Cover The ultralights available to guests at the Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The ultralights available to guests at the Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Take to the skies on an Ultralight aircraft at the Angeles City Flying Club
In 1993, Australian hotel owner Gordon Boyce bought an ultralight aircraft from Taiwan as an additional entertainment amenity for his guests at the Woodland Hotel in Pampanga. A self-taught pilot, Boyce then founded the Angeles City Flying Club in the same year, bringing aviation enthusiasts and aspiring pilots together. Over the years, the club has evolved into the perfect place for recreational aeronauts—providing a place for owners to store their aircraft and for patrons to reach for the sky. In this article, Tatler drove to the Angeles City Flying Club with the all-new Ford Mustang to experience freedom like no other.
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Above Privately owned planes in one of the hangars at the Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Privately owned planes in one of the hangars at the Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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In the 1970s, people in America fell in love with the idea of flight. However, flying conventional planes was too expensive, so in 1975, American engineer, John Moody, attached a 12.5 horsepower engine to an Icarus II hang glider—propelling the ultralight movement in America.
Today, they are used all over the world as an inexpensive way to soar through the sky.
Above An aerial view of The Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Courtesy of Angeles City Flying Club)
An aerial view of The Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Courtesy of Angeles City Flying Club)
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Situated just two hours from the Metro, the Angeles City Flying Club is quite accessible. Upon arrival, you’ll quickly notice a resort adjacent to the airstrip—allowing for overnight stays—while a restaurant sits on the second floor. Four hangars stand tall next to the runway, housing multiple privately owned aircraft and the club’s signature offering: the ultralights.
Above One of the ultralights at the Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
One of the ultralights at the Angeles City Flying Club (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Heading into the activity, I was terrified of the thought of gliding over 800 feet above the ground. As I sat on the aircraft next to my experienced co-pilot, Charles Henzon, he reassured me that the weather was perfect for a bird’s eye view of Pampanga’s farmlands. Putting on my aviator goggles and ear muffs for protection against the elements, it was time to take flight.
Above Pampanga's farmlands seen from above (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Pampanga's farmlands seen from above (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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As with every plane ride, take-off is generally the scariest part of the whole experience. The sudden increase in speed and incline sends a jolt of adrenaline through your body, which is amplified by the lack of a windshield to protect your body. Upon levelling out, however, the ride mellows and you begin to get mesmerised by the view.
Tatler Tip: Make sure to bring a phone strap so you can take photos and videos of the landscape while in the sky.
Above A view of Pampanga's farmlands from the ultralight (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
A view of Pampanga's farmlands from the ultralight (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Once Henzon noticed that I was getting comfortable, he challenged me by performing mild stunts that made my heart race like near-nosedives and sharp banks. At the 15-minute mark, he offered the stick—allowing me to control the ultralight’s direction with his guidance.
Tatler Tip: If you’re an adrenaline junkie, consider flying when the weather’s at its hottest like 12 noon. The warm temperatures make the flight more turbulent and bumpy—feeling like your aircraft hops and skips through the air.
Above The foot of Mount Arayat from the Ultralight (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The foot of Mount Arayat from the Ultralight (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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After cruising for 30 minutes, it was time to head back. The slow descent was a great respite from the nerve-wracking flight, and I had imagined the landing to be as frightening as the takeoff. To my surprise, touchdown was smoother than driving through a highway. With my feet back on the ground, I’ve decided that my fair share of the skies was enough for now.
Ultralight flying is not for the faint of heart and those with even the slightest fear of heights will get discouraged. However, despite my crippling acrophobia, it was an experience worth the tick off the bucket list.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
