BYP Summer holiday clubs
The BYP Holiday Club is a one-week immersive course designed for 11-16 year olds, where they will not only learn about aviation through theory and simulators, but also have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test, taking to the skies with a qualified Flying Instructor.
Across the week, students take part in an immersive aviation programme combining classroom learning, hands-on activities, and regular flight simulator sessions. They will develop a strong understanding of how aircraft fly, navigation, meteorology, and real-world flight operations, all aligned with key elements of pilot training.
In addition, each location offers unique enrichment opportunities - subject to venue - which may include aircraft access, engineering insights, air traffic control experiences, or learning alongside real aviation professionals. Throughout the week, students apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, culminating in planning and flying their own mission on the simulator.
Explore Our Amazing Locations
Army Flying Museum- Stockbridge - Join us at this historic location and step into the world of Army aviation
Balado Airfield - Kinross - Set in a picturesque location, this active airfield offers a real insight into live aviation.
Biggin Hill Airport - Surrey - Join us at of the UK’s most iconic airports, rich in aviation history and modern operations.
Bodmin Airfield - Cornwall - Experience hands-on aviation at Bodmin Airfield—where young enthusiasts explore flight, learn real pilot skills, and get inspired in the heart of Cornwall.
Bristol - Hosted at the prestigious Bristol Grammar School, providing an exceptional setting for aviation learning.
Colindale RAF Museum - London - Step into the world of RAF pilots and train alongside some of the UK’s most iconic aircraft.
Elstree - Hertfordshire - Set within the stunning grounds of Aldenham School, just moments from the active Elstree Airfield
Damyns Hall Aerodrome - Essex - A unique airfield with access to both modern and vintage aircraft including the Tiger Moth club
Gatwick Aviation Museum - Positioned at the end of the runway, this unique location offers an up-close aviation experience like no other.
Manchester - Hosted at Bridgewater School, providing an excellent setting for immersive aviation training.
Membury Airfield - Berkshire - Join us at this historic former RAF airfield and experience aviation in a real flying environment.
Sherburn Aero Club - Leeds - Experience the holiday club at this active flying club in a real airfield environment.
Lisburn - Northern Ireland - Immerse yourself in our holiday programme set within the historic Ulster Aviation Museum, surrounded by some of aviation’s most iconic aircraft
Shuttleworth - Bedfordshire - Experience the aviation holiday club in a unique setting alongside some of the world’s oldest flying aircraft
Space Park- Leicester - Experience the thrill of flight and a space-themed holiday club at Space City Leicester—where learning takes off to another level!
Wolverhampton - Located at the bustling Halfpenny Green Airport, offering a real working airfield environment with live aircraft activity
What You will Experience
Across five immersive days, students build aviation knowledge and practical flying skills, while also benefiting from our unique venues. Subject to location, students will have the opportunity to engage with real aircraft, aviation professionals, and hands-on enrichment experiences.
Below is an example of how the week may (subject to change) come together:
Be an Airline Pilot for the Day
Take your seat in the cockpit of an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, plan your route, and fly a commercial journey from take-off to landing.
Flight Experience
Take to the skies in a real aircraft at selected locations, bringing your learning to life in a true flying experience.
Be an Air Traffic Controller
Step into the role of both pilot and controller, managing aircraft movements and communicating using real-world Air Traffic Control procedures.
Decision Making and Inflight Emergencies
Plan your own routes using aviation charts and make real-time decisions based on a catalogue of issues from deteriorating weather to mechanical failures, learn from a commercial pilot how they manage risk and handle unexpected challenges.
Flying Military Fast Jets
Take on high-speed jet missions, learning how fast jet pilots operate and putting your skills to the test in dynamic challenges, including formation flying.
Engineering Challenge
Design and build and aircraft to meet your design brief. Learn about the pay offs with each design decision and learn hands on skills. Will your aircraft fly or fail at the end of the day?
By the end of the week, students will have experienced what it’s like to think and act like a pilot - combining technical knowledge, decision-making, and hands-on flying. They leave with greater confidence, a deeper understanding of aviation, and a clear pathway into real-world flight training.
For further information or to register your interest, please contact us at holidayclubs@britishyoungpilots.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the age ranges?
Our young aviators are aged between 11 and 16. Participants are grouped by age to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included. While aviation is a shared passion across all ages (including our instructors!), we structure groupings to ensure that the engagement level, pace and discussion topics are appropriate for each age group. This helps to avoid situations where students feel either overwhelmed or under-stimulated by their peers.
Q: What is the cost of the week?
The cost of the full five-day Holiday Club programme is £625. Flights are optional and charged at £99 for around a 30 minute flight.
Q: What types of activities are included in the week?
Each day focuses on a specific aviation theme. Students learn key concepts through structured classroom sessions and then apply their knowledge through both individual and team-based exercises, including hands-on simulator flying. Note the content does not replicate the core BYP termly courses.
Q: Do students need to complete any preparation in advance?
No. Students are not required to complete any preparatory work before attending. The programme is designed to build knowledge progressively from the ground up.
Q: Will the materials of the course be shared?
Students will receive selected supporting materials and summaries where appropriate. However, full course slides and internal teaching resources are not distributed, as they form part of our structured programme content.
Q: Is the flight experience guaranteed?
Any real flight or airfield visit is subject to weather and operational conditions. Safety is always the priority. The core Holiday Club programme is a complete aviation experience regardless, with structured simulator-based flying throughout the week.
Q: Will students be given a certificate?
Yes! We set high expectations and encourage students to challenge themselves throughout the week. All participants will receive a BYP Holiday Club Certificate upon completion of the programme.
Q: Is the Holiday Club residential?
No. We are not offering residential camps this year. All Holiday Clubs operate as day programmes (Monday to Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm).
Q: Can a child attend one or two days?
Unfortunately, not. The Holiday Club is designed as a structured, progressive programme, with each day building on the previous one and working towards a final goal. For this reason, attendance for the full week is required.
Q: We are happy to book for the week but if my child is sick or unable to attend one day can they catch up?
Our experienced instructors will support students in revisiting key concepts where possible. However, due to the structured nature of the programme, we are unable to offer separate catch-up sessions or refunds for individual missed days. We will always do our best to ensure students feel confident re-joining the group.
Q: Do you accept students with SEND?
BYP is committed to inclusion and welcomes students with SEND. However, as our Holiday Clubs operate across a range of venues including schools, museums and airfields – suitability may vary. We strongly encourage you speak to us prior to booking.
Q: Who are the instructors and what are their qualifications?
All of our instructors come from aviation backgrounds, including military aircrew, commercial airline captains, air traffic controllers, engineers and experienced private pilots. Each instructor is carefully selected not only for their credentials but also for their ability to educate, inspire and mentor young people. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, child safeguarding training and work under our strict supervision protocols.
Q: What should my child bring with them?
A full kit list will be provided before the event, but in general, students should bring:
Comfortable clothes suitable for indoor and outdoor activities
A water bottle
A notebook and pen
Any required medication (with clear instructions)
We ask that valuables are left at home unless absolutely necessary.
Q: What is your mobile phone policy?
Mobile phones are allowed but must be used responsibly and only during break times.
Q: What happens in a medical emergency or if my child becomes unwell?
We have qualified first aiders on-site at all times, and our team is trained to handle a wide-range of medical situations. In the event of illness or injury, we will contact you immediately. For more serious issues, we will access local medical services and keep you fully informed throughout.
Q: What are your safeguarding policies?
The safety and wellbeing of all our young aviators is our highest priority. Our safeguarding policies cover staff background checks, supervision protocols, accommodation procedures, and mobile phone usage.
You can view our full safeguarding policy and procedures here.