AIRLINE EasyJet has announced the launch of ‘EasyJet Flightsize’, a collection of online video lessons, to support parents across the nation still juggling home-working and home-schooling, as most schools in the UK remain closed during lockdown.

EasyJet Pilots are fronting the new initiative 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 seven to 10 is designed to help parents keep kids engaged and entertained at home until at least March 8 when schools could be due to reopen.

Fronted by the airline’s 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, and informative takes on what makes different parts of a plane - such as the tail, engines and nose - important.

Each of the videos also contain related activities and challenges for children to try at home including; making paper aeroplanes, drawing and identifying cloud formations, practising pilot announcements and drawing detailed maps of their hometown – ensuring children will continue to be kept entertained and informed after the lessons have finished.

Captain Iris de Kan, an easyJet pilot fronting the Flightsize lessons said: “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.

“It’s important that girls have visible role models to bust gendered stereotypes of jobs and even though we can’t visit in person right now, we’ll continue to keep up the important work of our Amy Johnson Initiative to encourage more girls to consider a pilot career.”

To access easyJet Flightsize, go to youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpESdPwXdFriWA0Mzur1Mqdo3Vd9d5_Oy