TrendVectorAviaiton International, Inc.

Q&A

[Q1] General Questions

Question

Do I need to speak English? Can I book and fly in Japanese?

Answer

All of our procedures can be handled in Japanese. Flight instruction and in-flight commentary are also given in Japanese by our instructors, so please book with confidence. Our phone lines in both Guam and Japan are answered in Japanese as well. English is of course available throughout.

 

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[Q2] General Questions

Question

What is the minimum age?

Answer

The Kids Pilot Course is for children aged 3 up to elementary school age, and a parent or guardian (18 or over) must accompany. On our other introductory flight courses, the person at the controls must be over 12; children aged 12 and under should book the Kids Pilot Course. There is no age limit for passengers who are not flying the aircraft, and children under 2 ride free.

 

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[Q3] General Questions

Question

Can I join on my own?

Answer

Introductory flights are accepted from one person. Scenic flights require a minimum of two people. If you are travelling alone and would like to fly, please consider an introductory flight course.

 

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[Q4] General Questions

Question

Can I just enjoy the view without flying the aircraft?

Answer

Yes. On our scenic flight courses our pilot flies while you ride as a passenger and enjoy the view. Please note that scenic flights require a minimum of two people.

 

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[Q5] General Questions

Question

How long does the whole experience take?

Answer

From hotel pickup to drop-off, introductory flights take approximately 90 to 140 minutes and scenic flights approximately 80 to 120 minutes. This includes check-in and paperwork at our office, the ground briefing on how to fly (about 20 minutes for introductory flights), and the flight itself. Flight time is approximately 20 to 60 minutes depending on the course. Times vary with your hotel's location, the day's operating conditions, and traffic during the transfer — the roads are especially busy around 8am and 5pm on weekdays.

 

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[Q6] General Questions

Question

What does "instruction time" include?

Answer

Taking the 60-minute Standard Course as an example, instruction time covers about 20 minutes of ground briefing on how to fly, plus about 40 minutes of actual flight time.

 

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[Q7] General Questions

Question

Can I bring young children?

Answer

Yes. We have child seats available for small children so that they can ride comfortably. Children under 2 are treated as infants and may fly on a parent's lap, secured with a baby carrier or similar. Children who are not flying are welcome to wait and play at our office.

 

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[Q8] General Questions

Question

How many people can the aircraft carry?

Answer

Scenic flights carry up to three guests (one in the front seat and two in the back). On introductory flights, one guest sits in the pilot's seat (front left) and up to two more can ride in the back; the flight instructor occupies the front right instructor / co-pilot seat. Children under 2 may fly on a parent's lap. If you wish to ride along on a Training Course or an optional course involving sharp manoeuvres, please consult us in advance. Scenic flights are operated for two or more guests.

 

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[Q9] General Questions

Question

What kind of aircraft will I fly?

Answer

We operate the Cessna C-172P, built in the United States. This four-seat aircraft is a best-seller used worldwide for a wide range of purposes and has an outstanding safety record. Because it is a high-wing aircraft, the view of the ground is excellent, which makes it ideal for scenic flights.

 

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[Q10] General Questions

Question

What safety measures do you take?

Answer

Our pilots undertake continuous and demanding proficiency training so that they are prepared for any situation, and our aircraft are maintained to FAA standards. We also keep our aircraft in the hangar at all times so that they are not exposed to Guam's salt-laden wind and rain. Flying aircraft kept in this condition is exceptionally safe.

 

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[Q11] General Questions

Question

Is the flight bumpy? What should I do if I feel unwell in the air?

Answer

You may feel some turbulence in flight, and bumps are more noticeable on windy days. Air tends to be more stable in the early morning and at night, so flights early in the morning or later in the evening are usually calmer — worth bearing in mind when choosing your time if you are prone to motion sickness. Our pilots fly with great care, but if you begin to feel unwell please tell your pilot as soon as possible. An aircraft cannot stop immediately, so please let us know with plenty of time to spare. Sick bags are on board.

 

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[Q12] General Questions

Question

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking, or turns bad during the flight?

Answer

Because flying depends on natural conditions, we may adjust the route slightly or cancel the flight. If we cancel, we first ask whether you would still like to fly. If you would rather not, we refund your payment in full. If you would like to fly, we arrange a priority booking for another time that day or a later date that suits you. Because existing reservations take priority, if no slot is available we will issue a full refund instead. No cancellation fee applies when a flight is cancelled due to weather.

 

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[Q13] General Questions

Question

Is there a cancellation fee?

Answer

Cancellations received by the morning of the day before are free of charge. Cancellations on the afternoon of the day before incur a 50% fee, and cancellations on the day itself incur a 100% fee. If you do not arrive at the pickup point within 30 minutes of your booked time, it is treated as a cancellation. No cancellation fee applies when a flight is cancelled due to weather or an aircraft maintenance issue.

 

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[Q14] General Questions

Question

Are there any costs beyond the listed price?

Answer

A fuel surcharge may be added depending on fuel prices. The amount for each course is published by us and paid locally.

 

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[Q15] General Questions

Question

Is the paperwork complicated? What do I need to bring?

Answer

You simply fill in a short application form, so it is very straightforward. However, everyone entering the airport grounds must be registered before the flight for airport security. For this reason, please be sure to bring your original passport.

 

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[Q16] General Questions

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

You may wear whatever you like. We do ask that guests taking the controls avoid sandals. Passengers on introductory flights and guests on scenic flights may wear sandals.

 

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[Q17] General Questions

Question

Can I pay by credit card or traveller's cheque?

Answer

Yes. We currently accept VISA, MasterCard, JCB and Diners Club.

 

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[Q1] About the Flight Experience

Question

Can a complete beginner really fly the plane?

Answer

Flying is not as difficult as you might imagine — it feels much like driving a car. An FAA-certified flight instructor sits beside you and supports you throughout, so guests with no flying experience at all can take part with confidence. Almost every guest who has flown with us tells us it was easier than they expected.

 

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[Q2] About the Flight Experience

Question

May I film with a smartphone or action camera during the flight?

Answer

Of course. We hope it becomes a lasting memory of your flight over Guam. Please note that looking at a screen for long periods makes airsickness much more likely — you are less likely to feel unwell if you film without watching the screen.

 

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[Q3] About the Flight Experience

Question

Can you fly routes other than the standard courses?

Answer

Yes. We are happy to arrange a range of options according to your wishes. Please tell us when you book or let our staff know on the day, and feel free to ask your pilot. Availability on the day may prevent us from accommodating every request, so please let us know as early as you can — at the time of booking is safest.

 

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[Q4] About the Flight Experience

Question

Can I do aerobatics such as loops or spins?

Answer

We are sorry, but we do not offer aerobatic flights because of the risk involved. On the Training Course, however, you can enjoy dynamic flying such as steep turns, stalls and lazy eights. Please consult us about riding along in the back seat on this course.

 

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[Q5] About the Flight Experience

Question

I'm travelling with family but flying alone. Is there somewhere for them to wait?

Answer

For airport security reasons, our transfers are in principle only for those taking part in the flight — scenic flight guests, and introductory flight participants together with their passengers. Guests who would like to watch without flying can be accommodated for an additional fee. If you would particularly like your family to come along and wait at our office, or if you plan to drive to our office by rental car, please contact us.

 

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[Q6] About the Flight Experience

Question

I loved flying and I'm interested in getting a licence. What should I do?

Answer

We also provide flight training aimed at obtaining a US pilot licence, delivered by our best staff and aircraft. Our staff will bring materials and explain the options after your flight, so please feel free to ask your pilot.

 

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[Q7] About the Flight Experience

Question

If I obtain a US (FAA) private pilot licence, can I fly in Japan?

Answer

Yes. When converting a US private pilot licence to a Japanese private pilot licence, the practical test is waived and you need to pass the written examination on regulations. Flying procedures in the United States and Japan differ slightly, however, so some training flights in Japan are usually necessary, and many Japanese flying clubs require a degree of additional training. We can help you with this, so please ask your pilot.

 

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[Q8] About the Flight Experience

Question

What does the Kids Pilot Course include?

Answer

Your child takes the controls with our instructor beside them. A parent or guardian must accompany, and up to two family members including the guardian ride free. Participating children receive a souvenir in addition to the pilot logbook. If the guardian would also like to fly the aircraft, an additional fee covers the same course.

 

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