In this guide, we will go over the basics of aviation, the right way to pick a flight school for your specific needs, and a list of all the best aero clubs in Corsica to fly to from Sherburn.
If you are looking for a great getaway with scenic views, thrilling horizons, and clear blue skies then we have the perfect spot for you.
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 18 regions of France. The island is considered to be a preserved jewel with a rich culture and history which makes it ideal for aviation enthusiasts. Corsica provides access to vast sandy beaches, greenery, and a mix of beautiful towns on the island – the perfect combo for visiting pilots.
In this guide, we will go over the basics of aviation, the right way to pick a flight school for your specific needs, and a list of all the best aero clubs in Corsica to fly to from Sherburn.
Corsica – Legalities for Private Pilots in the UK
Since Brexit, there have been a few procedural changes that all UK pilots must follow if they wish to exit UK airspace. These requirements are set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and are mandatory for all types of pilots. Here are the top two legal requirements for UK pilots:
Updated Documentation
As per the recent updates by EASA, UK pilots will first need to validate their licence before flying in French airspace through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Some private pilots may also need additional certifications or temporary licences to fly within the EU.
For the best experience, we recommend that UK pilots speak to a specialist at their aero club for specific information regarding the requirements for your licence. Aero clubs, like Sherburn, have a dedicated staff that can cater to the needs of pilots who wish to travel outside of UK airspace. A specialist will be able to help you with the specificities of your flight plan and help you pick the best entry and exit points without legal problems.
Additionally, UK pilots must fulfill the customs requirements when entering foreign airspace. Custom forms are readily available at many established airports and airfields, however, please note that not every club or airstrip will provide this facility which is why UK pilots must plan their entry and exit points carefully.
Insurance Coverage
UK pilots must ensure that their current insurance policy provides the required coverage for travelling outside UK airspace. It is important to note that not all UK policies will provide the same level of coverage across EU countries. This is why private pilots should check with their insurance provider for confirmation of their coverage before building their flight plan.
It is equally important that pilots gather as much information about the local protocols, especially when flying near or in controlled airspaces. This can allow UK pilots to enter and exit the airspace without worrying about legal problems or fines. If you are planning to visit multiple aero clubs, then we advise that you check the website of the club for specific policies for visiting pilots.
Best Aero Clubs in Corsica to Fly to from Sherburn
Corsica is known for its vast blue coastline, beautiful towns, and a bustling aviation community that regularly sees private pilots from around the region. Here are some of our best picks for the top aero clubs in Corsica.
Aéroclub de Bastia – Poretta
Located near Bastia, Aeroclub de Bastia provides excellent facilities for students and visiting pilots. The club is well-known for its variety of aircraft and scenic routes for private flying. The club features a friendly staff and a highly welcoming environment with enthusiastic pilots and instructors.
Since the club is in proximity to the northern coastline, it is ideal for pilots who want to explore Corsica's natural beauty from the sky.
Aéroclub Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte
This club is based in Ajaccio which makes it an interesting spot for pilots looking to fly along the island’s rugged western coastline. The club features basic amenities like a common room which can be utilised by visiting pilots for networking purposes. However, with the surrounding natural beauty, staying indoors will be very difficult!
The club features a welcoming environment and provides an excellent opportunity for pilots to fly and experience the historic area surrounding Ajaccio.
Aéroclub Calvi - Sainte Catherine
Looking to explore the Balagne region during your trip? Then this club will be right up your alley! Situated in Calvi, this club is a popular destination point due to its access to the beautiful Balagne region. If you enjoy a combination of clear skies and beach sides, then this is the club to visit!
The club has a range of aircraft, a welcoming staff, and all the basic amenities that a private pilot can ask for. The catch though is that this club is usually busy around the year due to its favourable location so you will have to book your visit beforehand. Keep reading our guide below on the best practices for building the right flight plan for travelling outside of UK airspace.
Aéroclub Propriano
Located in the south, Propriano's is for pilots who enjoy quieter and more personal flying experiences. This area isn’t as touristy which makes it an excellent spot for pilots who wish to fly in peace and take in the breathtaking beauty of this region.
Explore the island’s hinterland and serene bays and enjoy uneventful and peaceful skies! We also recommend that you check out the local attractions within the town for a comprehensive experience of Corsica.
Aéroclub Figari
This club serves the southern tip of Corsica and is known as one of the best clubs in the region. Figari offers access to Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio which makes it an ideal spot for private pilots looking to explore the diversity of Corsica.
With a well-maintained fleet of aircraft, a great atmosphere, and an enthusiastic aviation community, this club offers the best of the best in the region and is a must-visit for UK pilots.
Best Places to Visit for Private Pilots in Corsica
Now that you know the best aero clubs in the region, let’s look at the best places that you can visit to get the most value out of your trip to Corsica.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio is perhaps the ideal location for any private pilot who wants to experience the best of Corsica. Renowned for its ancient citadel and stunning cliffside views, this town is truly one of the best locations for people who love to explore a mix of natural and manmade structures. Bonifacio is accessible via Figari Airport which is why it is favoured by visiting pilots.
You can also opt for a short helicopter ride to get a taste of what the town has to offer – or if you would rather do the exploration in an aircraft of your choice, then go with the trusty car transfer!
Porto Vecchio
Famous for its idyllic beaches like Palombaggia, Porto Vecchio is THE place for enthusiasts who want a mix of scenic horizons and natural beauty.
This area offers a combination of relaxation and exploration that you will seldom find elsewhere. If you are travelling with friends and family, then there is no better place!
Calvi
Calvi is known for its charming old town and beautiful bay. The area provides a mix of culture and natural beauty which makes it ideal for aerial photographers and explorers.
The area is accessible via Calvi Airport which offers custom forms making it the ideal entry or exit point for visiting pilots.
Ajaccio
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica and it also happens to be the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. This makes it an ideal place to start your journey in Corsica. Ajaccio is perfect for history enthusiasts and those looking for vibrant city life.
The area offers a flight club and the right mix of natural and manmade structures that will surely leave you in awe!
Propriano and Campomoro
Finally, if you want to visit a less touristy area, then there is no quieter destination than Propriano.
The area is ideal for hiking and nature exploration and is accessible by air. It also offers a serene experience away from the crowds and is one of the most romantic areas in the region which makes it the ideal spot for couples who want to fly together.
Aeroclubs – Start your Aviation Journey Right!
Looking for the right aero club to join? Then check out our mini guide for how to pick the right flight school and fulfil your dreams of travelling to exotic locations using your Private Pilot Licence (PPL):
Prioritise Faculty and Facilities
All pilots require highly specialised training that makes them capable of flying simple or complex aircraft with the utmost importance to safety and regulations. Pilots require practical and theoretical knowledge which is where aero clubs come in!
These clubs double as a spot for aviation enthusiasts and a school to teach the next generation of pilots. When picking the right flight school, you must ensure that you pick a school that provides the right mix of instructors, aircraft fleet, and facilities to help you progress in your aviation journey.
For example, commercial pilots may require additional facilities like a state-of-the-art simulator to help them train on various flying scenarios while private pilots may want to prioritise a diverse fleet so that they can train on and fly multiple types of aircraft using their PPL.
Having great instructors is also mandatory if you wish to get the most out of your money! Flight instructors, especially highly trained ones, can not only train you to become highly capable, but they can also enable you to build intuition which is an extremely important factor to have in aviation!
Prioritise Clubs with a Friendly Atmosphere
Aviation is best enjoyed with company! We believe that aviation is a shared experience, and pilots can grow their best when they are surrounded by friendly instructors and students. If you are a casual flyer or someone who is looking to pick up aviation as a hobby, then you will have to pick a school that provides the right “campus experience” and boasts a welcoming environment for pilots from all walks of life.
A club that emphasises equality, respect, professionalism, and camaraderie will help you grow both as a professional and as a person. For example, when you obtain your PPL, you will need to rely on your instructors and key veteran pilots within your club to help you build the perfect flight plan for your specific needs.
When travelling outside of UK airspace, pilots will need to gather as much information as they can. This includes talking to consultants within the club and sharing the flight plan with fellow PPL holders and veteran pilots. This is the best way to not only learn but also learn how to build diverse flight plans in the future.
Prioritise Budgeting
Flight schools are expensive. Due to the sheer capital requirement of flight schools, aviation training is one of the most expensive endeavours, however, it is also incredibly fulfilling. Furthermore, if you go with a commercial licence, you can monetise your passion and start earning as soon as you graduate.
Whichever flight programme you choose, it is important to first set a budget for flight training. We recommend visiting the website of the aero clubs on your wish list and checking out their fee structure. Many clubs also offer scholarships and monetary incentives that can help you with your aviation journey.
Please keep in mind that you will require a steady cash flow if you choose to learn how to fly! Private pilot programmes cost hundreds of pounds while commercial training can cost up to a couple of thousands depending on the programme structure. If you wish to become a commercial pilot but don’t have the necessary funds, then we recommend going for a private licence which you can later upgrade to a commercial licence by expanding your training syllabus.
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 Christian Lendl on Unsplash
