Motorglider flight over Jurassic Coast: Handle the controls

Fly the Jurassic Coast from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, with instruction from a qualified pilot

A one-hour motorglider flight along the South Coast where you handle the controls under instruction from a qualified flying instructor. The aircraft is quiet and stable, built to glide efficiently, and offers unobstructed views for photography. Pre-flight briefing is included. Children from age 8 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Motorglider flight over Jurassic Coast

• Route over Ex Estuary to Exmouth
• Fly east along coast towards Sidmouth
• See Sidmouth beach and Jacobs Ladder
• Fly along coastal walk between Branscombe and Beer
• View chalk cliffs to Beers shingle beach and Seaton
• See Seaton town and fishing harbour
• View Lyme Regis beach and Cobb marina
• Turn northwest and head inland

The Experience

You'll fly in a motorglider. An aircraft designed to be both extremely safe and nearly silent in the air. The long wings let it glide efficiently without the engine, and the cabin offers unrivalled visibility: you can photograph the cliffs, beaches and landmarks below without reflections or obstruction. The route takes you east from Exmouth along the coast, passing Sidmouth and Jacob's Ladder, then follows the coastal walk between Branscombe and Beer before reaching the chalk cliffs and shingle beach near Seaton. From there you'll see Lyme Regis and its famous Cobb marina before turning inland to return.

Your pilot is a fully qualified flying instructor, so the flight includes tuition on handling the controls if you want it. You can take the controls yourself and, if you're comfortable doing so, fly the aircraft back toward the airfield. The pre-flight briefing prepares you for what to expect, and you'll have a full hour to absorb the coastline, ask questions and practice if you choose to.

What’s included

• Pre-flight briefing.
• option to receive flying instruction and handle the controls during the flight.
• one hour of flight time with a qualified instructor pilot.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Southwest Motor Gliders

Is this one for you?The flight departs from a South Coast airfield, so you'll need transport to reach it or be staying nearby. If you're without a car, confirm the pickup location and travel options when you book. The one-hour duration fits easily into a day exploring the coast, with time before or after for other stops.

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Top questions

Can I actually fly the motorglider myself during the flight?

Yes. Your pilot is a qualified flying instructor and will teach you how to handle the controls. You can fly the aircraft yourself during the trip, and if you're willing, you may fly it back toward the airfield, though the pilot remains in command at all times.

What exactly will I see flying along the South Coast?

The route covers the Ex Estuary near Exmouth, Sidmouth's pebbled beach and Jacob's Ladder, the coastal walk between Branscombe and Beer, the chalk cliffs near Seaton, and Lyme Regis with its sandy beach and Cobb marina. The flight then turns inland to return to the airfield.

Is the motorglider safe to fly in?

Motorgliders are extremely safe aircraft by design. Their long wings allow them to glide very efficiently without the engine running, and the cabin is both quiet and comfortable, which also makes them stable in the air.

What's included before the flight?

A pre-flight briefing prepares you for the experience. If you want flying instruction, your pilot will cover the basics of handling the controls during the flight itself.

Can children go on this flight?

Children are welcome from age 8 onwards, provided they meet the weight requirements.