Trial Introductory Flight (TIF)

Your First Flight, Trial Introductory Flight (TIF)

A Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) is your chance to experience flight training firsthand. All students start with this flight; it’s a cornerstone of your piloting journey and your first taste of being in the air.  

 

Before You Fly:

Before your flight, you'll need to sign up for a Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) temporary membership, which is a free 3 months or 3 hours of flight time- whichever comes first. The experience begins with an on-the-ground briefing, much like any future lessons, which will start like this. Your instructor will go over the flight plan so you know what to expect and when.

From there, you will complete a pre-flight check or ‘walkaround’ of the aircraft—essential information will be covered, and you’ll start to understand how the planes work. You'll also observe the pre-flight checklist before boarding.

In the Air:

Once inside the plane, your instructor will taxi to the run-up bay and line up for take-off.

At Lethbridge, we have multiple runways. The instructor will base the runway on the direction of the wind- you take off into the wind, and land into the wind.

Then you’re in the air, flying to your chosen destination. Chat with your instructor beforehand about where you can go on your TIF. They will have some great ideas, you might even be able to fly over your house if you're local.

*Please note this will all depend on the weather forecast during your flight. 

When it’s safe and if you feel comfortable, you’ll get the opportunity to fly the plane. 

This is where the fun starts!

After cruising the skies and taking in the views, it will finally be time to land safely back at Lethbridge.

After the Flight:

You’re back on the ground, and the great news is, all hours from this flight are logged and count towards your total hours required for a Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC). You'll have a post-flight chat with your instructor, giving you the chance to ask any further questions you may have had during the flight or about completing your RPC. After your flight, you are welcome to purchase any required materials to start preparing for your training and get ahead on the theory.  

The exciting next step is booking your first official lesson!