Prince George Takes to the Skies: Future King Begins Flying Lessons
Prince George is already stepping into the skies at just 11 years old, having taken his first flight on the final day of his summer holidays. According to The Sun, the young royal had a fantastic experience during his maiden flight at White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead, where he reportedly “loved” the experience.
A Family Outing to Remember
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, watched proudly as George took off with an instructor, returning safely to land less than an hour later. The royal family arrived at the Berkshire airfield in a three-car convoy, just a ten-mile drive from their Windsor home.
After the flight, the trio relaxed at the airfield’s clubhouse, home to the West London Aero Club. An onlooker commented on George’s early start in aviation, saying, “George is only 11 years old, but it is the right time to start. The Royal Family has a proud tradition of flying, and it looks like George is next in line.”
The Journey to Becoming a Pilot
While pilots can begin learning to fly at any age, official training hours that count towards a license start at 14. Students must be accompanied by an instructor until they turn 16, after which they can fly solo. To obtain a Private Pilot License from the Civil Aviation Authority, students must complete a minimum of 45 flying hours and pass nine theoretical exams. They can carry passengers from the age of 17.
George is set to follow in the footsteps of several family members who have flown throughout history. His father, William, is a trained helicopter pilot who has served in the RAF Search and Rescue and East Anglia Air Ambulance services. His great-grandfather, Prince Philip, also trained at White Waltham Airfield, starting his flying journey at the age of 31.
A Legacy of Aviation
William and Harry both participated in the Army Cadet Corps at Eton College but did not begin formal flying lessons until they joined the military. William entered an intensive RAF training program in 2009, learning to fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters by the age of 27. He completed his training as a helicopter pilot in 2010 and later served as a Flight Lieutenant with the RAF, conducting numerous search and rescue operations.
In recent years, William has expressed his desire to return to flying. During a visit to the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters, he mentioned plans to fly with the organization from its Cardiff Bay base, stating, “I’d love to fly again; I could volunteer for a weekend to make a comeback.”
Looking to the Future
As Prince George embarks on his flying journey, he joins a royal legacy steeped in aviation history. With the support of his parents, he is poised to carry on this tradition, potentially following in the footsteps of his father and great-grandfather. The future king’s first flight is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his life.
