A FATHER and son duo are flying high after sharing a cockpit together for the first time as pilots.

John Sharples, 56, from Worthing, was flying a Monarch 757 from Madrid to Gatwick 25 years ago when he was asked over the radio what time his aircraft would be landing. He later found out his wife, who was Monarch cabin crew at the time, had gone into labour with their son Luke.

More than a quarter of a century later, both father and son, who work for Luton-based Monarch Airlines, have been pictured together behind the controls as they flew passengers from Birmingham to Turin, Italy.

John served as captain and Luke as first officer on the flight, which was made even more special due to the fact it coincided with John’s 56th birthday.

Thanks to his father’s job, Luke was given access to places that most children can only dream of – and it led him on a path towards becoming a pilot.

He said: “Dad really is my inspiration when it comes to flying. Aviation was all I knew from a young age.

“The house was full of books that were either flying related or an aviation manual. I started logging flying hours towards my pilot’s license from the age of 14 and I was flying before I could drive.”

John, speaking before the flight, said: “What a unique and wonderful way to celebrate my 56th birthday. This flight will be a little strange in that I am still quite new to this type of aircraft, although I have over 21,000 flying hours.

“Luke will be the more experienced pilot on the Airbus. I will be expecting some constructive criticism.”