What happens during a ULM maiden flight? Everything you need to know before taking off

Have you always dreamed of seeing the world from above, skimming the clouds and soaring over the landscapes of the Lille region? A ULM maiden flight is undoubtedly the most accessible way to make that dream a reality — no pilot’s licence, no prior experience, from the age of 10.

At Aliz’Air, we welcome dozens of passengers each year for their first flight. Here is, step by step, how this adventure unfolds.

1. Booking: simple and stress-free

It all starts online. In a few clicks on our website, you choose the package that suits you:

• Discovery Flight (from €80): a scenic aerial tour to discover the landscapes from the sky
• Introductory Flight (from €110): you take the controls for a few minutes during the flight
• Prestige Flight (from €160): the complete flight with souvenir photos included
• Duo Flight (from €170): two microlights take off together, ideal for sharing the adventure as a pair

Once your order is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation email. Your reservation is valid for one year: you have plenty of time to contact us to choose your date.

2. Getting in touch and weather: we adapt to nature

Flying a microlight means flying freely — but always safely. Weather therefore plays a central role.

As soon as you receive your booking confirmation, you can call us whenever you wish to reserve your flight slot. On the day itself, before leaving home, a final call lets you confirm the flight is going ahead. If weather conditions are unfavourable, no need to worry: the flight is rescheduled at no extra cost, on a date that suits you.

3. Arrival at the Herlies microlight airfield

Welcome to the Herlies ULM airfield LF5930, a few minutes from Lille, Lens and Béthune. This is where it all truly begins.

On arrival, your instructor-pilot greets you and introduces you to the microlight. You get up close to the aircraft: its wing, its lightweight frame, its engine. This is often when the first questions start flying — and that’s perfectly normal!

No technical knowledge is needed: your pilot explains everything in simple terms. Their role is also to put you at ease even before you take off.

4. Getting dressed and the safety briefing

Before boarding, a few essential preparations:

• Clothing: comfortable clothes appropriate for the season (a windbreaker recommended even in summer, gloves in winter). Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
• Personal belongings: smartphones, cameras and unsecured items stay on the ground for safety reasons. Don’t worry — we offer a photo pack so you can leave with great memories!
• Briefing: your pilot explains the basic gestures, how to settle into the aircraft, and the essential instructions. This takes a few minutes and takes place in a relaxed atmosphere.

5. Take-off: the magical moment

Off we go. The microlight taxis along the runway, the engine builds up power, and within seconds… you leave the ground.

The sensation is unique: smoother than you imagine, almost silent. No vertigo — vertigo is a sensation that occurs when your feet are on the ground, not in the air. In flight, freedom and serenity take over.

From the air, you soar over the landscapes of the Nord region: the plains, the villages, the canals.

6. In flight: depending on your package

• Discovery Flight: you enjoy the scenery, your pilot narrates what you see. Ideal for a gentle first experience.
• Introductory Flight: at some point during the flight, your pilot hands you the controls. You actually guide the microlight — an unforgettable experience.
• Prestige Flight: the complete package with in-flight photos included so you leave with the memory in your pocket.
• Duo Flight: two microlights fly side by side. You share the same sky, the same landscapes, at the same moment — perfect for an experience as a pair.

7. Landing and after the flight

The return to earth is gentle. Once landed, smiles often say more than words.

It’s the moment to chat with your pilot, ask all the questions that came to mind during the flight, and why not… think about what comes next. Many passengers leave with the desire to go further and begin ULM training.

ULM maiden flight: who is it for?

• From 10 years old (with downloadable parental authorisation available on our website — see our FAQ)
• Up to 90 kg for performance and safety reasons
• No particular physical condition required
• Ideal as a gift: our gift card is valid for 1 year

Ready to take off?

At Aliz’Air, we are passionate about sharing the freedom that microlight flying brings. Every maiden flight is a unique adventure, adapted to your pace and your wishes.

👉 Book your ULM maiden flight now and discover the landscapes of the Nord region as you have never seen them before.

Aliz’Air — Herlies Microlight Airfield, near Lille — 📞 07 68 47 80 68