Can You Recommend Junior Flying Experiences for Half Term?

• Junior flying experiences for half term with exciting options for young aviation enthusiasts
• Junior flying lessons and flight simulators including 747, airline and fighter jet experiences
• Find fun and memorable half term flying experiences for children across the UK

Half term can be a tricky one. The kids are off school, the usual routine has gone out the window and, before you know it, you've heard "I'm bored" approximately 47 times before lunch time.

So, why not take things a little higher this time?

Flying experiences can make a brilliant half term activity for children and teanagers, particularly if they have even the slightest interest in aircraft, aviation, or the idea of being in the pilot's seat. You don't even necessarily need to head to an airport and board a plane to make it happen.

From getting hands on with a real aircraft to stepping inside an incredibly realistic flight simulator, there are plenty of ways to make half term feel a bit more exciting. Here are some of the junior flying experiences worth considering.

What Makes A Junior Flying Experience A Good Half Term Activity?

Half term is the perfect excuse to swap the usual cinema trip, bowling session or day spent glued to a games console for something a little different.

The best junior flying experiences give youngsters the chance to actually get involved rather than simply watching from the sidelines. Depending on the experience, they can learn all about aircraft, discover how the controls work and even take charge themselves.

There is also something rather exciting about telling a child they are going flying during the school holidays. It sounds considerably more interesting than "we're off out for the day".

Take To The Skies With A Junior Flying Lesson

For youngsters who want to experience the real thing, the Nationwide 30 Minute 'Junior Aviator' Flying Lesson is a great place to start.

Designed for young aviators, this is a genuine first flying lesson in a two seater light aircraft, with locations available at airfield all around the UK. The experience is suitable for children from the age of eight at selected locations, although the minimum age varies depending on the specific venue.

After a welcome and pre flight safety briefing, the young pilot heads into the cockpit with a qualified instructor. They will learn about handling the aircraft and get some hands on time at the controls, with the instructor there to guide them throughout.

Yes, they really do get to fly the plane! Family and friends can also watch from the flying school or clubhouse, so parents get to see the take off and landing too.

Prefer A Flight Simulator?

Not every budding pilot needs to leave the ground to have a seriously good time. Flight simulators can out youngsters in the cockpit and give them a remarkably realistic taste of flying.

For something with plenty of wow factor, the 20 Minute Junior 747 Flight Simulator Session in Manchester takes place inside a genuine ex British Airways Boeing 747 400 cockpit.

Designed for eight to 16 year olds, the simulator features a 180 degree wrap around screen and introduces youngsters to the aircraft's controls and instruments. An experienced instructor guides them through the session, including take offs and landings.

It is a particularly good option for a child who is fascinated by big commercial aircraft. After all, getting to sit in the cockpit of a 747 is quite a bit more memorable than sitting in the back of one.

A Whole Fleet Of Simulators To Choose From

If the youngster in question cannot decide whether they would rather fly a passenger jet, fighter aircraft or something a little more unusual, the 'Sky Cadets' Junior Flight Simulator Experience opens up a wider choice.

This special programme brings together junior simulator experiences at locations around the UK with different aircraft and simulator types available. Depending on the venue, youngsters can find themselves in everything from the Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s to fighter jets and vintage aircraft.

Minimum ages vary between experiences, with some suitable for children from five, while more advanced simulator experiences are available for older teens. Sessions include an introduction to the simulator and its controls, followed by guidance from an instructor.

The big appeal here is the variety. One child might dream of becoming an airline pilot, while another has their sights firmly set on flying a fighter jet. Either way, there is definitely plenty to get their aviation imagination going.

What Should You Look For?

Age is an obvious place to start, as minimum ages vary between experiences and individual venues. It is always worth checking the specific requirements before booking.

Location is another consideration. Real flying lessons are available from a range of airfields around the UK, while simulator experiences are also spread across different locations.

Then there is the question of what they actually want to experience. A child dreaming about becoming a real pilot might love taking the controls of a light aircraft, while an aviation enthusiast who cannot get enough of airliners might prefer the sheer scale of a 747 cockpit.

And, of course, real flying is weather dependent, so keep that in mind when planning. A simulator can be a great alternative if you want the aviation excitement without having to worry about what the British weather has decided to do.

Make This Half Term One To Remember

Junior flying experiences are a great way to make half term a little more memorable, combining plenty of fun with something genuinely interesting. There are also Special Offers to look out for, while Flydays Gift Vouchers make a handy option if you are buying for a young aviation fan but cannot decide which experience will have them reaching for their imaginary captains hat.