Heir Force One: Prince George ‘Already Learning to Fly’ Aged 11 — How Future King ‘Took Maiden Flight Last Week as William and Kate Watched On’

Heir Force One: At Just 11, Prince George Takes to the Skies

Prince George is already taking the controls at a remarkable age of 11. News has surfaced revealing that the young royal recently embarked on his first flight, with his adoring parents, William and Kate, observing from the ground. The special event took place at an airbase not far from their residence in Windsor.

As a budding aviation enthusiast, Prince George is keen on upholding the royal legacy of flying. Notably, his great-grandfather, Prince Philip, trained at the same airfield where George’s initial flight occurred. This milestone flight unfolded on the last day of George’s summer holiday, during which he soared through the skies for an hour under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

Current UK laws dictate that while students can begin flying lessons at any age, their logged training hours only count towards licensing once they reach 14. For now, a qualified instructor must accompany them until they turn 16, after which solo flights are permitted. To obtain a full pilot’s license and carry passengers, individuals must wait until they are at least 17 years old.

This momentous occasion marks a significant achievement for George, who is getting a head start compared to his father, the Prince of Wales, who began flying later in life during his military career. An eyewitness shared their thoughts, stating that despite his young age, it is the perfect time for George to begin his flying journey. They remarked on the royal family’s rich heritage in aviation, hinting that George may very well be the next in line to carry that tradition forward.

William and Kate, both 42, expressed their pride while watching George take off from the safety of the ground. William himself is a highly trained helicopter pilot, having served in various capacities, including the RAF Search and Rescue and East Anglia Air Ambulance. In May, King Charles passed the role of colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps to William and praised his son’s piloting skills.

George’s foray into flying makes him the latest royal to pursue this passion. His father, along with his brother Prince Harry, did not commence flying lessons until they were involved in military training. William’s journey began in 2009, leading to his qualification as a helicopter pilot a year later, during which he participated in numerous rescue missions.

Prince Harry also underwent flight training before serving as a gunner in an Apache helicopter during his deployment in Afghanistan. The royal interest in aviation runs deep, extending to Kate Middleton’s family as well; her father, Michael, trained to be a pilot with British European Airways, and her grandfather flew jets for British Airways. With flying embedded in his lineage, Prince George’s first flight symbolizes not just personal achievement but a continuation of a cherished family tradition.