From an experience flight at 12 to a possible first solo at 16, discover how a young person can begin flying and work towards a pilot's licence at Sherburn.
Parent guide
From a first flight over Yorkshire to the possibility of a pilot’s licence
If your teenager has been asking about flying lessons, a first flight is a chance to find out what they enjoy about being in the cockpit. They can meet an instructor, see Yorkshire from the air and try the controls under guidance. For a young person who’s spent hours watching aircraft or using a flight simulator, there’s a lot to look forward to.
At Sherburn Aero Club, we welcome young flyers for experience flights from age 12, with an adult on site for anyone under 16. They don’t need previous flying experience. Their instructor can explain what’s happening, answer questions and introduce them to the aircraft at a pace that suits the flight.
That first visit can be a birthday treat, a chance to explore an interest or the beginning of regular lessons. You don’t need to decide on a career in aviation before booking. Here’s how the age milestones work and what to discuss with us if your teenager wants to keep flying.
At a glance
- Experience flights at Sherburn are available from age 12, with no previous flying experience needed.
- An adult must stay on the premises for anyone under 16.
- 16 is the minimum age for a first solo flight in an aeroplane.
- 17 is the minimum age to hold a UK PPL or NPPL.
- A formal aviation medical is not normally needed for an initial lesson with an instructor.
Can teenagers really learn to fly?
Yes. Teenagers can learn with a qualified instructor before they’re old enough to fly solo or hold a licence. Early lessons introduce them to the controls, keeping a lookout and listening to radio calls. As they practise, they begin to understand how those skills fit together.
There’s real satisfaction in seeing progress from one lesson to the next. A turn that felt unfamiliar can become more comfortable, and a radio call can start to make sense. Flying also asks students to prepare, pay attention and make considered decisions, all with their instructor’s guidance.
When booking, tell us whether your teenager wants a first experience or wants to start training. Our experience flights let you try the controls with an instructor.
Want the time to count?
If you want the time to count towards future training, confirm that the booking is an instructional lesson and ask how it will be recorded. The CAA treats an introductory flight as a passenger differently from flight instruction.
Explore our experience flights to see the current options, or speak to our Flight Desk if you’d like help choosing.
Explore experience flightsSpeak to our Flight DeskThe age milestones, without the jargon
Experience flight, trial lesson or full training?
Start by talking about what your teenager wants to try. Our team can help you choose a booking and explain what it includes, and our guide to trial lessons vs trial flights sets out the difference.
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| A first experience | A chance to enjoy flying, perhaps as a birthday gift or a way to explore a growing interest. |
| An instructional trial lesson | An introduction to learning with an instructor, with the training arrangements and any logbook credit confirmed when booking. |
| Regular training | A plan for continuing lessons once the student and family have discussed the time, costs and medical requirements. |
After the flight, give them time to talk about it. They might have questions about the controls or be keen to describe everything they spotted below. If they want another lesson, that’s a good time to ask an instructor what they could work on next.
Medical checks before continuing training
A formal aviation medical is not normally needed for an initial lesson with an instructor. It becomes important before solo flight and before a family commits significant time and money to a licence programme.
Check medical requirements early
For a PPL route, the CAA says a student must hold at least a Class 2 medical certificate before flying solo. The NPPL can use different medical routes in some circumstances. The best approach is a calm, early conversation with the flight school and, where needed, an authorised medical examiner, particularly if there is a medical history, regular medication, a colour vision concern or any uncertainty.
An early conversation helps you understand the requirements before planning a longer course of lessons. Our pilot medicals page has more information about the service available at Sherburn.
Seven useful questions before booking
- 1Is this mainly a memorable experience, the start of regular lessons or a first step towards a licence?
- 2Which aircraft will be the most comfortable fit for the participant’s height, weight and mobility?
- 3Will the booking be treated as an instructional lesson, and can the flight time be logged?
- 4How often should they fly if they decide to continue?
- 5Which licence and medical route best suit their future ambitions?
- 6What is included in the price, and which costs or equipment come later?
- 7What happens to the booking if the weather prevents the flight?
Our team can help you work through these questions before booking.
Keep plans flexible
Weather can mean moving a lesson, so keep your plans flexible and check arrangements with our Flight Desk. Understanding when conditions are suitable is part of learning to fly.
What a first flight at Sherburn could lead to
A first flight can give your teenager plenty to be excited about. If they continue, each lesson brings something to practise, whether that’s making a more accurate turn, maintaining altitude or becoming more confident with the radio. Progress takes work, and those achievements add to the enjoyment.
Our Learn to Fly and Private Pilot Training pages explain the next steps. You can also speak to our Flight Desk about choosing an aircraft, arranging a first lesson and planning training around school and exams.
To help your teenager get started, explore our experience flights or call our Flight Desk on 01977 682 674. Tell us their age and what they’d like to try, and we’ll help you choose a suitable first flight.
Frequently asked questions
Q.What is the minimum age for a Sherburn experience flight?
Our experience flights are available from age 12. Anyone under 16 must have an adult present on the premises. Check the booking information for the full eligibility requirements.
Q.Can a 16-year-old fly solo?
Sixteen is the UK minimum age for first solo flight. A student may fly solo only when their instructor is satisfied they are ready, and the relevant medical requirements have been met.
Q.How old do you have to be to get a PPL?
The minimum age to hold a UK PPL is 17. Training can begin earlier, but the student must still complete the required instruction, experience, examinations, skill test and medical certification.
Q.Does a teenager need a medical for a trial lesson?
Not normally for an initial lesson flown with an instructor. Medical requirements become important before solo flight and for licence issue. Ask the school for guidance early if the student plans to continue or has any relevant medical history.
A quick note on height, weight and supervision
Before you buy
Please contact us before buying if the person flying is over 6ft 2in or 16 stone, as some aircraft may be unsuitable. An adult must stay on the premises for anyone under 16. Our team can help with questions about aircraft fit and comfort.
Related reading
- Experience and trial flights at Sherburn
- Learn to fly at Sherburn
- Private Pilot Training
- Pilot medicals
- How long does it really take to get a UK PPL?
- UK private pilot licence requirements
Ready for their first flight?
Tell us their age and what they’d like to try, and we’ll help you choose a suitable first flight.
Photo by Kamil Pietrzak on Unsplash
