is also the potential to fly out of Bradley's Lawn Airfield in Heathfield in West Sussex.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Domenico who was already getting the plane ready for take-off. We had arrived slightly earlier so we could take a moment to test our army of Go Pro's and camera equipment to ensure we got as much footage as possible of this rare opportunity, and I'm very excitement to get some of this content live across our social media channels in the coming weeks!

Microlight Maintenance: Behind-the-Scenes Thrills

Once ready, we were taken across to the hanger where we had the opportunity to watch Domenico in action as he performed some more checks of the aircraft. It was fascinating (and reassuring!) to see how much work goes into any individual flight, and it made me laugh at the prospect of performing such vigorous checks before getting in my car in the morning. I understand that there are much greater risks, however I can safely say that it comes with much greater rewards!..

We were then introduced to more members of the lovely Smiley Wings Team, helping our experience to feel all the more personal. We met Deepak, who by sheer coincidence was my own granddad's instructor pilot many years ago, and Aarti, a more newly qualified pilot who would later be taking Bissy up for a trial flight. All 3 were so lovely, welcoming and are expert handlers of the Alpha Pipistrel microlight, the vessel used for Smiley Wings' flight experiences. This means that whoever you go up with, Experience Days customers can be assured of good company and tuition in a stylish, modern aircraft!

Taking Flight: Soaring into the Skies

After a quick cup of tea and a chat, we were ready to fly! Domenico was kind enough to take me up twice, once on my own to allow Bissy a chance to capture some awesome ground shots of a take off and landing before going up again together. My first takeoff was so much fun! Despite Domenico telling me I looked as white as a ghost (which if the bungee in September is anything to go by, I usually do), I was in fact having the most wonderful time. The takeoff was far smoother than I expected and before we knew it we were soaring high above the Thames with cars and people appearing like nothing like tiny dots below. We spent a brief few minutes in the sky, and despite being a cloudy day the views from the microlight were impeccable; and on a clear & sunny day, we would've been guaranteed views spanning across Essex and London!

Soon after, I was treated to a landing which was equal in smoothness to the takeoff; I really was treated like royalty by Domenico! It was then a waiting game whilst Deepak and Aarti (with Bissy beside her) prepared to join us for some thrilling formation flying! Aarti and Bissy led the pack with Deepak to the right, and Domenico & I to the left, allowing our wide angle GoPro mounted to our left wing to record us all gliding in tandem. It was fascinating to hear the three of them communicating over the airwaves in that classic aviation-speak! We flew over the Thames eastbound towards Southend-on-Sea, before taking a wide left and flying back to Upminster. Domenico and I landed first whilst the other two continued circling whilst waiting for another plane to take off. This provided a great opportunity for role-reversal as we got to park up and get a front seat view of Bissy's landing!

Flying Review: My Final Thoughts

This was truly an experience I will never forget and we're so grateful to Domenico, Aarti and Deepak for the best day out of the office ever! If you're Sussex, Essex or London based or even beyond and willing to travel, a trial flying experience with Smiley Wings Aviation is an absolute must. You'll experience beautiful microlight aircraft, stunning scenic flight views and the opportunity to get into flying with inspiring and experienced aviation professionals!