I can see my house from here (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

I can see my house from here

Jenni Silver takes a trip around the Cotswold Countryside... at 3,000 feet.

Imagine soaring high above the Cotswolds: the Severn bridges shine in the distance, glittering on the water as you climb upwards. Valleys, lakes and forests which are secret on the ground roll into view on a patchwork of green beneath you.

Taking a tour of the area from the air turns perspective on its head as you explore the familiar landscape from new angle in a private plane.

And this experience is nearer than you might think, as Kemble-based BCT Aviation's pleasure flights are opening up the skies for everyone.

When the three Bobs, Brown Campbell and Tomlinson, set up their engineering enterprise in 1996 they had bigger things in mind.

Over the years BCT has evolved and now after three years at Kemble Airfield they can make flights of fancy into reality.

Pawl Shanley describes the company's 'can do' attitude as the key aspect of the pleasure flights.

"You can go where you want to go, you can come up with your own destinations. There's nothing we can't do, we can make anything happen it's just a case of money and time."

BCT run a series of set aerial tours across the Cotswolds and beyond which take in familiar landmarks such as Highgrove house, Thornbury Castle and even Stonehenge.

But, as Pawl points out, the pleasure in the pleasure flight can be all yours; packages can be tailored to suit any whim or desire.

"You get to see some of the sights which you don't get to see on the ground."

Once you take off, it takes a few minutes to get your bearings but then it becomes an exhilarating experience, cruising up above the traffic and the towns below.

The flight is surprisingly smooth and the experienced, friendly pilots will happily point out where you are as you cruise the skies.

And now with their A-to-B license BCT can take the aerial pleasure flights one step further.

The Cote d'Azure, Southern Spain and the Scottish Highlands are all just a few hours away from Kemble, ideal for last minute weekends away, longer breaks or business trips.

And of course you cut out all the hassles which normally go with holiday flights; no queues, no check-in, no bother, just get in and go where you want.

As Pawl says: "There's a great deal of prestige in taking your girlfriend down to France for the weekend in your own private chartered aircraft, it looks great."

The airfield's close proximity to Kemble Station also means London is within easy reach for commuters jetting in from homes abroad.

Whether it's for a one off treat or a regular commute, the A-to-B license opens up a whole new range of possibilities for pleasure and business travel from the Cotswolds.

For more information on pleasure flights and charter work call BCT on 01285 771015 or visit www.bctair.com