Business Details
17 Years
experience
Learn to Fly with Skytrek in Kent
Established in 2009, Skytrek is a family-owned flying school based at Rochester Airport in Kent, dedicated to making aviation accessible to all. Our mission is to provide high-quality flight training, trial lessons, and aircraft hire services tailored to individual needs. With a team of experienced instructors and a well-maintained fleet of Cessna aircraft, we prioritise safety, affordability, and personalised instruction. We adhere to rigorous maintenance standards and CAA regulations, ensuring every flight experience meets the highest industry benchmarks. Our flexible training programmes cater to beginners pursuing a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), as well as qualified pilots seeking advanced ratings or self-fly hire opportunities.Located just off the M2 motorway, we offer convenient access for local and regional clients. Over 15 years, we have built a reputation for excellence, combining professional expertise with a passion for aviation. Our annual membership model provides additional benefits, including ground school sessions, competitions, and exclusive flyout events. By focusing on transparency, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement, we aim to inspire the next generation of pilots while maintaining our position as a trusted leader in UK flight training.
Services
Trial Flying Lessons
Flight Training
Aircraft Hire
PPL Courses
LAPL Training
Night Rating Courses
IMC Ratings
Self Fly Hire
Ground School
Flyout Events
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Established in 2009 with a focus on affordable, high-quality flight training
- Experienced CAA-certified instructors with tailored training programmes
- Modern fleet of well-maintained Cessna aircraft for all skill levels
- Flexible membership benefits including ground school and flyout events
- Conveniently located at Rochester Airport with easy M2 access
Associations and certifications
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
What people say
Friendly instructors
Scenic flight paths
Well-maintained aircraft
Flexible booking
Memorable experiences
Services
Trial Flying Lessons
Hands-on aviation experiences for first-time pilots. Available in 60-minute sessions using Cessna 152 or 172 aircraft with optional landaway destinations. Includes pre-flight briefing and certificate of completion. Ideal for gift vouchers or testing pilot aspirations.
Private Pilot Licence
Comprehensive training programme meeting UK CAA requirements. Covers 45+ hours flight time including solo cross-country navigation. Includes ground exams, night rating options, and instrument meteorological conditions training. Structured to individual learning pace with experienced instructors.
Self Fly Hire
Hourly aircraft hire for qualified pilots. Fleet includes Cessna 152, 172, and 172SP models. Includes fuel, landing fees, and VAT. Requires valid medical certificate and recent checkout flight. Available for touring, training, or personal use with IFR certification.
Night Rating Course
Specialised training for night flight privileges. Covers 5 hours dual instruction including cross-country navigation. Teaches night takeoff/landing techniques and navigation procedures. No exam required, with qualification valid for licence duration.
IMC Rating Training
Advanced training for flying in poor visibility conditions. Includes 15 hours instrument training with simulator options. Prepares pilots for cloud flying and IFR procedures in UK airspace. Requires post-PPL experience and multiple-choice exam.
People
Stuart
Chief Flying Instructor & Examiner
Stuart leads our training team with over 20 years of aviation experience, specialising in CAA-approved flight instruction and safety standards. He ensures all students receive structured, professional pilot development.
Mike
Deputy Chief Flying Instructor
Mike supports flight operations with extensive examiner credentials, focusing on maintaining high instructional quality and regulatory compliance across all training programmes.
Naresh
Flying Instructor
Naresh delivers tailored flight lessons using modern teaching methods, with particular expertise in helping new pilots build confidence during initial training phases.
Gary
Duty Operations
Gary manages daily operations and client coordination, ensuring smooth booking processes and efficient service delivery for both training and hire customers.
Tarun
Duty Operations
Tarun oversees administrative support for flight bookings and membership services, providing clear guidance to clients visiting our Rochester Airport facility.
Questions
What age requirements apply for trial flights?
Minimum age is 14 years with adult supervision required for under-16s on airfield premises.
Can I use flight time towards a pilot licence?
Yes, trial lesson hours can count towards Private Pilot Licence training if you continue learning with us.
What aircraft hire options are available?
We offer Cessna 152, 172, and 172SP models for qualified pilots with valid medical certificates.
Do you provide accommodation for visiting pilots?
While we don't offer accommodation, nearby Holiday Inn provides convenient lodging for visiting pilots and guests.
What are the weight and height limits for passengers?
Two-seat Cessna 152: 15.5st/98kg max weight, 6'0" height. Four-seat Cessna 172: 17st/108kg max weight, 6'6" height.
How do I book a flight experience?
Book online via our website or call 01634 200787. We recommend booking at least one month in advance for weekend slots.
Reviews (7)
Chris Partridge
Jan 13, 2022
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Excellent, small, friendly flying club at Biggin Hill. They have a good fleet of Piper Warrior training aircraft which are, based on my recent experience, a very stable platform for those looking to get their private pilots licence.
Tony Healey
Aug 09, 2021
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Went for a pleasure flight and really enjoyed it. Very professionally run with pilots that are passionate about flying.
Chris Izzard
Nov 07, 2019
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14 and over. Wish I knew that when I was 14. Would have been flying since. Amazing you get hour lesson. You are flying for 50+ minutes. 1000 to 3000 feet. Out to folkestone follow M20 back up M2 cover most if Kent. But jumpy on way up and down but when steady at 3000 feet glorious. Expensive hobby, but well worth the money. Can spend more on a night out.
Nicola Coppen
Apr 20, 2019
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Rochester Airport has long been close to my family - Mum working at Rochester Aviation Flying Club, friend owning Millen Aviation and today it was our son’s first trial lesson. A 2 hour - we booked a Land Away… and wow what an experience! Huge thanks to Stuart, David, Ewan, Kelvin, Brian, John & to all who reminisced and chatted to us whilst our son was flying! Amazing to have a new generation at Rochester! Highly recommend the Skytrek Instructors and their colleagues for a super experience both in the air and on the ground.
Angel Roberts
Jan 19, 2019
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Brought a trial lesson for my partners xmas present and we managed to fly today, such an amazing experience and thanks to Stuart the flying instructor who was so lovely Taking us over to see our house and… taught us a lot in one lesson about the plane and flying. So professional and friendly we would definitely recommend even just for the experience. What a wonderful memory to add to our many experiences. 😊
Ian Rickard
Dec 07, 2018
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I bought a trial lesson for my wifes birthday last year, but due to circumstances we were unable to book until this year. Last weekend saw us visit Skytrek and from the time we walked through the door we were made to feel welcome. The staff are fantastic. Esther was to be Kellys instructor and briefed us on the principles of the control surfaces of the aircraft. Then off we went fir a flight to Ltd airport and back... that was until I went to get in the back seats and came over with claustrophobic feelings. Totally gutted that I couldnt go I decided safety was the most important factor
Ryan Simmonds
Nov 18, 2016
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Constantly messesd about during my PPL training, myself and instructor kicked out of the classroom on numerous occasions due to internal squabbles between staff. My instructor eventually quit half way through my training and consequently having had enough of being messed about I moved to another school.
Years later after passing my PPL I… returned to complete an aerobatics course. The instructor Clive was great! However this was also cut short after the operations manager made up completely false allegations of me misusing aircraft - aparently observed on social media footage, however none
Years later after passing my PPL I… returned to complete an aerobatics course. The instructor Clive was great! However this was also cut short after the operations manager made up completely false allegations of me misusing aircraft - aparently observed on social media footage, however none
