Flying lessons

Flying Lessons

Have you ever wanted to learn to fly? Whether it's a lifelong dream or a new challenge you fancy taking on, our flying lessons put you in control from the very first minute. Know someone who's always talked about flying? A flying lesson is the kind of gift that actually gets used, and remembered. Still on the fence? Here's why you should start learning to fly.

Flying Lessons in Australia

RedBalloon runs flying lessons in locations right across the country, so there's likely one close to home. Here's where to look city by city.

Flying lessons Sydney

Sydney has some of the best flying lessons on the east coast, taking off from Bankstown and Camden, both under 90 minutes from the CBD. For a taste of full pilot training, the Learn to Fly Helicopter Pilot Training in Sydney puts you behind the controls of a helicopter for a full hour. Prefer fixed-wing? The Learn to Fly Trial Introductory Flight from Camden is one of our best sellers for good reason.

Flying lessons Melbourne

Flight training Sydney gets a lot of the attention, but Melbourne holds its own, with light aircraft, aerochutes and glider training all within driving distance of the CBD. The Light Aircraft Introductory Flight with Take Home Book is a great starting point, and if aerochutes are more your style, the Aerochute Trial Instructional Flight out of Geelong is worth a look. Heading further into regional Victoria, the Flight Lesson Over Scenic Gippsland trades city views for rolling countryside.

Flying lessons Brisbane

Brisbane's flying lessons cover the CBD and stretch out to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. The Introductory Flying Lesson in Brisbane has you flying over the city with an instructor guiding every manoeuvre, no experience required. Further north, the Hands On Sunshine Coast Flying Lesson takes in the coastline, Moreton Island and, if timing lines up, migrating whales.

Flying lessons Perth

Perth's flying lessons are based in Jandakot, a 20 minute drive from the city. Options range from light aircraft to helicopters, including the Hands On Trial Flight Experience and the Learn To Fly A Cabri G2 Helicopter, both hands-on from the moment you take your seat.

Flying lessons elsewhere in Australia

It's not just the capital cities. Learn to fly over the vineyards on the Learn to Fly an Aircraft over Hunter Valley, take the controls of a helicopter with Helicopter Pilot Training out of the Illawarra, get airborne in Tasmania with the Light Aircraft Introductory Training Flight in Launceston, see the capital from above with Learn to Fly a Helicopter over Canberra, or head out to regional New South Wales for the Trial Instructional Flight in Narromine.

Types of Flying Lessons

Learn to fly a plane

If learning to fly a plane is top of the list, you'll find lessons across a range of aircraft, from light aircraft to sling sport planes, each one designed to get you handling the controls quickly.

Helicopter flying lessons

Take the pilot's seat in a helicopter with one of our hands-on lessons, running in locations from Sydney and the Hunter Valley to Brisbane, the Illawarra and Perth.

Pilot lessons

Training towards a licence? Some RedBalloon flying lessons can be logged towards pilot training hours, so check the individual product listing before you book.

Looking for other flying experiences?

If flying lessons aren't quite the fit, there's plenty more in the sky. Try our flight simulator experiences for a lower-altitude thrill, book a scenic flight for the views without the training, or go vintage with a tiger moth ride. Our helicopter flights and aerobatic flights are worth a look too, and for something a little different, our best-selling hot air ballooning, skydiving and paragliding categories are some of the most gifted experiences on RedBalloon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do flying lessons cost?

Pricing varies by aircraft type, duration and location, so it's best to check each individual listing for current pricing. Options range from short 30 minute introductory flights to full day pilot training starter packages, such as the Recreational Aircraft Pilot Training 1 Day Starter Package in Brisbane.

How long does it take to learn to fly?

Earning a full pilot licence typically takes months of ongoing training, but a single flying lesson gives you a genuine, hands-on introduction in under two hours. It's a good way to find out if flying is for you before committing to a longer course.

Can I take flying lessons with no experience?

Yes. Every RedBalloon flying lesson is designed for first timers, with an instructor guiding you through the controls from take-off. The Jandakot Electric Plane Trial Flight is a good example of a beginner-friendly, hands-on lesson with no prior flying required.

What should I expect in my first flying lesson?

Expect a pre-flight briefing, a safety rundown, and then time in the air with an instructor talking you through each manoeuvre. Lessons like the Learn to Fly Discovery Flight with Video in Archerfield include a briefing video beforehand so you know exactly what's coming.

What are the requirements to start flying lessons?

Most introductory flying lessons have no formal requirements beyond a minimum age and weight limit set by the operator, which is listed on each product page. Helicopter options such as the Learn to Fly 30 Minute Helicopter Flight in the Hunter Valley are open to complete beginners.

Do I need a medical certificate for flying lessons?

A one-off introductory flying lesson generally doesn't require a medical certificate, though this can vary by operator and aircraft. If you're working towards how to become a pilot with an actual licence, a medical certificate becomes a requirement further down the track. Lessons like the Learn To Fly An R44 Helicopter in Jandakot are a good way to test the waters first.