For Parents

What age can my child start with British Young Pilots?
BYP offer in-person classes to students from 10.5 years old. If your child is younger than this, take a look at our online club.

Do students need any previous flying experience?
No experience is needed. Our “Wings” level starts with the basics students can progress through the rest of the course step-by-step.

How safe is it for young people to learn to fly?
Our sessions are held in a classroom environment, using computer-based flight simulators. For students who wish to participate in real flights, these can be booked with our BYP-approved flights schools. Safety is our top priority. All flights are supervised by qualified instructors, and we operate under strict airfield safety rules. For more information, email flights@britishyoungpilots.com.

Who are the instructors and what qualifications do they have?
Our instructors are from different areas of the piloting world, from commercial to military to Search & Rescue to general aviation. All are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding. They all share a passion for sharing their knowledge and love of all-things aviation.

Where are lessons held?
BYP holds classes in schools and at airfields up and down the country. All our clubs are listed on our booking site here. If we’re not in your child’s school yet, get in touch and we’ll provide you with an information pack for them. Real-flight lessons are held at one of our own or BYP-approved airfields, and can be booked here.

What type of aircraft do students fly?
Students fly light training aircraft, typically a C42 - a two-seater plane designed for flight instruction.

How much do flights cost?
Each flight lasts around 30 minutes and costs £90.

Can parents watch the flights?
Yes, you’re very welcome to watch from the viewing area and see your child take off and land.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Flying depends on safe weather conditions and in the UK we have widely varying weather! If we need to reschedule a flight, we’ll be in touch as soon as we can ahead of your flight booking.

When should I book my child’s flight?
Flights get booked up quickly so it’s best to book them in advance, to avoid disappointment. It’s best to book for any time after the first club session.

For Students

How do I join British Young Pilots as a member?
You can join one of our Flying Clubs, either in your school or at a local airfield. We are rapidly rapidly but if we’re not in your school yet, get in touch and we’ll send you some information to give your teacher! We also have an online community for anyone who loves aviation Young Pilots International. Membership gives you access to learning resources, online events and community updates.

What will I learn in my first class?
The first session will be part of our “Wings” syllabus and you’ll learn about the aircraft, how it flies, and you’ll learn to use the flight simulator. You’ll move on through different levels, learning everything you need to know, to fly a plane!

Do I get a certificate after completing each level?
Yes, in your first class you’ll receive a logbook to keep track of your syllabus progress. When you complete a level, you’ll receive a certificate to stick in your logbook.

Do I get a certificate or badge after completing each level?
Yes, you’ll receive a certificate to stick in your logbook.

Can I log my flying hours towards a pilot’s licence?
Yes, you’ll be able to add these in your logbook. Take your logbook along to your flights so your instructor can sign off each flight.

Can I fly solo one day?
Yes! It requires commitment but with BYP you can aim to fly solo at 16!

For Schools

How can I arrange a Flying Club for my school?
The process for schools is simple, all we need is a classroom and a timetable slot, we’ll do the rest. If you would like to launch a flying club in your school, email us at schools@britishyoungpilots.com or call us on 01264 300747.

What are the educational links to STEM and careers in aviation?
Flying introduces students to science, maths, engineering and technology in a practical, exciting way. It’s a great gateway to STEM careers.

How do you handle risk assessments and safeguarding?
We provide full risk assessments and safeguarding policies for schools. All our instructors are DBS-checked, receive safeguarding training and termly lesson observations.

Who are the BYP instructors?
BYP instructors come from all corners of the aviation world. Retired military or commercial pilots who want to give back to the next generation, full time flying instructors who work as a BYP instructor alongside their flying job and ‘amateur’ general aviation of microlight pilots who have deep passion for aviation. What they all have in common is a love of the air and the desire to open the door to the next generation.

General

What is British Young Pilots?
We’re an organisation dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of pilots through hands-on flying and aviation education.

Which airfields do you operate from?
We are currently based out of Membury and Popham Airfields, and we work with partner airfields across the country. For all our locations, have a look at our flight-booking website here.

How do I contact you?
You can call us on 01264 300747 and select the relevant option depending on your query.

If you prefer to email:

For questions about flights: flights@britishyoungpilots.com

For school clubs: schools@britishyoungpilots.com

For clubs outside of school: clubs@britishyoungpilots.com

For anything else, email office@britishyoungpilots.com

Do you have insurance?
Yes, we have full public liability and aviation insurance covering all our activities and students.

How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility?
We aim to make aviation accessible to all. Let us know any additional needs, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

How can I become an instructor or volunteer?
If you’re a pilot or aviation enthusiast who enjoys working with young people, we would love to hear from you, please get in touch!

Young Pilots International Limited t/a British Young Pilots. Company registration number: 16314974. Registered trading address: Horseshoe Cottages, Ibthorpe, England, SP11 0BY.