Learn to fly with Irwin in Northamptonshire today.
"He made getting my license fun whilst making sure I was properly trained."
Nearly 30 years and 9,500 hours in the air — Irwin is a patient, easy-going instructor who loves nothing more than settling first-time nerves and sharing the joy of flight, one-to-one.
One-to-one. Every single flight
No crowded classrooms, no sharing the cockpit, no waiting your turn while someone else flies. Every lesson is just you and Irwin — the controls in your hands from start to finish
That means your training moves at exactly your pace, and the feedback is honest, personal and all about you
Life at the strip
Real days, real first solos — and the occasional four-legged co-pilot keeping watch on the wing. This is flying with Irwin at Sywell.
Three decades, 9,500 hours, one passion
Irwin has been flying for around 30 years and has logged over 9,500 hours in the air. Few instructors bring that depth of experience to the cockpit beside you — and even fewer make the learning this enjoyable
Alongside light-aircraft instruction at Sywell, he has trained students on a full Boeing 737 simulator — so whether you're chasing a first solo or curious about the airline flight deck, you're learning from someone who has been there
Spend five minutes with Irwin and his enthusiasm is infectious — patient, easy-going and quick to laugh, he has a way of settling first-time nerves before you've even left the ground. He genuinely loves teaching, takes real pride in every student's progress, and would happily talk flying all day. After nearly three decades aloft, the grin when the wheels leave the runway hasn't faded one bit
Choose when you want to take off
Availability follows Sywell Aerodrome's published operating pattern — open to all at weekends, based-aircraft only midweek. Always confirm via PPR and the live airfield status before you fly.
Training rates
Clear, honest pricing. Pay as you fly — no packages to commit to up front. Tap Reserve on any option to get in touch with Irwin.
⭐Give the gift of flight⭐
A first flight makes an unforgettable present. Buy a voucher and your e-voucher gift certificate is emailed 3 days after purchase — valid for 12 months.
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Buy as giftTrain on real aircraft
A well-maintained training fleet of single-engine pistons — the same aircraft you'll fly solo and take to your checkride.
What students say
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Do I need any experience?
None at all. Every flight is one-to-one with Irwin beside you, and you'll have the controls from the start — first-timers are welcome.
What happens if the weather's bad?
Flying is weather-dependent. If conditions aren't safe on the day, Irwin will be in touch to rebook you at no charge — no flight, no payment.
Who can fly?
Flights are open to anyone aged 16 or over, up to a maximum weight of 100 kg. Under-18s will need a parent or guardian to consent.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothes and flat, closed shoes. Bring sunglasses and a photo ID, and arrive about 15 minutes early to meet Irwin before you fly.
How does booking and payment work?
You send a booking request with your preferred date and time. Irwin reviews it and confirms by email — and your payment is only taken once he's approved the slot.
Do flights count towards a licence?
Yes — lesson time is logged and counts towards a Private Pilot Licence. See the Pathways page for the full route from first flight to airline pilot.
How do gift vouchers work?
Buy a 30- or 60-minute flight as a gift and the e-voucher certificate is emailed to you 3 days after purchase, ready to send on. Vouchers are valid for 12 months.
Where is Sywell Aerodrome?
Sywell is near Northampton (NN6 0BN). It's open to all at weekends and based-aircraft only midweek — see Contact for details.
Contact Irwin
Questions about learning to fly, or want to book over the phone? Reach out any time — Irwin is always happy to talk it through.
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