Small Wings, Big Adventures: Flying with Children This Summer
Some of the best summer adventures do not begin with a long journey or an airport departure lounge. They begin at a local airfield, with a chart spread across the table and the promise of seeing somewhere familiar from an entirely new perspective.
Flying with children can be one of the most rewarding ways to share aviation. A short hop to another airfield for lunch, a flight along the coastline or simply spotting home, school and local landmarks from above can become a memory they carry with them for years.
For pilots, however, taking children flying requires a little extra thought. Good planning, realistic expectations and attention to their comfort can make the difference between a child simply accompanying you and genuinely sharing the adventure.
Begin with a small adventure
The first flight does not need to be an epic cross country journey. In fact, a short flight in good conditions is often the best introduction.
Choose somewhere with a purpose at the end of it: an airfield café, a picnic, a beach, a museum or simply an ice cream. Giving the flight a destination helps it feel like a proper expedition, while keeping the journey short reduces the chance of tiredness, boredom or travel sickness.
For younger or less confident passengers, a local sightseeing flight may be enough. Seeing their house, school or favourite landmark from the air can feel every bit as exciting as travelling much further afield.
Make them part of the planning
Children are far more likely to enjoy the experience if they feel involved from the beginning. Show them the route on a chart or map and ask them to choose landmarks they would like to find. Talk about where you are going, how long the flight should take and what you might see along the way.
Older children may enjoy following the route, keeping a simple flight diary or taking photographs. Younger ones can be given a few things to spot, such as a river, railway line, castle or wind farm. Once airborne, asking children to help look out for other aircraft gives them a useful job and helps them feel part of the crew.
Choose the right day
Children are unlikely to enjoy a flight that is hot, hazy and turbulent, even if the conditions remain perfectly flyable. Whenever possible, choose a calm morning or evening and keep the plan flexible. Avoid creating a timetable that makes you feel committed to flying regardless of changing weather. A delayed or cancelled flight may be disappointing, but it also demonstrates one of aviation's most important lessons: a good pilot is always prepared to change the plan.
If you are flying somewhere for a holiday or overnight stay, allow plenty of flexibility around the return journey and have a clear alternative if the weather changes.
Explain what to expect
A light aircraft can feel very different from an airliner. The noises, vibrations, movement and view from the cockpit may all be unfamiliar.
Before the flight, explain these sensations in simple, reassuring language. Let children know that they may hear the engine change tone, feel a few bumps or notice the aircraft turning. Understanding what is happening can prevent an unfamiliar sensation from becoming frightening.
It is also worth agreeing on a clear "quiet cockpit" rule. Explain that there will be times, particularly during take off, landing and radio calls, when the pilot needs everyone to remain quiet unless something is wrong.
Take time over the safety briefing
Every passenger requires a proper safety briefing, and children are no exception. Tailor the language to their age, but make sure they understand how their seat belt works, how to use the headset and the importance of keeping their hands, feet and belongings clear of the controls. Children should also understand how to approach and leave the aircraft safely, particularly around propellers. Always escort them airside and board or disembark with the engine shut down.
Check in advance that the aircraft's seat belts or an appropriate aviation suitable child restraint will fit them correctly. With infants and very young children, another adult should travel to supervise them so that the pilot can concentrate fully on flying.
Protect young ears
A properly fitting headset is essential. An adult headset may be too large, heavy or uncomfortable for a child and may not provide the protection they need.
A children's aviation headset has a smaller headband and is designed to remain comfortable and secure on a younger passenger. Allow children to try the headset before the day of the flight so that they become familiar with how it feels and sounds.
The Pooleys Children's Headset has a smaller headband, individual volume control and 22dB noise attenuation. It also includes a music input, which may be useful during quieter parts of a longer journey.
Think about comfort
Avoid flying when a child has a cold, congestion or an ear infection, as changes in pressure can become painful.
Encourage children to eat something light before the flight and keep water, tissues and sick bags within easy reach. Dress them in comfortable layers, as cockpit temperatures can change considerably, and remember sunglasses and sun protection during the summer months.
A visit to the bathroom before boarding is always sensible, however adamant they may be that they do not need one. Do not forget the booster seat either, so they can see out of the aircraft easily.
For any flying wobbles along the way, there is no better cockpit companion than a Pooleys flying bear.
Keep checking in
Children may not always say immediately if they feel uncomfortable or unwell, so check on them regularly. Keep turns gentle, avoid unnecessary manoeuvring and be prepared to shorten the flight. The aim is to finish while they are still enjoying themselves, not to complete the original route at all costs.
A child who lands asking when they can go again has had exactly the right first adventure.
Create a record of the day
Take lots of photos, and get them to enter our Pooleys Photo Competition. Keep a copy of the route and record the adventure in their very own children's flying logbook from Pooleys. You can never start too young; for some children, it may even be the beginning of a lifelong fascination with flight.
Our favourite destinations to fly to with children around the UK
- Duxford — flying into the historic wartime airfield, you may well be buzzed by warbirds. It's a great way to visit the museum, with plenty of interactive things to see and do for children and parents alike, plus an excellent playground.
- Shuttleworth — a lovely small airfield with a fabulous museum and house to visit, and lots to keep children occupied.
- Le Touquet — very accommodating for children, with easy access to the town and beach by bike, bus, cab or on foot. It feels like a real adventure.
- Bembridge — a good pub at the airfield, short walks to beautiful beaches, and cab rides or an hourly bus around the island.
- Caernarfon — a real childhood-holiday favourite: a beautiful scenic flight past the mountains down to the beach, which is a short walk away. Good ice cream shops nearby, or grab a taxi to see Caernarfon Castle.
- Alderney — a fantastic small island to explore, with wonderful beaches, castles and forts. More challenging to plan, but well worth the trip.
- Sandown — the Isle of Wight is always a winner. A fun airfield with things to see and do, and a short cab ride into Sandown for the beach, pier and food.
- Perranporth — beautiful scenery perched on the cliffs, with a lovely coastal walk along the cliff edge into town.
- Lee-on-Solent — a short walk to the beach, and to the Hovercraft Museum when it's open.
- Goodwood — a great café, usually plenty of Spitfires to admire, and often cars racing around the track.
Flying gives families an extraordinary opportunity to see the world differently. With thoughtful planning and the right equipment, even the shortest summer flight can become a very big adventure.
This blog post took shape thanks to our parent Pooleys Ambassadors and their brilliant tips — thank you to Rich, James, George and Tim for all your insights.
