Is this an aerial tour?
How many people can take flight lessons at the same time?
What should I wear?
Is there a weight limit?
Are there any age limits?
Will I be able to communicate with my instructor?
Can I bring my own camera?
If our flight is cancelled due to bad weather do I lose my money?
How safe is it?
Who maintains the aircraft?
What if I am prone to motion sickness?
What if I am afraid of heights?
What is our cancellation policy?
Can I go SCUBA diving and then go flying?
What is the difference between Birds Eye View Ningaloo and a Scenic tour?
Do you offer advanced training?
Can I log my lesson flight time?
Is this an aerial tour?
No. This is a hands-on introductory flight lesson with an HGFA-Certified Flight Instructor. Our training area happens to be over the beautiful Norcape Peninsula and the Ningaloo Reef Coastline. Our main goal is teaching you about the easiness and fun of this sport. Within 10 minutes you should be quite comfortable in flying the aircraft straight and level and doing gentle turns. We want you to come away from your flight with an experience of a lifetime and the feeling of I can do this.
How many people can take flight lessons at the same time?
We currently are operating up to two aircrafts making it even more fun to fly with your partner. Each person flies with their own instructor and we take off at the same time and chase each other around the Norcape’s skies as you take your first introductory flight lesson.
What should I wear?
Shorts and a T-shirt are fine. You will be provided a flight suit, gloves and protective helmet. Closed-toe shoes and socks are recommended for warmth. Please no flip flops. Customers who book the early lesson may want to bring a sweatshirt.
Is there a weight limit?
There is a 125kg maximum weight limit for each passenger.
Are there any age limits?
Children must be at least 4’6″ tall and 9 years old. We have no upper limits on height or age. We’ve even had a 93-year-old fly with us.
Will I be able to communicate with my instructor?
Yes, you’ll be equipped with a noise-cancelling headset to wear during the flight. The instructors also have two-way aviation radios to communicate between the aircraft, other aircraft and airport tower personnel.
Can I bring my own camera?
Loose articles in a high-speed open aircraft can be a big safety hazard with a spinning propellor behind us. We have found that trying to be a photographer while taking your introductory lesson takes away from the experience. We offer photo packages to document your lesson.
If our flight is cancelled due to bad weather do I lose my money?
Absolutely not. Pilots make the determination on weather conditions, as they are the experts on its affect on flying. Cancellations made by you, with less than 48 hours notice are subject to full charge. Also, be aware that if we experience a short weather delay anytime during our daily schedule, it can delay your lesson time.
How safe is it?
Birds Eye View Ningaloo uses the latest state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with a backup rocket-propelled parachute system, a GPS emergency location transmitter and transponder. Each student also wears a flotation device. We have safely shared our love of flying with over 4,600 flights since Birds Eye View Ningaloo started in May 2008.
Who maintains the aircraft?
Gavin Penfold, the owner and head chief instructor at Birds Eye View Ningaloo, is a Rotax-trained mechanic for this type of aircraft as required by HGFA regulations. Together with Roy our Maintenance Manager they both maintain all of the aircraft for Birds Eye View Ningaloo.
What if I am prone to motion sickness?
We have had customers who claim to get nauseous on escalators and they absolutely have felt no motion sickness.
What if I am afraid of heights?
We commonly hear this. We have found that after a few minutes in the air that fear disappears due to the stability of the aircraft. If you feel uncomfortable we will go back and land.
What is our cancellation policy?
You may change or cancel your reservation with no charge if you notify us at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight. If you cancel your flight within the 48-hour window, we will charge your credit card for the full amount of the flight(s) booked if we do not fill your timeslots. If you reschedule your flights to a different day within the 48-hour window, an $80 late-change fee for each flight booked is charged if we do not fill your slots.
Can I go SCUBA diving and then go flying?
Yes, as long as you wait 24 hours after your dive as we do reach high altitudes very quickly.
What is the difference between Birds Eye View Ningaloo and a Scenic tour?
They are completely different. Powered gliding is a participatory experience. A trike lesson is a one-on-one flying experience equated with being in a high-performance motorcycle with wings. You will actually learn how to fly the trike. A Scenic flight ride is a passive experience with a group of people — akin to riding in a mini-van — where you cannot take over the controls (this tends to make the other customers nervous). If you can afford to do both, we recommend it. Of course, if you can only afford one, we recommend you fly with us!
Do you offer advanced training?
Yes, we offer training all the way through solo sport pilot. We are a fully equipped flying school in WA with a HGFA Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) on staff. Airtime in our aircraft is charged at a rate of $220 per hour. Airtime in your aircraft is charged at a rate of $132 per hour. Ground school time is $66 per hour. Package lessons are also available.
Can I log my lesson flight time?
Absolutely. You will receive a signed Flight Certificate after your lesson to allow you to credit your total flight time toward a pilots certificate if you decide to continue your flight training. If you are already a licensed pilot, your flight time can be entered into your pilot’s log book. We have pilot log books available for purchase.