Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the age ranges?

Our Young Aviators are aged between 11 and 17 years old. 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 the engagement level, pace, and discussion topics are appropriate for each age group. This helps avoid situations where students feel either overwhelmed or under-stimulated by their peers.

2. What does the residential package include?

Where available, our residential offering includes:

• 4 nights of accommodation

• 3 cooked meals per day, prepared and served onsite

• Evening activities from 18:30 to 20:30

• Access to shared common rooms, bathroom and shower facilities, and a secure outdoor communal area

• Supervised mobile device access overnight

• Full laundry and drying facilities onsite

At sites like Pangbourne, we can accommodate up to 60 residential students. After the main club finishes at 16:30 each day, residents enjoy free time before dinner at 17:30. Evening activities follow from 18:30 to 20:30, after which students return to their rooms.

Bedtime schedule:

• Ages 16 and under return to rooms by 21:30

• Ages 17 return to rooms by 22:30

We operate a strict no-phone policy in bedrooms. However, students may access their phones under the supervision of our overnight staff, ensuring they can always stay connected with home if needed.

3. Can I book a day place and later upgrade to residential?

Yes, we aim to be as flexible as possible. We understand that some Young Aviators may be nervous about staying away from home. Subject to availability, we’re happy to upgrade day bookings to residential.

Please note: due to catering logistics and boarding arrangements, we require final confirmation for residential places no later than four weeks prior to the start of the holiday club.

4. What are the flight experiences?

Flight experiences are a key highlight of the holiday club and are offered weather and logistics permitting.

We currently offer:

• 20-minute flying lesson in a C42 microlight – £60

• 10-minute passenger flight in a Bell 206 helicopter – £45

Microlight lessons offer a hands-on flying experience, while helicopter flights are scenic rides to celebrate the end of a fantastic week (typically offered on Fridays, when available).

We are constantly reviewing and expanding our flight offering, and we’re in ongoing discussions with aircraft operators to bring exciting, unique experiences to our Young Aviators.

Remote-controlled aircraft flying is also included in the course, subject to weather at no additional cost.

5. How do I book a place at the holiday club?

Bookings can be made directly via the Holiday Club page on our website.

Please complete the booking form with as much detail as possible so we can ensure a safe, personalised, and enriching experience for your child.

• A £250 deposit is required upon booking

• Remaining balance is due closer to the event date

Pricing:

• Day attendance from £750

• Residential attendance from £1,060

6. How do I book flight experiences?

We will contact you in the weeks leading up to the holiday club to discuss your preferences regarding the flight options. You may opt in for one or both experiences, depending on your Young Aviator’s interest.

We’ll then work to schedule flights accordingly. Flight costs are invoiced only after the flights take place, to account for any changes due to weather or operational limitations.

7. What happens if my child can’t fly during the week?

While we always aim to deliver flight experiences, sometimes weather conditions, technical issues, or logistical challenges may prevent us from flying safely. Safety is our top priority, and we will never compromise on this — even if that means postponing a flight.

If a scheduled flight cannot go ahead, we will do our very best to reschedule it later in the week, prioritising students who have travelled long distances.

Should we be unable to provide the flight experience during the club week, you will be invited to rebook on one of our weekend operations, where your Young Aviator can fly at the same rate as originally offered.

8. Will we get to meet the staff before the event?

Yes. In the lead-up to the holiday club, we will send detailed information to help your Young Aviator feel prepared and excited. This will include an introduction to their instructor, team leader, and the flight instructor who will deliver their flying lesson.

If your child would benefit from a pre-event call — for example, to ease anxiety or discuss specific needs — we are happy to arrange this upon request.

9. My child has additional needs such as ADHD or Autism — can they attend?

Absolutely. We welcome all Young Aviators and strive to provide an inclusive, supportive environment for every student.

We understand that a new environment filled with activity and excitement can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we provide a dedicated quiet space, supervised by a member of staff, for any student who needs a break. The space includes calming activities such as books, games, art, and films.

No specific skills or prior aviation knowledge are required to take part. Our aim is to ensure that every Young Aviator has fun, feels safe, and learns at their own pace.

If your child has specific needs or support requirements, please include this in your booking form so we can tailor our approach and offer any additional accommodations.

10. Who are the instructors and what are their qualifications?

All of our instructors come from real-world aviation backgrounds, including former 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, are trained in child safeguarding, and work under our strict supervision protocols.

11. What is your staff-to-student ratio?

We maintain a high staff-to-student ratio, typically 1:8 or better, to ensure personalised attention, safety, and support throughout the week. For residential students, we also have dedicated overnight supervisors and pastoral staff on-site at all times.

12. 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

• Notebook and pen

• Any required medication (with clear instructions)

• For residential students: toiletries, towels, and personal items (bedding will be provided)

We ask that valuables are left at home unless absolutely necessary.

13. What is your mobile phone policy?

Mobile phones are allowed but must be used responsibly.

• No phones are permitted in bedrooms (for safeguarding reasons)

• Phones can be used during breaks and in the evenings under supervision

• Students are welcome to stay in touch with home — we encourage communication, especially for first-time residential attendees

14. 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.

15. What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We understand that plans can change.

• A £250 deposit is non-refundable to secure your place

• The remaining balance is fully refundable up to 6 weeks before the camp start date

• Within 6 weeks, refunds are at our discretion unless due to exceptional circumstances (e.g. medical)

We are happy to transfer your booking to a later date or offer credit where possible.

16. What happens during the Friday showcase?

Friday marks the end of a fantastic week. Parents are invited to join us for a special end-of-week celebration, which typically includes:

• A talk or Q&A with a VIP guest speaker from the aviation industry

• Certificates and awards

• A summary of what the students have achieved

• A special surprise event to wrap up the week in style

Full details will be shared with families in advance.

17. 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