• About me
  • Advertising/PR
  • Links

Beyond Blighty

Adventure Travel Exposed

  • Beyond Blighty’s Top Travel Destinations
  • Adventure
  • Scuba Diving
  • Responsible Tourism
  • Wildlife
  • Gear
  • Tips

Learn to Fly a Stunt Plane in Abel Tasman

August 9, 2013 by Arianwen Morris 58 Comments

Note to reader: Don’t miss the video at the end of this post. It documents the most ridiculous, fear-inducing and totally insane thing I’ve ever done!

My trip to New Zealand was all about conquering my fears. As anyone who’s ever had the misfortune of sitting next to me on a commercial jet will testify, my biggest fear is heights. I do not deal well with being up in the air, especially in a metal cage that defies gravity.

So, you can imagine how I felt when I discovered it was possible to learn to fly a stunt plane in Abel Tasman.

I read and re-read the website, disbelieving that there was actually a company out there willing to take a nervous flyer with absolutely no previous piloting experience up to 5000 feet and then hand over control of the joystick! I hadn’t been seeing things. With a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, I realised I was going to have to add flying a stunt plane to my #ScaredBritless itinerary.

MEETING MY RIDE

Learn to Fly a stunt plane in Abel Tasman - the ride

I was feeling sleep deprived and petrified when Vincent from U-Fly Extreme came to pick me up from my hostel. As we approached Motueka airfield, I had to swallow hard to force the nausea back down my gut. Was I really about to do this?

When we entered the hangar, Vincent set about giving me a brief training session.

A BRIEF LESSON IN FLYING

Learn to Fly a stunt plane in Abel Tasman - a quick lesson

Vincent used a small, wooden toy plane to demonstrate the twists and turns we’d be doing, and made me feel at ease by explaining that it’s a lot easier and safer to teach someone to fly a plane than to drive a car. ‘Think of how a boat still floats when you stop steering it,’ he said. ‘A plane will still fly if you let go of the joystick.’

Feeling a little more relaxed, I followed him over to the shiny red Pitts Special S2A. He showed me the controls and, trying not to think about what the next 20 minutes would entail, I climbed into the front seat!

TAKING OFF

Learn to Fly a stunt plane in Abel Tasman - ready!

Vincent started up the plane, checked our microphones and harnesses were functioning and then hit the runway! Minutes later we were airborne and the dreaded moment was upon me.

‘You have control,’ he said. ‘Pull the joystick left and right a bit to get a feel for how the plane flies.’

FLYING AN ACTUAL PLANE!

Learn to Fly a Stunt Plane in Abel Tasman - going up!

I gave it a go and, sure enough, it wasn’t difficult at all. I might even have relaxed if Vincent hadn’t told me it was time to start the aerobatics!

During the course of a 15-minute flight, he had me rolling, looping and flying figure 8s. I kid you not, I did more loops than the world’s loopiest rollercoaster, and he was ‘so impressed’ (his words, not mine), that he let me do a reverse figure 8 as well!

Then, after a brief spin with Vincent back in control, he landed the plane.

VICTORIOUS

You can definitely tell from my post-flight photo that I was totally buzzing following the experience. Unlike some high-adrenaline activities that leave me feeling shaken up and tired, this was an absolute thrill from start to finish.

Learn to Fly a Stunt Plane in Abel Tasman - me and my plane

AWARD

If it weren’t enough to have the experience to remember for the rest of my life, I also came away with an award to prove to all the doubters that I had actually flown a plane.

Learn to Fly a Stunt Plane in Abel Tasman - my certificate

MOVIE MONTAGE

Of course, there’s also the video evidence! —>

If you’re in New Zealand and looking to try something totally unique and exhilarating, you can’t beat U-Fly Extreme. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one you can definitely feel proud writing home about.

GETTING THERE

NELSON

Intercity Buses provide services to Nelson from Picton (just over 2 hours). For travel from the north island, you can book the InterIslander Ferry (3.5 hours from Wellington to Picton). If you’re coming from the south, there are buses from the following popular destinations (rough times in brackets): Kaikoura (4 hours); Christchurch (7 hours); Westport (4 hours); Greymouth (6 hours). Use the tool below to search for specific journeys or click through to Intercity’s main page for more information on multi-journey discounts and activities.

                                                          

MOTUEKA

You might decide to base yourself in Nelson for the whole of your stay in the region, but if you plan to do a few activities further west, you’ll save time and money by spending a night or two in Motueka. A single journey between Nelson and Motueka typically costs about NZ$15. The public bus options are limited, generally heading west early in the morning and east in the late afternoon. Book your buses in advance at the tourist centre in Nelson or ask your accommodation for advice. Alternatively, you might be able to wangle a transfer with one of the local tour operators. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

Once in Motueka, U-Fly Extreme will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airfield. If you’re feeling doubly brave, the Abel Tasman Skydive office is right next door!

WHERE TO STAY

NELSON

I spent a few wonderfully cosy nights at Tasman Bay Backpackers and it was one of my favourite hostels in New Zealand. The social area has a roaring fire to keep you warm in the winter evenings and there were hot water bottles scattered around too. The hairdryer in one of the bathrooms was a welcome extra, but the biggest bonus was the free chocolate pudding and ice cream every evening! Tasman Bay really goes out of its way to welcome guests and I can’t imagine there’s a better place to stay in Nelson.

MOTUEKA

The Laughing Kiwi hostel has a great reputation. I spent two nights there. The kitchen and social areas are huge and comfortable, and the rooms spacious. They have free internet and even a heated spa pool!

–

My flight with U-Fly Extreme was sponsored by Nelson Tasman Tourism. They did not request that I write a favourable review and any opinions expressed here are my own.

You can follow my Kiwi adventures on Twitter via the hashtag #ScaredBritless or check out my Facebook updates here. For more information about travelling in New Zealand, visit 100% Pure New Zealand.

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    August 9, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    OMG, this is totally awesome! I love that they gave you a video and awesome photos too. Looks like SO much fun!
    Jennifer recently posted..Pula ArenaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 9, 2013 at 10:54 pm

      It’s the best! I should point out that I edited this video myself using their footage and the video they provided of me. They do offer the option of putting one together for you though. The photos are a combination of my regular camera and stills taken from the video they provided and my own GoPro, which was attached to the wing of the plane!

      Reply
  2. Toni says

    August 9, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    HOLY CRAP! This looks like the best experience EVER and well done on the video hun; it makes your feat look so much more impressive!
    This is DEFINITELY going on my bucket list for NZ!!!! So exciting :)
    Toni recently posted..A letter to my homeless fatherMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 9, 2013 at 10:57 pm

      Thanks! It was the best! Hands down! I made the video on my friend’s computer. Now I really want to get some professional video editing software!

      Reply
  3. Shay says

    August 9, 2013 at 9:21 pm

    I was lucky enough to do this myself about 18 months ago… Truly the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had! Would love to go back to NZ just for another lesson!

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 9, 2013 at 10:58 pm

      Yes, me too! It’s very addictive isn’t it?! I’d love to go again one day!

      Reply
    • Vincent says

      September 19, 2013 at 7:31 am

      hi Shay.. wow, small world.. and we’d love to have you come back for lesson #2 .. Ari.. you too :)

      Reply
  4. Charlotte says

    August 10, 2013 at 4:01 am

    Wow it’s insane that this exists! But I can’t say I’m that surprised, New Zealanders did invent bungy jumping for the sole purpose of creating a scary activity. My tour group in NZ was talking about how skydiving is actually a useful thing, for the military and stuff, but bungy jumping has no purpose except to raise adrenaline levels. I went bungy jumping which was pretty scary, but the Canyon Swing in Queenstown looked even scarier!
    Charlotte recently posted..My First Month of Travel BloggingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 10, 2013 at 10:03 am

      It really is insane. I couldn’t believe it existed and then I couldn’t believe I was actually doing it! New Zealand is the place to test your limits though, as you say. I think the bungy jumping was the scariest thing I did. It’s just so unnatural to jump off a ledge head first!

      Reply
  5. memographer says

    August 11, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Unbelievable and awesome! The photo “Gaining height in preparation for some crazy manoeuvres!” should be your gravatar ;) And, yes, those crocks sandals are just perfect ;) all pilots should wear them!
    memographer recently posted..Thai Buddhist Art: The Mural in The Grand PalaceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 2:27 am

      Haha. I’m using one of those photos as my Facebook profile picture already :)

      Reply
  6. TammyOnTheMove says

    August 12, 2013 at 4:53 am

    OMG, this is awesome. Out of all of your NZ adventures, this is definitely the coolest. I can’t believe they let you fly a looping. So cool!
    TammyOnTheMove recently posted..The ups and downs of work field trips to rural CambodiaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 5:26 am

      It really is cool! Not only was it one of the most extreme, but it definitely has the wow factor because it’s totally unique. I’d recommend this to everyone!

      Reply
  7. Julika says

    August 12, 2013 at 7:12 am

    This is insane!! You’re so brave! Kudos for going against your fears and daring to do this!
    Julika recently posted..A Walk Around Berlin’s Famous SightsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 8:05 am

      Thanks! I couldn’t not do it after I saw it was a possibility! Once you’re up there, it’s not as scary as you’d think. That has a lot to do with Vincent. He’s a great teacher!

      Reply
  8. Becky Padmore says

    August 12, 2013 at 9:19 am

    Wow what a totally awesome thing to achieve (I was scared just watching the video ha ha!)!
    Becky Padmore recently posted..The Nordic food revolution: Culinary Academy of Sweden 2013My Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 9:30 am

      Thanks! Yeah, I almost had a heart attack when I saw the promotional video on their website! :)

      Reply
  9. Nick(theboywander) says

    August 12, 2013 at 9:44 am

    That looks like the most insane thing ever! I’m currently writing a blog post on a list of things I want to do and I think that video convinced me to add this to it too.
    Thanks!
    Nick(theboywander) recently posted..Why Travel Solo?My Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 9:48 am

      Awesome! I’m glad to have been influential! It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done. You won’t regret it :)

      Reply
    • Vincent says

      September 19, 2013 at 7:06 am

      We look forward to meeting you Nick.. :)

      Reply
  10. Charley M says

    August 12, 2013 at 10:13 am

    This is amazing! Can’t believe this sort of experience exists! Really enjoying your #ScaredBritless posts, so keep ’em coming. You might even be inspiring me to get a grip on my fears too..
    Charley M recently posted..Enjoying a London summer with Tea IndiaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 10:16 am

      Thanks! I think it’s a good idea to face your fears. My new one is the spiders in Australia. I’ve heard you see more in the summer and I’m nervous already!!

      Reply
    • Vincent says

      September 19, 2013 at 7:05 am

      hi Charley,, so, just so you know, this really is just a flying lesson, but instead of being in a low powered little training plane.. you are in a high performance trainer, capable of pretty insane aerobatics. We never make anyone do anything aerobatic, that is their choice, but it really is a lot simpler than you might expect. We love sharing that revelation with folks.. Flying a plane is simple, and aerobatics are not difficult either. :)

      Reply
  11. Holly says

    August 12, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Wow – you are SO brave! This part of NZ is so amazing though.
    And loving the #ScaredBritless hashtag – ingenious!
    Holly recently posted..A Lazy Girl’s Guide to Munro BaggingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 10:54 am

      Thank you! It’s amazing how much there is on offer in NZ. I was exhausted by the time I left! :)

      Reply
  12. Hogga says

    August 12, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    so jealous!
    Hogga recently posted..My Friend Made a Travel BookMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 12, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      I don’t blame you! It was bloody brilliant ;)

      Reply
  13. Helen says

    August 12, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    You are BONKERS! I love it!!!! So brave, you are my hero! :) x
    Helen recently posted..Sunset Cruise in Livingstone, Zambia: Rolling on the Zambezi RiverMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Helen says

    August 12, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    Just watched the video. My heart was in my mouth the whole time! Argh! x
    Helen recently posted..Sunset Cruise in Livingstone, Zambia: Rolling on the Zambezi RiverMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 13, 2013 at 1:14 am

      It’s not quite so scary when you’re up there because you’re focusing on Vincent’s instructions. But I was relieved when we landed and I knew I’d made it!

      Reply
      • Vincent says

        September 19, 2013 at 7:01 am

        Ari!!!! “…I knew I’d made it!” hehe.. rest assured we always insist that whoever flies with us, does also return with us to land!!! always better that way :)

        Reply
  15. Marisol@TravelingSolemates says

    August 13, 2013 at 12:52 am

    Ariawen, you totally rock, girl!!! You could have fooled me that you have fear of heights. You’re extremely brave to conquer your fear. What an awesome experience.
    Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Jordan: Along the Highway of Great HistoryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 13, 2013 at 1:16 am

      Awwww, thanks! I thought by the end of this trip I’d have done enough crazy things to actually get over my fear of heights but I’m still just as scared every time I do another silly activity!

      Reply
    • Vincent says

      September 19, 2013 at 6:59 am

      yes, in fact it is quite often that people fly with us who let us know that a fear of heights or even of flying is a fact of life for them.. they always impress us. love flying with them.

      Reply
  16. Ayngelina says

    August 13, 2013 at 1:30 am

    Amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!
    Ayngelina recently posted..Not really a whale of a taleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 13, 2013 at 1:35 am

      No problem! Are you tempted?! ;)

      Reply
  17. Mike says

    August 13, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    This is awesome, Arianwen! What a total blast! My dad was a aerobatic pilot as a fun hobby on the side…thanks for the great memory flashback for me :)

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 14, 2013 at 6:33 am

      Wow, that’s one cool fun hobby!! Have you ever tried it yourself?

      Reply
  18. Marcia says

    August 15, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    OMG, you ROCK! What a cool thing to do.
    Guess a plane ride will be a cinch now, right?
    Marcia recently posted..Jamaica Board Signs, IMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 16, 2013 at 5:21 am

      Haha. Thanks! I still get nervous on planes, unfortunately!

      Reply
  19. Jess says

    August 20, 2013 at 4:27 am

    I can’t believe they let people do that!

    You look like a totally cool professional pilot with those goggles and the cap. Or, at least, that’s how I imagine professional pilots should look. They usually disappoint me.
    Jess recently posted..Sod, Sod, and More Sod – Archaeology in the Alaskan tundra.My Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 20, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      Haha. Shame I ruined my ‘cool’ appearance with all the high-pitched girly screaming!

      Reply
    • Vincent says

      September 19, 2013 at 6:56 am

      hi Jess, actually, it really is just a flying lesson, but happens to be in a high perormance classic aircraft instead of an underpowered training one :)

      Reply
  20. jill says

    August 28, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    How really cool is that? I’d love to try this… Is vomit bag included? :)
    jill recently posted..Selected Stories and Pictures from Climbing BugaboosMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 29, 2013 at 2:43 am

      I have a feeling there might have been a vomit bag. Vincent is very good at asking if you’re ok. He says it on a regular basis and you have to shout back that you’re happy. He’ll take silence as a no and bring you straight back to land. I think most people just have the time of their lives and scream a lot! :)

      Reply
    • Vincent says

      September 19, 2013 at 6:54 am

      hi Jill, yes a bag is there should it be needed, but only about 3% actually do.. we try our hardest to have people just fly, and not have motion sickness affect them.. it is a lot more fun that way :)

      Reply
  21. Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad says

    July 23, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    I so wish I had done this!!! I actually found out about it through this post and had it on my list for years! Unfortunately I ended up doing NZ on a tight budget (not ideal for a place like that!) but if/when I go back this is number one on my list!

    (as an aside I also did the Wanaka sky dive, think we both picked a winning location for that one! Incredible!)
    Clazz – An Orcadian Abroad recently posted..A Day Trip To Mount Sunday: Discovering EdorasMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      Haha. The skydive in Wanaka was amazing. Such beautiful scenery. I still think flying that plane is one of the craziest things I’ve ever done, but skydiving isn’t far behind. Definitely give it a go next time you’re there!

      Reply
  22. Russell says

    January 15, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    Excellent post and LOVE the video! What an experience! You must have felt like a million bucks when you landed! Amazing effort!

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      January 15, 2017 at 11:35 pm

      It’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever done! I still watch that video back and can’t believe it’s me!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Search Beyond Blighty

TOP DESTINATIONS

001 Argentina 001 Australia.jpg Belize Posts 001 Bolivia.jpg 001 Brazil cambodia 1 001 Chile 001 Colombia 001 Costa Rica 001 Ecuador Stockholm1 001 Guatemala INDONESIA Laos 001 Mexico.jpg 001 New Zealand 001 Peru Philippines SINGAPORE SPAIN 001 Tanzania 001 Thailand Vietnam Posts

WHO’S BEHIND IT ALL?

About Beyond Blighty

GET THE NEWSLETTER

AWARDS

Blog_badge_Badge4_Most Fearless
Top Travel Blogs 2016

As Seen On…

Adventure

Adventure Posts

Wildlife

Wildlife Posts

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving Posts

Copyright © 2021 · Beyond Blighty