A budget airline has announced the launch of a collection of online video lessons, to support parents still juggling home-schooling with other commitments.
Pilots are fronting the new initiative ‘easyJet Flightsize’ and have created a programme of online lessons that include elements of basic geography, science and demystifying the magic of flying.
The collection of bitesize video-based lessons for primary school children aged between seven and 10 is designed to help parents keep kids engaged and entertained at home until at least March 8 when schools in England are set to reopen.
Fronted by pilots, Captain Iris de Kan and Captain Brij Kotecha, the topics include ‘How Planes Fly’, ‘Why Weather is Important’ and ‘How do Pilots Know Where They Are Going?’
The video series uses a mixture of animation and pilot tuition to help young children understand the scientific principles of flight – how wings, thrust, drag and lift allow planes to fly.
Additional lessons cover cloud formations and the impact of wind on flying, as well as a look behind the flight deck door at the controls of an aeroplane.
When school lessons are able to return to the classroom, easyJet will be launching a virtual pilot school visits programme to continue inspiring the next generation of pilots.
Johan Lundgren, easyJet chief executive, said: “We know it isn’t easy for parents having to balance home-schooling with work during lockdown which is why they are always looking for ever-more exciting ways to keep their children busy and entertained in what we hope is the final stretch of home schooling.
"I am delighted that our pilots and easyJet as an airline can help out in a small way and I hope that children enjoy learning from our fantastic pilots all about how planes fly as well as a behind-the-scenes look at what the job of a pilot is like with these Flightsize lessons.”
Captain Iris de Kan, an easyJet pilot fronting the Flightsize lessons, added: “As parents we know just how stressful it is trying to balance home schooling and childcare with everything else right now. So, we are here to help with our educational easyJet Flightsize lessons, to keep kids entertained and engaged at home.
“And once schools are able to return to the classroom, we look forward to launching our virtual pilot school visits."
