Mum doesn’t know I’m a private pilot, so we went flying!

I take my mum on a flight without her knowing that I am a qualified private pilot. She thought we'd hired another pilot for the trip. We take off and land at Leeds Bradford airport, and during the flight, we fly around Elvington and York, taking in the stunning views from above.
Her reaction as she realises what's happening is a moment we will both never forget!

[@DanSmithBK]

Love it! Always a joy to see new pilots taking loved ones up... keep them coming!

[@onairclub]

Thanks Dan, more in the works.

[@sidehop]

You can tell his mom knows his son well enough she wasn't entirely shocked but completely trusts him! ❤

[@onairclub]

A lifetime of experience!

[@ja_u]

You taxiing out there and the premise still being "he'll just run out onto the runway and get in" was hilarious. She was so chill about it hahaha

[@onairclub]

Don’t worry, it’s just a busy international airport. No one will mind…

[@silvershoes9724]

Haha this is amazing, imagine Mark just running out on to the runway 😂

[@onairclub]

@@silvershoes9724 I guess at some point she simply stopped questioning the reality of the situation 😅

[@3DJapan]

Yeah I was imagining her saying "we're going awfully fast, can he run?"

[@rebeccabrown5014]

His mother was surprisingly calm. This was a treat! Congrats to the pilot for pulling this off! 🎉

[@onairclub]

All in all, I think she handled it very well!

[@monkeyx17]

she just trusts her son is all

[@marvinharms1891]

Most people are afraid of heights, including pilots and astronauts. What makes them do the job at those ultitudes and stresses is something I wish I've did in my younger days, and I can brag about it now. Wow! Life goes by so fast, when we don't look at it!

[@AVMamfortas]

Mum is pretty good at Navigation !! She can recocgnise towns, villages, roads and even specific hills from the air. Well done Mum.

[@onairclub]

She’s great at navigating, she pointed at a few bits I hadn’t picked up on (and I had the map).

[@self-preservationsociety7057]

You told your dear old Mum a pack of lies , the look on her face was priceless. Awesome surprise, well done pal . Bloody Mark late again !

[@onairclub]

That bloody man! Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@yambo59]

I love that he did this for his mother, hes a great son and shes obviously a great mom he loves very much, God bless them both.

[@onairclub]

Thanks for the great feedback!

[@goodisnipr]

lol she pulls out the aviator glasses... I was waiting for her to say she's taking over as PiC and surprising YOU saying she got her license too!

[@onairclub]

The Inception of surprise flight videos. That's something I'd absolutely watch 🙂

[@ggbean4152]

His mother is so cute and trusting 😀

[@onairclub]

@@ggbean4152 she is!

[@kurtbilinski1723]

"... you cheeky boy..." You'll remember that forever :) "...that's where we got married..." Was waiting for you mum to say, "you're married?!"

[@onairclub]

That would have been an extremely tense conversation…

[@markharris1845]

...and just down there is the hospital where we had the triplets. "TRIPLETS? - You cheeky boy!"

[@auracruz6211]

The mama's So beautiful Shocking Reaction, When she realizes that her son is a pilot. Priceless. ❤🤗😁🛩

[@quecksilber457]

"I'll never trust you again." Whilst showing the most trust possible by literally putting her life in your hands. :)

[@onairclub]

Yes, I laughed at that one. Bless her!

[@DCSspitfire]

Priceless, how proud your mother must be!

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks for the comment 😅

[@ktreolo]

Americans love when British people call each other "cheeky"! Such a sweet mother and son.

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks for the feedback. Really appreciate it 🙂

[@jimburdin]

that look on your mum's face when you told her Mark was not coming.... priceless...lol good job bud

[@onairclub]

Thanks Jim!

[@TENpilot]

The first time my mother came to fly with me was very special. I always felt very sorry that I couldn't share it with my father, but somehow, he guides me through the clouds.

[@onairclub]

They’re always with us 🙂

[@cherylr9385]

Indeed your dad is soaring the skies with you❤

[@TENpilot]

@@onairclub That's true 🙏🏻

[@TENpilot]

@@cherylr9385 That's what I always believe

[@dennyb6768]

Love her demeanor. All I could think the whole time was "Nothing phases an English woman." Keep calm and carry on. lmao she's a gem.

[@onairclub]

Yes, she was extraordinarily calm and collected… at least outwardly.

[@dillis2188]

What a beautiful moment - to be able to take the woman who gave you life for a flight through the skies.

[@onairclub]

How the tables have turned 😉 Thanks for the comment!

[@aprilrossato8859]

Just beautiful to watch . Your mum is so proud

[@onairclub]

It was a great little trip. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@cratianflightsimulatourb-fo2yk]

just inviting family members to your private flight is amazing!

[@onairclub]

Thanks, it's always a great feeling!

[@antoniog9814]

This was such a great prank! I love it! She took it better than I expected. I thought she would start to panic yell and scream!!, lol. Your mother is quite the trooper. 👍

[@onairclub]

She is that! Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

[@JohnHaroldjr]

What a wonderful surprise for your mother. My father learned to fly but I never got to fly with him. Thank you for sharing.

[@onairclub]

Why not book a discovery flight? It’s a great experience to get up there 🛩️

[@daveyporterpictures5368]

Absolutely loved your video. What a delightful mum! You're not just a cheeky boy; you are a lucky boy. Thanks for the trip, and continued good wishes on your career as a private pilot! Cheers from the USA.

[@onairclub]

Thanks Davey, appreciate the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@FLEXCopMNPD]

Well done Mate, this is my first time finding your channel and this was a great video to start with. You can tell your Mum was so proud and happy. This made my heart happy. Happy flying.

[@onairclub]

Thanks buddy, that means a lot. More videos in the works 🙂

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

That is a very nice bird. Good passenger.

[@onairclub]

Alas she was sold fairly shortly after that flight. She was great to fly in.

[@mrdre963]

ik your mom was surprised but you can tell in her face she was also very proud. what a wholesome video.

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks. Really appreciate the comment.

[@ThemeParkLoopy]

She was definitely surprised 😮

[@johnhandy3483]

Very smart making her focus on the building to keep her distracted about what was happening! Wholesome video, I loved it! Hope to get my PPL someday when I can afford it!

[@onairclub]

Yes, the hanger distraction technique worked like a charm! If you’ve got the money and the time absolutely consider a PPL, it’s an amazing experience. Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@jayh-gb7gz]

“u cheeky boy” priceless

[@onairclub]

It's become a bit of a catchphrase at my side 🙄

[@docfmb1]

she is so very proud. nice to see

[@Handle_Not_Available.]

Mum's are the best!!!

[@onairclub]

💯

[@kotai12]

Great mother and son relationship

[@onairclub]

Thanks buddy

[@Investor9872]

I love the relationship between these two. You can see there's so much love and respect there. Thanks for the video. Made my day!

[@onairclub]

What a lovely comment 🙂

[@armaansaha2310]

Bless you and your mother

[@onairclub]

Ahh, cheers buddy!

[@AnthonyFrancisJones]

Priceless! What a great sport you mum is!

[@onairclub]

She is! Thanks for the comment Anthony 👍

[@rogerclarke3291]

Well done. That was a pearler. thanks for posting.

[@onairclub]

Thanks Roger, really appreciate the feedback.

[@kathybell4878]

As a mom, this brings proud tears to my eyes! Love this!!

[@onairclub]

Aw, thanks for the comment Kathy! 😅

[@JacksDiving]

As soon as you said "He's not coming" I bellowed out a jolly laugh like Seth Rogan, the look on your mothers face is priceless.

[@wonderful-wafwaf]

Thought it was matt Damon on the thumbnail

[@onairclub]

I'll take that as a compliment, cheers buddy!

[@wonderful-wafwaf]

@@onairclub lol you're welcome

[@susanneil3221]

Your right he does look like Matt Damon!!!

[@martinowens2813]

Dan, you are a very naughty boy ...... but very funny. What a lovely surprise for your Mum 👍

[@onairclub]

I mean, she raised me… so technically who’s fault is this! Thanks for the comment Martin 🙂

[@jcl007149]

Brilliant! Absolutely great watch 🎉

[@onairclub]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amitayudas1411]

Mom must be very happy!

[@onairclub]

She loved it! Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@amitayudas1411]

@@onairclub Apart from the trip she must be proud that you are a qualified pilot now.

[@whatanerd7628]

The perfect approach and landing was the cherry on top :)

[@onairclub]

Aww thanks, yes I was pretty pleased with that one 🙂

[@L8nitedave]

She seemed to enjoy it so that makes you a very good boy.

[@onairclub]

Ha thanks! Yes, I think she did 🙂

[@Basque-Aragon]

The Mom seems so calm, I'd probably be freaking out, lol.

[@onairclub]

She’s very chill!

[@toolman7540]

You made your mom happy

[@onairclub]

It could have gone one of two ways…

[@nathanwildthorn6919]

Mum is so proud of you! ❤ You're a right bloke! 😊

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks Nathan! Appreciate the comment.

[@Skafiskafnjak51]

You cheeky boi, doing pranks on your mom ! Lovely video

[@onairclub]

Everyone loves a good prank! 😅

[@kevinbush4300]

4:35... the persepctive/angle of that shot makes it look as if your mum is looking at you, hoping to dear God, that you haven't actually gone mad, finally!!

[@onairclub]

Had to check the video to see where you meant. She was looking at the hangers behind us waiting for Mark to re-appear 😅

[@mgara514]

She is proud of you ! god bless her ! great son and mom !

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks for the lovely feedback!

[@cjane_world]

The way she was gleaming ❤, proud mama

[@onairclub]

Aah, thanks!

[@MarcusHouse]

I'm not sure how I ended up on this video, but I really enjoyed it. Congrats on this achievement. Your dad would be proud, and we can all see your mum was.

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks Marcus. Love your videos.

[@OnlyInLasVegas]

Such a cheeky boy.

[@mish130]

"You cheeky boy!" :D

[@onairclub]

It’s rapidly become a catch phrase my side 🙃

[@AbbeyNormal1994]

I love your Mum's reaction of you revealing that you're flying without the pilot you were waiting on

[@onairclub]

Thanks! It took a fair bit of planning to pull off 👍

[@ravenmiller6376]

this was really wholesome. I was expecting some freakout reaction of slight panic like "WHAT ARE YOU DOING AREN'T WE SUPPOSED TO WAIT" XD

[@onairclub]

To be honest so was I! On retrospect I'm really glad that didn't happen 🙃

[@Soffity]

Your mum is a treat, what a lovely person, and you’re a son she is proud of, congrats to you both. Well done, 🌈🦘

[@onairclub]

Thanks very much for the comment, really appreciate the positive feedback!

[@garyloudenslager9129]

Grate job young man, mom's so proud of you 😅😅😅❤

[@countryboy8870]

geez man thats massive to pull off. Well done.

[@onairclub]

Cheers bud!

[@eaglerandall11]

wish i still had my mom around to take up in the air. beautiful video and grats!!

[@onairclub]

Aww thanks. Yes, I’m very lucky this all came together so well 🙂

[@tomasprince209]

What an endearing video! Your mum's an absolute delight. Congrats on your PPL.

[@onairclub]

Cheers Tomas! She is and it's fantastic to have a PPL. Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@bwoodworth100]

Her smile was the best thing in the video. Well done. I was waiting for you to start freaking out as you gained speed and acted like the plane was out of control. 😂

[@onairclub]

Thanks! I didn’t want to take the prank any further for a few reasons, the biggest being I didn’t want to get distracted while taking off. I was also trying not to accidentally kill mum from the shock, but given how calm she was, that obviously was never going to be an issue 😅

[@bwoodworth100]

@@onairclub I fully understand. Cherish this experience with your mum (mom in the U.S.). You can see and feel her pride through her smile. Be Well and Fly Safe.

[@onairclub]

@@bwoodworth100 thanks, really appreciate the comment. It was great to be able to reveal everything to her after all the training and exams.

[@snowguy2006]

Brilliant.

[@onairclub]

Thanks bud

[@carmelfalshaw8481]

Absolutely Brilliant it's nice to see something Which makes us smile And that did ,well done mate and by the way your mum is Ace what a lovely lady you are Lucky boys having a mum like her , all round a nice family a great video great content and Iam now a subscriber so Iam looking forward to more great content

[@onairclub]

Thank you so much for the feedback. Really appreciate the comment and the subscription. We're not far off having another video ready, so hang tight for more soon 😁

[@GAZ1511]

WOW just come across this well done your mum is special to you and that was great thx for the stream

[@onairclub]

Thanks Gaz, appreciate the comment!

[@jehhhGames]

That was lovely and your mother seems like a real gem!

[@onairclub]

Oh, she’s absolutely amazing. Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@justtim9767]

Excellent.

[@onairclub]

😁

[@NorwayT]

🤣😂 ROFLMAO!!! 😂🤣 👍This is one of the coolest Aviation Videos on the entire Internet!!! That's pretty amazing, managing to hide that from you mom for two years! They usually sniff something like this out one way or another!!! 🤣KUDOS!

[@onairclub]

It was hard going keeping it quiet for that long! Thanks for the feedback.

[@NorwayT]

@@onairclub It was a wonderful surprise! And your mom seemed really cool, calm and collected, so if you've got some of her composure, I'm betting you'll be able to keep a clear head as a Pilot. That's not a bad trait to have. Keep the Blue Side Up, Brother!

[@ROT8AV8]

This looks very very... very familiar to me lol!! Almost as if I had done something just like this a couple years earlier. Congrats on the achievment! Welcome to the Skies.

[@onairclub]

No way! Thanks for commenting buddy, love your videos. Safe flying 🛫

[@jmonsted]

I was starting to ponder doing the same with my mother in the local club for glider pilots :)

[@onairclub]

Do it! My mum loved the surprise. Just make sure she's up for a bit of excitement first. Not everyone's great with heights 😅

[@robinhowson4292]

what else havent you told Mum ? 🤔🤔😂😂😂 bravo young man , her smile is fantastic 👍👍🤗🤗🤗

[@onairclub]

I promise it was just the pilot thing! Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@toivotorvinen]

Mum is smiling in spite of the cheeky boy. Fair Dinkum. It was good.

[@onairclub]

Ha, 'cheeky boy' is going to haunt me. Thanks for the comment!

[@TUUK2006]

You've got a great mum there mate. Lucky man.

[@onairclub]

She's a keeper! Thanks for the comment 😁

[@jean-pierrelandry4101]

This was so lovely, thank you!!

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks Jean. Really appreciate the feedback!

[@bigliftm]

Whaha 🤣 i lover yer mom 🤣 these kind of videos never get old.

[@onairclub]

She's a keeper!

[@tomrohan8480]

For a moment I thot it was Matt Damon.. awesome surprise for your mom bruv

[@onairclub]

I’m not going to complain about the comparison… Thanks for the feedback Tom!

[@nathanwildthorn6919]

Dude! You're flying your Mum!!! 😢 How coooool!!!

[@onairclub]

It was a unique experience, for sure!

[@boeingpete]

Awh...bet your mum was really thrilled not to mention very proud 🤣

[@onairclub]

Thanks Pete. I think she has just happy to land safely to be honest!

[@WCPRCModelsCraft]

Excellent Nice work, new subscriber. Enjoy the wings. Safe travels

[@onairclub]

Thanks, really appreciate the feedback!

[@RyanHull76]

Love it! "You cheeky Boy!" lol

[@onairclub]

Yes, alas that’s become a bit of a catch phrase in our office now…

[@AlEbnereza]

You’re a cheeky thing Danny. 😂 Great reveal!

[@onairclub]

Thanks! 😁

[@nathanwildthorn6919]

Delightful ❤

[@deldridg]

This is a very heartwarming vid and your mum is a great sport - clearly with full trust in the boy she brought into this world! Thank you for sharing. I paused my flight training years ago and always wanted to take my parents up one day. Sadly we lost my dad a few weeks ago so I really should get into gear so I can enjoy the experience with mum (who is something of a daredevil octogenarian)! Cheers from Sydney - Dave PS. My dad's parents were from York! 🙂

[@onairclub]

Dave, really sorry to hear about your dad. Please do reconsider your PPL, it's amazing up there and I'm sure your mum would love the experience. York is amazing and by coincidence I have family in Sydney 🙂

[@squidiebah]

What a lad.

[@onairclub]

Ha! Thanks

[@Hawk006]

I wish they made GoPros when I took my mom on her first flight with me.

[@onairclub]

For what it’s worth, most was actually shot on an Insta360, but yes, small affordable cameras have really brought GA to the masses. Are you still flying?

[@Hawk006]

@@onairclub Unfortunately I don’t fly anymore, but I can still relive some memorable moments like they happened yesterday. Happy flying!

[@StormChaser290]

Simply wonderful! My mom was my 1st passenger as well. I didn't tell her until I was close to finishing because I didn't want her to worry. She remains my best and most passenger ever! Thank you for sharing

[@onairclub]

@@StormChaser290 thanks for the great feedback 👍

[@russellfredric2509]

😂 a perfect ruse and still 100% concentration on actually aviating. Well done!

[@onairclub]

Thanks Russel, love the feedback! Yes, ultimately it’s all about having a safe trip 👍

[@RetroCrisis]

Aww that was adorable

[@onairclub]

Thanks Retro, glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcosavila8215]

very very touching, well done mate, i have done something similar but my father knew i was a pilot...cheers from Portugal

[@onairclub]

Ahh, thanks buddy. Love the feedback!

[@FactsMatter]

You cheeky boy!

[@onairclub]

Ha! Thanks

[@alanevil]

Pretty great!

[@onairclub]

Thanks Alan!

[@Jazzrocks-b4t]

Well done 😂 nice surprise..i love it

[@onairclub]

Ha! Thanks for the feedback, to be honest I'm still surprised this one worked out so well. The odds of it coming together (nice day / Mark helping / Mum falling for it etc) all seemed fairly out there.

[@hannahelizabeth5490]

Bless mum! Love the video Dan ❤

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks Han! x

[@FrEeWaY7k]

having flone in alot of planes alike its a great feeling, happy for you that you where able to share it with your Mother!

[@onairclub]

It’s like nothing else 🙂 Thanks for the comment!

[@jakeyboo7]

Amazing

[@onairclub]

Thanks Jakey!

[@Rivaboyz1987]

The look of joy on mums face was priceless proud mother there mate well done 👏

[@onairclub]

Thanks, that means a lot bud!

[@Rivaboyz1987]

@@onairclub I done my 1st tandem skydive last month I want to do a flying lesson next

[@onairclub]

@@Rivaboyz1987 wow, good job 👏 I prefer to remain firmly seated :)

[@dragbikedemon]

Couldn’t have said it better………..

[@onairclub]

@@dragbikedemon Thanks, I really appreciate the comment.

[@CGCampbellJr]

That was too cool and very well done. I was like, staged, there was no way she didn't know, but hell, the total surprise in her voice once you got airborne was totally golden.

[@onairclub]

That’s what happens if you fail to tell any friends or family about flight training for 2+ years 😅 To be fair. A good chunk was over COVID which made keeping secrets easier.

[@chuck7299]

I wish I'd gotten to take my mom for a ride. This was lovely to see.

[@onairclub]

Aww, thanks for the comment Chuck.

[@squisheey1766]

My left ear is really enjoying this haha.

[@onairclub]

Really sorry, yes. I missed up. It swaps back at 5:21 just in time for the take-off 😅

[@Cheranetube]

Very cheeky... but fun! Thank you.

[@onairclub]

Thanks Cherane!

[@MrAerocomposites]

My wife took her mother flying and she kept her faced covered the whole time. Her landing was so smooth, called a "greaser" in the states that my mother in law did not know they had landed.

[@onairclub]

There’s nothing more satisfying than a greaser! Make sure your mother in law see’s the sites next time though 🙂