Starting up his new business New England Aviation Flight Training School right before the pandemic took off has led to a turbulent year for Chad Summers, but he's not letting COVID keep him on the ground.

From young plane enthusiasts wanting a license, to grandmas crossing off bucket list items, Mr Summers has instructed all kinds of people around the skies above Tamworth in his aircrafts, during the first few months since his business took off.

"I've never experienced a person that didn't like it, some were a little apprehensive or a bit nervous, but once you get back you can't wipe the grin off their face most of the time," he said.

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"It helps to try and take the stigma away that aviation is unaffordable, or that it's dangerous."

A 'trial flight' is an initiative the training school runs, to give people a taste of being high in the sky and in control of a plane, before committing to a more intensive program.

"You can be in control as much as you like or you can sit back and watch, and we talk them through," Mr Summers said.

"Some people want to take off, they want to fly it around and they want to land it, and some people want to sit back and take a look around and take some photos and videos."

COVID has been a challenge for industries everywhere, and Mr Summers has launched a first-time promotion for locals.

The ex-military pilot knows the best way to make people fall in love with flying is to get them up in the sky. Anyone can enter a competition the company is running for a free trial flight, for a chance to take the gear stick.

Details are on the New England Aviation Flight Training School Facebook page, and entries are open until October 2.

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