Prince George takes first flying lesson at age 11, following royal family tradition

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, watched their 11-year-old son take off with an instructor.

Prince George is reportedly "already learning to fly" after taking his first flight on the last day of his school summer holidays.

As reported by The Sun, the future king "loved" his first flight at White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead.

Sources say The Prince and Princess of Wales watched their 11-year-old son take off with an instructor and land safely after just under an hour.

William and Kate arrived at the Berkshire airfield with George in a three-car convoy, a short 10-mile drive from their Windsor residence.

After the flight, the family reportedly relaxed at the airfield’s clubhouse, which is part of the West London Aero Club.

An onlooker said: “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.”

“His parents watched George take flight from the safety of the ground but he flew with an instructor and loved it.”

Another individual at the airfield mentioned there were "30 or 40 people" in the clubhouse during the royal family's visit, noting that "all three had been pretty chilled."

Aspiring pilots can begin learning at any age, but training hours that count towards a licence only begin at 14.

Young pilots must fly with an instructor until they turn 16, after which they are allowed to fly solo.

To qualify for a Private Pilot Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority, students are required to complete a minimum of 45 flying hours and pass nine theoretical exams.

At age 17, pilots are eligible to hold a licence and carry passengers.

Prince George seems to be following in the footsteps of several family members who have a long history of piloting aircraft.