What age can participate?

Participants aged 14 and up are welcome; those under 18 must be accompanied to the site by an adult to complete paperwork.

Lunch is not included; bring a packed lunch or purchase food at the on-site café.

What time does the course run?

The programme typically runs from 09:00 to 15:00 with planned breaks in the morning and midday.

Are there safety requirements?

Yes—participants receive a full safety briefing; follow instructor directions at all times and wear appropriate footwear.

Can I take photos on the apron?

Photography may be allowed in designated areas but follow instructor guidance and avoid photographing security-sensitive operations or personnel without permission.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.

Hands-On Ground Operations Day at Saxon Air in Norwich

On the apron at Saxon Air Business Aviation Centre, just outside Norwich, England, the hum of engines and the clack of high-visibility boots set the tempo for a day of discovery. The STEM - Ground Operations Experience Day is a six-hour, hands-on introduction aimed at teens and adults curious about how airports actually function. Over small-group sessions (maximum eight participants) instructors with extensive aviation backgrounds guide you through classroom briefings and real-world tasks that keep aircraft moving and passengers safe.

Begin with a safety and operations overview before stepping onto the ramp to meet the core elements of ground handling: marshalling and aircraft positioning, baggage and cargo loading basics, pushback procedures and the choreography of service vehicles and tugs. You'll get close to ground support equipment—belt loaders, dollies, tow bars—and practice radio etiquette and simple documentation used by ramp crews. The day balances practical drills with guided explanation, so novices learn why each task matters for on-time departures and flight safety.

This is not a passive tour. Participants perform supervised tasks under instructor supervision, gaining tactile insight into fuel handling protocols, chocks and safety cones, and the sequence of events that follow a flight’s arrival. The programme emphasizes real-world standards: instructors are DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained, and sessions include a full safety briefing and staged exercises that reflect routine airport rhythms.

Why book this in Norwich? The course locates learners in a working business aviation centre where operations are compact enough to observe details closely while retaining the scale of a modern airfield. For families and aspiring aviation professionals, the experience demystifies airport logistics and offers a tangible pathway into careers in ground operations, airline dispatch, and airport management. Practical skills, combined with instructor stories from long aviation careers, make for an engaging, career-oriented day.

Practical notes: bring a packed lunch or use the on-site café, arrive 15 minutes early, and anyone under 18 should come with an adult for paperwork. Cancellations require 48 hours’ notice. The course runs from 09:00 to 15:00 and is ideal for physically able participants comfortable walking on tarmac and around active equipment.

Expect varied weather and dress in layers; the ramp can be chilly and noisy, so sensible footwear and ear protection are wise. The course accepts participants aged 14 and up and prizes attention to safety and teamwork. If you like mechanical detail, logistics puzzles, and practical problem solving, this experience gives a rare, hands-on education you can’t get from books or videos. Book now.

About Saxon Air

Saxon Air is an aviation company based in Norwich, England, offering flight experiences, introductory training, and STEM-focused days. Operating modern light aircraft including the Diamond DA40 and Pipistrel models, Saxon Air delivers trial lessons, scenic flights, and hands-on aviation courses for newcomers, enthusiasts, and those exploring aviation careers.

The company’s program range includes one-hour and 45- to 60-minute trial flights, an electric aircraft experience over local landmarks, STEM aircraft maintenance and ground operations days, and a two-day cabin crew training course. Each experience pairs classroom briefings with instructor-led flying or practical sessions, enabling participants to learn flight controls, aerodynamics, safety procedures, and airport operations.

Saxon Air hosts Introduction into Flight Training sessions that combine simulator practice with live flying in Pipistrel aircraft, and offers Scenic Flights that showcase Norfolk’s coastline, countryside, and historic airfields from the cockpit. The maintenance and ground operations days provide hands-on exposure under expert supervision, ideal for students and career explorers.

Safety and instruction are delivered by qualified instructors familiar with light aircraft operations and local procedures. Flights depart from Norwich, providing easy access for residents and visitors to Norfolk. Booking information, availability, and specific aircraft used are provided by Saxon Air at the time of reservation.

Saxon Air’s blend of trial lessons, STEM learning days, and cabin crew training creates a practical gateway into aviation professions and recreational flying. Customers receive clear pre-flight briefings.