Skip to content
Portal Aviation
Aerial view of Rochester Airport, its grass runways and parked light aircraft

See Kent from the pilot's seat.

Trial flying lessons and experience flights with qualified pilots and instructors. No experience needed, just a sense of adventure.

Visit the shopBuy a gift voucher

Why fly with Portal Aviation

  • Qualified pilots

    Flown by experienced, qualified pilots, with an instructor for every lesson.

  • No experience needed

    A full briefing on the ground means you will feel at home before you leave it.

  • Spectacular views

    Fly over the Medway, the North Downs and the Kent countryside.

  • The perfect gift

    Gift vouchers for every experience, or for any amount.

Choose your flight

Whether it is a first taste of flying or a real lesson at the controls, every experience is available in each of our aircraft. All prices include VAT.

Instrument panel and control yoke of our Cessna 172, G-WACW

30-Minute Experience Flight

A relaxed half-hour flight over Kent with a qualified pilot. Sit back and enjoy the view.

  • Night flights October to February
  • Bring 1 passenger in the Cessna 172
  • Cessna 152: 90 kg max
From £175Find out more about the 30-Minute Experience Flight
Hands on the controls of a light aircraft, looking over the instrument panel in flight

60-Minute Trial Lesson

A 60 minute flight with an instructor where you get hands-on at the controls: your first proper flying lesson and a genuine introduction to how an aeroplane flies.

  • Minimum age 14
  • Bring 1 passenger in the Cessna 172
  • Cessna 152: 90 kg max
From £300Find out more about the 60-Minute Trial Lesson

Everything in one shop

Experiences, self hire, starter packs and gift vouchers, all with prices.

Visit the shop

Give the gift of flight

A flying experience is a gift people never forget. Choose a specific flight or a monetary amount, and the lucky recipient books a date that suits them.

View gift vouchers
A navy Portal Aviation gift voucher card in front of the hangar and control tower at Rochester Airport

Well-kept aircraft, ready to fly

Meet the fleet
Cessna 152 two-seat training aircraft

Cessna 152

The classic training aeroplane. Light, responsive and forgiving: the perfect place to take the controls for the first time, side by side with your instructor.

Our blue and white Cessna 172, G-WACW, parked on the grass at Rochester Airport

Cessna 172

The most popular light aircraft ever built. Roomy, stable and smooth, with space in the back for a friend or family member to share the flight.

SLA 100 Executive lightweight aircraft parked on a grass airfieldComing soon

SLA 100 Lightweight

Details coming soon.

Become a member

Members enjoy discounted experiences, access to aircraft hire, priority bookings, and socials and events at Rochester Airport.

Explore membership

Based at Rochester Airport (EGTO)

A friendly, historic airfield on the edge of the Kent Downs, just minutes from the M2 and the Medway towns.

Rochester Airport, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9SD

About the airport

Ready to take to the skies?

Get in touch to book your flight, ask a question or buy a gift voucher. We are always happy to chat.

Make an enquiryVisit the shop