A Lowestoft man with a passion for flying has finally achieved his dream - and opened a flying school at Norwich Airport.

Rob Clarke, 42, served in the merchant navy for 26 years and became a captain in the offshore sector.

But after deciding on a career change he has opened the Norwich Aviation Centre (NAC) based in the old Park and Ride office building on the edge of Norwich Airport.

Lowestoft Journal: Norwich Aviation Centre logo. Picture: Norwich Aviation CentreNorwich Aviation Centre logo. Picture: Norwich Aviation Centre (Image: Norwich Aviation Centre)

It currently has three aircraft available for flight training, air experiences and pilot private hire - with a fourth coming soon, and two "very exciting" aircraft arriving later in the year.

Lowestoft Journal: Rob Clarke, from Lowestoft, has recently opened the Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation CentreRob Clarke, from Lowestoft, has recently opened the Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation Centre (Image: Norwich Aviation Centre)

Mr Clarke said: "I have assembled a team of very experienced and highly respected instructors, many of whom have ties to major UK airlines.

Lowestoft Journal: Rob Clarke and Captain Howard Barber at Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation CentreRob Clarke and Captain Howard Barber at Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation Centre (Image: Norwich Aviation Centre)

“We are here to train everyone - from those wishing to have an RAF career, business jet career, a move to the airlines or those that wish to fly for fun. 

“Someone described my journey, from the high seas to the open skies, as an inspiring testament to the power of dreams and determination."

After growing up in Bradwell, Great Yarmouth, and Lowestoft, Mr Clarke "yearned to soar among the clouds but couldn’t ever afford it".

So, after embarking on a nautical adventure he travelled the globe and now lives with wife Michelle and their two children in the Pakefield area.

With a successful career in the maritime industry, Mr Clarke pursued "a long-lost dream" of becoming a pilot.

Lowestoft Journal: Rob Clarke, from Lowestoft, has recently opened the Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation CentreRob Clarke, from Lowestoft, has recently opened the Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation Centre (Image: Norwich Aviation Centre)

After enrolling at Old Buckenham flying school in 2019 for flight training he hasn't looked back - taking "the plunge" with the idea of starting a flight school a year ago, to opening Norwich Aviation Centre last month.

Lowestoft Journal: Rob Clarke, from Lowestoft, flying above Sheringham after recently opening the Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation CentreRob Clarke, from Lowestoft, flying above Sheringham after recently opening the Norwich Aviation Centre. Picture: Norwich Aviation Centre (Image: Norwich Aviation Centre)

With the support of Captain Howard Barber - a former BA 747 Captain - Stephen Jones, Simon Rolfe and others, he added: "Norwich Aviation Centre (NAC) was born."

  • As an offer Mr Clarke is offering anyone a 5pc discount for any air experience flights taken before January 31 2024 - must be booked before December 31 2023 - if they quote the newspaper name.