OUTDOORSINKENT
Another brilliant way to see Kent ’ s countryside from above is by microlight . Into The Blue offers a 30- or 60-minute experience flying out of Rochester Airport and over the Isle of Sheppey looking towards the stunning coastal stretches of Whitstable and Herne Bay . Partakers will get to sit in tandem with the pilot and learn how to control the aircraft using the triangular control bar . Then your instructor will take you up to a height of around 2,000 feet at speeds of 50-60 mph , before receiving your souvenir flight certificate at the end of your experience . Microlighting is not to be confused with gliding , which can be experienced at Kent Gliding Centre . The airfield at Challock , established in 1963 , is set in beautiful countryside on top of the North Downs . This location , which the club owns outright , gives the gliding club access to excellent ‘ thermal soaring ’ as well as ‘ ridge soaring ’ all the way to Rochester when the wind obliges .
The gliding centre offers a Gliding Experience Flight for those that may have never flown before or simply want to have another go . For your flight , you will be with an experienced qualified pilot who will sit in the back of a two seater glider . You , the passenger , will sit in the front . The glider has duplicate controls and instrumentation so you will experience the same as a pilot flying the glider solo , but the experienced pilot will be in command and do most of the flying .
Partakers will , conditions permitting , be offered the chance to control the glider themselves , and so experience being a pilot – safe in the knowledge that they have an experienced pilot guiding them . This part is optional , so those wanting to simply sit and enjoy the flight and stunning scenery can do so . The flight lasts about 15 minutes and afterwards partakers will be presented with a souvenir certificate .
For those looking for a longer experience in the air and wanting to take in as much of Kent ’ s scenery and iconic locations as possible , take a ride with Polar Helicopters . Taking off from Manston or Rochester airports , there are a range of different flights on offer showcasing the best of Kent ’ s countryside and coastline , castles , landmarks , towns and cities . Operating from March to September once a month , the helicopter sightseeing flight is done in a Bell 206 JetRanger helicopter and the group of four passengers can choose from a 10 , 20 , 30 or 40 minute flight duration . Suggested tours include Brands Hatch , which gives you a birds eye view of the racing circuit , Rochester Castle , Rochester Cathedral and the The Historic Dockyard Chatham , QE2 Bridge and Bluewater , which includes these sights as well as the QE2 Bridge , Bluewater Shopping Centre , Eynsford Castle and Lullingstone Castle . The Leeds Castle and Medway Coast is a northwest
Kent tour taking in the major sights of the area including Cooling Castle , Chilston Park , the world renowned Leeds Castle and the county town of Maidstone .
If you were hoping for a gentler way to see Kent by air then look no further than taking a magical trip in a hot air balloon with Kent Ballooning . Established in 1990 , Kent Ballooning is the longest running balloon company in Kent . Chief pilot , Michael , who is also a UK Balloon Pilot Instructor , has been flying in Kent since 1998 and has excellent local knowledge having lived here since 1981 . Michael will be quick to point out various landmarks and places of historical interest . After an experience that needs little explanation in regards to its magnificence , enjoy glasses of Champagne whilst you browse your in-flight photos . Soft drinks are also available , and for ale lovers there is plenty of Spitfire courtesy of balloon sponsors , Shepherd Neame . An excellent passenger safety record , the Spitfire balloon basket was manufactured to Kent Ballooning ’ s own larger specifications including seats for unparalleled comfort and safety during the flight and landing . VIP packages are also available with Kent Ballooning , who say they have witnessed many extra-special marriage proposals in the clouds !
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