Trainee pilot reaches for the sky in new documentary

A trainee pilot from Horsham will star in a documentary being filmed at Sussex Flying Club in Shoreham.
Beth MoranBeth Moran
Beth Moran

Beth Moran, 20, a former Collyer’s pupil, is training for her Private Pilot Licence while being filmed by Fact Not Fiction Films.

Beth said: “While it’s always something I’ve wanted to try, I never expected that I would learn to fly or that I would even get the chance to. It’s so exciting; I received a trial flight lesson in December as a Christmas gift, took that lesson and absolutely loved it.

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“I’m hoping this film will inspire other people to learn to fly and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

The documentary, entitled Learning to Fly, will follow Beth Moran on her journey and will record the highs and lows of someone learning a whole new skillset.

Former BA captain Tristan Loraine, of Fact Not Fiction Films, is the documentary director.

“Flying is a really exciting hobby and can be as real as it gets,” he said.

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“There are few things that can compare to the excitement of being a pilot and seeing the world from above. This film will really get inside the head of someone entering the unknown and pushing themselves to learn new skills.

“Beth will have to deal with new challenges on a daily basis and we will be able to capture what promises to be an exciting journey.”

The course consists of 45 hours of flight training, which is a minimum requirement set out by the Civil Aviation Authority, nine exams that all demand a 75 per cent pass mark, and finally a flying test.

All of this will happen with the Sussex Flying Club, based at Brighton City Airport, Shoreham, which recently featured in the BBC Film ‘The Woman in Gold’ starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds.

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A Brighton City Airport representative said: “This documentary will be great for showing what goes on at the airport. We have a range of activities here including a leading commercial pilot training school and various businesses but our focus is mainly on business and general aviation.

“With lots of smaller regional airports closing, we want Brighton City Airport to continue to thrive; we are one of the busiest airports in the UK in terms of movements and we want the airport to remain as an airport, first and foremost.”

Beth had her trial lesson in December 2015, and began her training earlier in March this year.

People taking the course generally use a Cessna 152, and convert to a larger Piper Warrior once they have their PPL.

However, Beth will be learning in the Piper Warrior.

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“The Piper is definitely more powerful but any concerns I had at the start soon disappeared,” she said.

“The instructors are very experienced. I completely trust the aircraft and all its equipment.

“I would really recommend, to anyone who has considered learning to fly, to have a trial lesson and watch the documentary so they can see if it’s a hobby or career they want to pursue.”

The Learning to Fly documentary will be completed later this year, and is also being supported by Pooleys Flight Equipment, Garmin, BOSE, Glider FX and Centreline Aviation Medical Services.

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More information on the film, regular video updates and details on how to learn to fly can be found on the Sussex Flying Club website and social media at:

@BethPilot

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