FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Who is eligible for a free flight ?
Less than 6% of pilots are women. Girls Take Flight is a special program intended to improve the gender imbalance.
Females aged 8 and older, who have never, ever flown in a small aircraft before may register for a free flight. Each participant needs to be registered individually.
Why can't I fly if I have previously flown in a small aircraft?
We have a limited capacity and we want to give this flight experience to girls who have never before had the opportunity. Please do not register if you have ever before flown in a small aircraft (passenger jets are ok).
Can I Take A Flight Without Registering In Advance ?
Sorry, no. Flights are offered only to those who have registered in advance and have signed the liability waiver.
We cannot process new registrations on the day of the event.
How do I register for a free flight ?
This online registration system is the only way to register for a free flight.
A highlighted line under the header will indicate if registration has not yet opened, is full, or has closed.
If registrations are being accepted, a large pink button "Click Here To Register To Fly" will appear.
Can girls under 8 years old fly ?
Sorry, no. This program is intended for older children who can better appreciate the experience. There are a number of reasons for this, including a lack of child seats, high windows sills, headsets too large to fit and a young child's lack of ability to follow instructions during an emergency.
Can girls under 12 years old fly ?
Yes, girls who are at least 8 years old may fly.
Proof of age may be required upon arrival.
Girls under 12 years old may be accompanied by an adult, who must also register in advance.
Can I still get a flight if registration is full ?
Keep checking the website. We often get late cancellations. Registration will close 36 hours before the event.
Sorry, we cannot process new registrations on the day of the event.
Can I be put on the waiting list ?
Sorry, no, we do not maintain a waiting list. You must have registered in advance to fly.
Please continue to monitor the website in case time slots become available due to cancellations.
If you are considering getting your pilot′s license, you could purchase an introductory flight lesson from the Rockcliffe Flying Club (RFC). If you just wish to go for a short flight, both the Museum and RFC also offer local sight-seeing flights for a fee.
Is there a weight restriction for passengers?
There is no weight restriction, but there is a weight limit for each airplane. We ask for your weight when we issue your boarding card at the event. When we are assembling a group of passengers for a particular flight, we add up the weights of the passengers to make sure the total does not exceed that aircraft's limit. So, for example, if you weigh 200 pounds, we might need to put you with 2 lighter people, so the total passenger weight does not exceed about 450 pounds. There is a different limit for each aircraft, depending on its capability, fuel on board and the weight of the pilot.
Can males attend the event?
Boys and men are welcome to accompany participants on the ground, but the free flights are intended specifically for girls and women. By exception, a single male parent may accompany an eligible female child under 12. Please contact the organizers.
Please note that other aviation groups such as COPA and the EAA occasionally offer free flights for boys and girls.
Is the event cancelled if it rains ?
Precipitation, low cloud and wind may all be reasons to postpone or cancel the event. We cannot guarantee you a flight. Depending on the weather, we may be able to fly for part of the day.
We have a rain date scheduled the following day, on Sunday. If the weather is sufficient, we will continue flying then.
Check this web site for an announcement before coming to the museum.
Can I fly together with my group ?
Many aircraft carry a pilot and three passengers. We try to group passengers so you fly together, but it isn′t always possible. Each of you must be individually registered.
Can I bring my pet to the event?
No. The event is not suitable for pets. Also, you must not tie up your pet outside the building.
Service animals are permitted, however, please consider the effect high levels of noise and wind generated by running aircraft might have on your animal. If you have registered for a free flight, please contact us to provide details, so we can determine if you can be accomodated, since aircraft interiors are smaller than automobiles and much harder to get into.
Do we need to pay for anything ?
There is no cost for your flight, which is generously provided by volunteer pilots, ground volunteers and our sponsors.
If you wish to show your thanks by making a donation to help us cover our expenses, it will be appreciated.
The museum provides free admission for participants, and one escort for children who are participating. The museum charges admission for all other visitors, and charges for parking.
Still have a question ?
We receive numerous emails leading up to the event, most of which are answered on our web site. Please take another look.
If you still have a question, please email us. If your question is not answered on our web site, our volunteers will endeavour to respond within 48 hours. Please check your spam folder !
