These days commercial airliners are becoming larger, 1 makes flying cheaper but in many ways more impersonal. Perhaps as a response to this, a more old- fashioned way of taking to the air is gaining popularity in Britain. 2 number of companies today offer charter flights in small aircraft. You hire the plane and pilot, just as you might hire a chauffeur-driven car, and they are yours for the day. If you are flying on a short trip 3 Britain to the continent, a light plane can get you there almost as quickly as a jet airliner. In fact, the whole journey takes far 4 time, since you don’t need to be at the airport hours in advance. And if you share the cost with friends, it can be cheaper than a scheduled flight. The atmosphere 5 board is relaxed and friendly, with formalities at passport control and customs, if not entirely eliminated, at least kept 6 a minimum. Instead of walking for what seems like miles through a vast airport terminal, 7 it’s time to take off, you simply stroll over and ease yourself into the plane. Even the flight itself is more fun, as 8 as the weather is fine. And if you want to descend and take a closer look at something on the ground, just ask the pilot; you’re the boss!