are there any health and safety risks?

The BYP course is purely classroom based, using computer based flight simulators and traditional classroom based resources, and each session has a risk assessment in place. If the children choose to participate in a real flight, these can be booked privately between the parent and either us at BYP or a BYP approved flight school. The flying schools we approve have their own insurance and risk assessments in use for all flying lessons. In addition to this, as part of our process to approve a flying school, we put safeguarding procedures in place - including DBS checks and mandatory safeguarding training - for any flying instructors cleared to conduct flights with BYP students. A flying lesson in a school aircraft with a flying instructor is a very safe activity.

what plane will the children be flying?

The children will typically be flying a two seater microlight such as an Ikarus C42. This is a fun, easy to fly and safe aircraft. Our own C42 is fitted with additional safety features including a BRC parachute.

Are the courses accredited?

The BYP Syllabus is created in line with the CAA private pilots license (PPL) syllabus. The course itself is not yet accredited, but because we mirror PPL training (and indeed go beyond it), students will be capable of passing PPL ground examinations.

Looking forward, we are working towards gaining GCSE and UCAS recognition for the Young Pilots levels 4 and 5.

WHO ARE 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. All instructors undergo ongoing training, lesson observations and have enhanced DBS and annual safe guarding training.

why is BYP so popular?

BYP inspires young people and uses a child’s own curiosity and passion, while integrating key STEM topics throughout their learning journey. It enables children to understand how maths, science and engineering are relevant to fun hobbies such as flying. It allows access to a world of aviation not usually accessible to children and starts them on their path to becoming a pilot, or simply enjoying learning about flying and experiencing the thrill of a real flight! On completion of all the levels with BYP, children will be able to sit the ground school exams to become a qualified pilot.