Meet Steve and Clare

Steve Small – 12 years RAF as an airframe engineer, 34 years in civil aviation as a B1 Licenced aircraft engineer for major airlines, including positions as Airworthiness, Safety, Fleet & Asset Management. Aircraft CAMO project management including worldwide transitions.

Clare Small – 13 years as cabin crew for a major airline. Owner/Director of a successful glamping business within the Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire.

Our experience

Sending our son to Florida for the 2Fly dual UK/EASA ATPL programme has been one of the most positive and reassuring decisions we’ve made as a family. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that 2Fly offers far more than just flight training, it provides an environment where students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow into capable, confident aviators. The professionalism of the instructors, the structure of the programme, and the sheer volume of flying opportunities have all contributed to his development in ways that simply wouldn’t be possible in the UK.

Florida’s consistent flying weather means he’s in the air regularly, building real experience rather than waiting for conditions to improve. The busy airspace and exposure to US style operations have pushed him to think and act like a pilot from day one. Every flight sharpens his judgement, situational awareness, and decision making, the qualities airlines value most. The dual UK/EASA pathway also gives him a broader future, opening doors across Europe and beyond, which adds real value to the investment we’ve made in his training.

What has impressed us most is the maturity and confidence he’s gained. He speaks about his instructors with genuine respect, describing them as mentors who care deeply about producing safe, skilled pilots. The fleet is well maintained, and the training syllabus is delivered with a level of discipline that mirrors airline expectations. He’s not just learning to fly, he’s learning to operate professionally, manage workload, and stay composed under pressure.

As parents, seeing him thrive in such a focused, aviation‑driven environment is incredibly rewarding. He’s growing not only as a pilot, but as a young adult preparing for a demanding career. The 2Fly programme has given him momentum, purpose, and a clear pathway toward the cockpit. we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieving, and we’re grateful he’s training somewhere that brings out the very best in him.

Steve and Clare Small, Leicestershire

Parents of UK Student Pilot – Edward Small