Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
04 July 2016 07:57
easyJet can boast Britain's youngest airline pilot
People who holiday abroad with easyJet might be forgiven for doing a double-take when they see one of its newest pilots entering the cockpit.
Luke Elsworth is 19 years young and is not only the UK's youngest qualified airline pilot, but also one of the most youthful since British aviation records began.
Luke's route to the top
The budget carrier offered the teenager a job in April after he finished an 18-month training course at the Southampton-based CTC Aviation centre.
The now First Officer Elsworth was only nine days past his 18th birthday when he enrolled and is now qualified to take passengers on easyJet routes.
The training programme included:
• flying light planes in the American state of Arizona
• half-a-year's worth of training on a simulator
Successful completion of the course secured him a licence as a multi-crew pilot.
Peace of mind, whoever the pilot is
Most airline passengers jetting off abroad might not care about a pilot's age, as long as they are fully trained.
But peace of mind can be left on the runway if holidaymakers leave without trusted travel insurance.
This is because it means they have to trust to luck as they are uncovered should the worst mishaps happen on holiday.
Insurance protection covers delayed or cancelled flights, stolen luggage and possessions, and mislaid travel documents, such as passports.
What the pilot says
Mr Elsworth believes that it does not matter to travellers how old a pilot is, as long as they are competent enough and fully trained.
He says he would have no problem in travelling in a train driven by an 18 year old and would trust him 100%.
Mr Elsworth told Press Association journalists that he has not yet received any squeamish looks from passengers on account of his lack of years.
He says aptitude and thorough training are more important than a pilot's age.
19 September 2019
Who invented rugby? Ahead of the greatest rugby competition in the world, we take a look at how the game spread around the globe...
[more...]
09 September 2019
What's the best place for a city break this September? Here are some of our favourite weekend destinations for a European getaway.
What's the best island to visit in Europe? Take a look at some of our top tips off the beaten track and find your very own island paradise...
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...