Read on to learn more about aviation history in Berkshire and what you should keep in mind when travelling to Berkshire from Sherburn.
For private pilots, flying to Berkshire from Sherburn may prove to be an excellent choice due to Berkshire’s flying-friendly skies, beautiful sunsets, jaw-dropping landscape, and rich history.
Pilots are likely to find not just a scenic route, but also a rich culture of aviation in Berkshire. The county is known for its aviation community and is perhaps one of the best places for private pilots to train as well. If you have been planning to visit Berkshire, then this guide is just for you!
Read on to learn more about aviation history in Berkshire and what you should keep in mind when travelling to Berkshire from Sherburn.
Travelling to Berkshire
Located around 230 miles from Sherburn, The Royal County of Berkshire, known simply as Berkshire, is a county in Southeast England.
Berkshire borders Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. This makes it the perfect place for pilots to enjoy a wealth of landscapes both manmade and natural.
Berkshire is also home to one of the most capable pilots in the country. With several airfields and flight schools located around the region, pilots from around the country regularly visit Berkshire either for leisure purposes or to attend one of the many aviation-related events held in the county.
However, before you embark on your journey, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here is how you can prepare for your trip from Sherburn to Berkshire:
Making a Detailed Flight Plan
Berkshire is a large county, and since it's located 230 miles from Sherburn, you will have to account for various factors when building your flight plan. We highly recommend that you begin your flight plan by finalising where you want to travel to. There are several flight schools around Berkshire and if you plan to visit a couple on a single trip, then you will have to come up with an effective route plan.
Start with the nearest county or Area of Interest (AoI). For example, you can plan to visit Oxford which is between Sherburn and Berkshire. Make sure that you pick places that follow a straight route. This will help you not only save fuel, but it will also help pilots make the most of their time and trip.
A great flight plan takes into account things like weather conditions, terrain type, fuel calculations, budgeting, and more. The more detailed the flight plan, the better the trip!
Assessing the Weather
Berkshire is known for its stable weather conditions, which makes it one of the best places to fly. However, since the weather can be fickle, it is best that you keep a close eye on the weather forecast for the day that you want to travel. The correct best practice here would be to continually update the flight plan with the latest weather forecast up until the day that you take off. There are several resources available that you can use to make an accurate assessment of the weather.
As a precautionary measure, we recommend that you also plan alternative routes to avoid bad weather. You also have the option to postpone the trip altogether, this is especially true for particularly bad weather events, like snow, heavy rain, or hail.
Choosing the Right Aircraft
Depending on where you plan to fly and how far, we recommend that you carefully pick the right aircraft for your journey. For example, if your primary purpose for flying is to take in the scenery in Berkshire, then you may want to go with a flex-wing light aircraft. These aircraft are lightweight, compact, and perfect for people who love to sightsee. Unlike regular aircraft, flex wings are designed to have an open cockpit. This means that you and your passenger will be exposed to the elements when flying!
This type of aircraft is the ideal choice for people who want to take a personal and thrilling ride. However, if you plan to make a more traditional flight and don’t mind a restricted view, then you might want to pick a fixed-wing aircraft.
Fixed wings are conventional aircraft and are the primary choice for most private pilots. These planes have an enclosed fuselage and are perfect for taking multiple passengers. Fixed wings can seat up to six passengers at a time and depending on the Take-off Weight (TOW) of the aircraft, you might even be able to take cargo with you!
Fixed wings are also the ideal choice for people who want to make multiple stops and want to plan a longer route. Since these aircraft have a higher fuel capacity, you can fly and explore more without worrying about exhausting your fuel reserves.
In short, if you want a fun and scenic ride, then go with a flex-wing – but if you plan to make a more traditional flight with more passengers, then you will have to go with a fixed-wing aircraft.
Inspecting the Aircraft
Aircraft inspections are mandatory before each flight. Since Berkshire is a fair bit away from Sherburn, you will have to make sure that your aircraft is fully capable of making the flight to and from your location.
This means that you will have to confirm that the aircraft doesn’t have any pending mechanical or maintenance issues. Every aircraft has its maintenance cycle that the engineering crew at a flight school manages. If you have any doubts or if you notice any problems in your aircraft, then you will have to immediately inform the engineering team so that they can assess the issue and make the necessary repairs.
Some issues can be minor, in which case the crew will give you a tentative date for the fix. However, if the aircraft has severe engine, electrical, or mechanical issues, then you might have to either postpone your trip or find another aircraft.
Update your Documents
Before taking off, pilots need to keep an updated set of all their documents. Necessary documents related to the pilots and the aircraft can help you avoid regulatory problems, especially if you plan to land at different places in Berkshire. We recommend that you update your documents as per the requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Failing to carry updated documents may result in penalties – and you are likely to ruin your mood and the rest of the trip!
Make a Budget and Check Availability
Budgeting is an incredibly important step in aviation. Just like any road trip, flying an aircraft also comes with several costs and fees. Fuel costs usually take the bulk of any trip, but there might also be landing fees, depending on where you want to land in Berkshire.
Every flight school and airfield has its policies, which is why it is recommended that you call the locations where you want to land to check their fees. Some airfields may list this information on their website, but there is always the risk of the website not being updated – in which case it is better to just call.
While you are at it, we also recommend that you check the availability of the airfield too! Flight schools are usually busy places, and air traffic can vary depending on the time of day. Share the dates of your arrival with the flight school to confirm if they can accommodate you. You may either be asked to fill out an online form from the club’s website, or you may have to make reservations via call or email.
Finally, we suggest that you consider a few miscellaneous costs too. For example, if you plan to socialise and meet other pilots at these flight schools then you will also have to budget for food and drinks. Some flight schools may offer these amenities on the ground which means that you can use a local café or restaurant inside the airfield – but keep in mind that not every airfield or flight school will offer the same services or amenities!
Watch Out for Policies and Restrictions
While many flight schools openly welcome visitors from across the country, it is important to keep in mind that there might be a few schools that may place additional restrictions based on the air laws in the region. For example, some flight schools may have a Noise Abatement rule that may restrict pilots from operating their aircraft within a certain decibel range. Similarly, flight schools may also have rules for how to approach the runway at the airfield. These rules are usually put in place to guide pilots around restricted airspace.
Always remember that you will be representing your own flight school when you visit other aeroclubs, which is why you must be on your best behaviour and conduct yourself professionally. Double-check the requirements for every place that you want to visit and keep these details in your flight plan to avoid penalties and embarrassment!
Places to Visit in Berkshire
Berkshire is known for its mixture of manmade architecture and natural landmarks. The county is full of lush green gardens, stunning geographical features, and a range of picturesque villages. Since Berkshire is ideally located near other major regions in the country, it offers one of the best flying experiences where pilots can take in the stunning landscape and rich history of the land.
Here are the top places to visit when flying to Berkshire from Sherburn:
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II and it is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. The castle and its grounds are known for their stunning architecture and history. The castle is located in Windsor and is the perfect place to fly over, especially on a clear and sunny day.
Reading
Reading is the largest settlement and the county town of Berkshire! The town is known for its rich history, culture, and mix of modern and classic architecture. There are several historical sites like Reading Abbey Ruins that you can fly over too!
Ascot Racecourse
If you love horse racing, then we highly recommend that you check out Ascot Racecourse. The racecourse is known to host several high-class events like the Royal Ascot and is perhaps one of the best places to fly over during a clear sunny day.
Highclere Castle
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, then you must visit Highclere Castle! This castle is the same location used in the iconic television series. It's located near Newbury and the terrain is full of lush and beautiful gardens.
Best Aeroclubs in Berkshire to Fly to From Sherburn
Here are our top picks for the best aeroclubs to visit when flying from Sherburn to Berkshire:
White Waltham Airfield
Known to be one of the most popular airfields in the region, White Waltham Airfield is every visiting pilot’s first pick. The airfield is home to a flying club and features all the amenities that a visiting pilot could require, including a fully operational restaurant. This place is not just great for networking, but you can also enjoy the beautiful landscape in Berkshire.
West London Aero Club
Located inside White Waltham Airfield, West London Aero Club (WLAC) is a prestigious and highly active aeroclub. It also happens to be one of the oldest and most popular airfields in the region. The airfield is conveniently located and spans 200 acres! This aeroclub will provide you access to the picturesque landscape of the Berkshire countryside. When on the ground, you can network with other similar-minded pilots and even attend special aviation-related events.
Brimpton Airfield
Conveniently located in Aldermaston, Berkshire, Brimpton Airfield offers jaw-dropping aerial views and majorly clear and sunny skies. The Aeroclub offers multiple registration options and membership tiers. The club also offers a quick registration process for visiting pilots via its website.
Brimpton Airfield also offers a range of amenities including food and drink – this makes it a great place to not just rest and stretch your legs, but to also meet other pilots!
Greenham Common
Greenham Common, or RAF Greenham Common is a well-known airfield with a lot of rich history. This airfield has been active for decades and has been used for commercial and military purposes.
Fun fact: This airfield is also a popular filming location for movies and has been used extensively as the location for the above-ground Resistance base in the Star Wars film franchise! This airfield provides a long list of amenities and is the perfect landing spot for pilots who are visiting Berkshire for the first time.
Blackbushe Aviation
Blackbushe Aviation is a top-tier flight school that is proud to be known as the “friendliest flight school” in the region. It is home to several aeroclubs and enthusiastic pilots. The best part about this airfield is that it provides surreal aerial experiences due to its stunning terrain and dense greenery. If you haven’t already planned a visit, then we highly recommend that you update your flight plan and make room for this flight school!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, fee structure, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Mihai Costache on Unsplash
