In this guide, we will discuss the types of light aircraft, how they differ from each other, a list of the best aero clubs in the county, and the best aircraft to take with you to Warwickshire!
Located around 260km away from Sherburn, Elmet, Warwickshire is one of the best places for private pilots to visit! Not only does the county offer a scenic flight, but you can also find a list of top aero clubs in the vicinity.
In this guide, we will discuss the types of light aircraft, how they differ from each other, a list of the best aero clubs in the county, and the best aircraft to take with you to Warwickshire!
What are Light Aircraft?
Light aircraft have been around even before the advent of flight. Before the Wright brothers attempted their successful flight in 1903, light aircraft existed in some form or the other. As the name suggests, these aircraft are characteristically lighter than larger aircraft and have a maximum Take Off Weight (TOW) of less than 12,500 pounds. In comparison, larger commercial airliners can have maximum take-off weights ranging from approximately 110,000 pounds to over 775,000 pounds!
All aircraft were once light aircraft simply because we lacked the understanding and the materials required to build larger aircraft. In fact, the first ever manned aircraft flown by the Wright brothers was a flex-wing light aircraft.
That aircraft had a flexible wing design that used a rigid wooden skeleton with a tightly wrapped fabric that could “flex” in the air. This design made the aircraft lighter and more agile – which was a necessity because the aircraft frame could only take on so much weight before breaking! The aircraft was already fitted with a heavy combustible engine along with a person’s weight, which meant that the aircraft needed to take off and land without compromising the frame.
However, as our understanding of materials and engineering improved, we started to develop even better aircraft. It wasn’t until the First World War that the aviation industry truly skyrocketed to new heights. The military took an interest in aviation and started to pour a lot of money into research and development.
This research allowed scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of what was possible with aircraft. Thus, a new era was born, and the world was slowly introduced to larger and larger aircraft.
Today, we have aircraft that are akin to hotels in the sky!
But does this mean that light aircraft fell out of favour? No! The demand for light aircraft has steadily increased year over year! Light aircraft are the backbone of aviation because they make aviation much more approachable.
Most flight schools have a fleet of various light aircraft (more on this below), and private pilots regularly choose these aircraft to either learn or to fly as a hobby. Furthermore, thanks to economies of scale and declining material and production costs, some companies are also able to sell cheaper and lighter aircraft to private pilots.
This unprecedented change in the demand and supply of light aircraft has truly shaken the foundation of aviation for the better. So, if you are looking to get into aviation, then now is just as good a time as any to begin training at a great flight school.
Types of Light Aircraft
You can classify light aircraft into three categories:
- Flex-Wing Aircraft
- Fixed-Wing Aircraft
- Helicopters and Microlights
Flex-Wing Aircraft
The first is the flex-wing aircraft. We have already discussed the basics of a flex-wing. However, what makes them an excellent choice for private pilots is their unique flying experience. Flex-wings are usually very light aircraft – and they are simple in design too. They feature an engine located at the back, a flexible and lightweight wing system, and a seating space for up to two people.
The reason why they are the default choice for private pilots is because they don’t have an enclosed fuselage. Instead of the pilot and passenger being inside a closed cabin, in a flex-wing, you will be exposed to the surroundings. This open cockpit design is prized and is one of the main attractions of flex-wing aircraft.
These aircraft also have a trike design where they have three wheels to propel and balance the aircraft. Since these aircraft are also lightweight, they provide excellent fuel efficiency too. Furthermore, flex-wings can also be easier to maintain since they don’t have the same level of complicated equipment found in other larger aircraft.
You can also find flex-wing in various sub-designs too. For example, some of them can also come with an enclosed cabin. This is perfect for people who want to take the aircraft out for a spin during colder seasons. The aircraft can also be retrofitted with other important instruments like a radio or more advanced navigation equipment.
For the best experience, we recommend that you try the open cockpit design, especially if you want to take the aircraft out for aerial photography.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
The second type of light aircraft is known as fixed wing. These aircraft have become a staple of the aviation industry and are what enable modern air transportation. As the name suggests, these aircraft have a rigid and fixed-wing system that provides more stability and better control than light aircraft.
Fixed-wing aircraft are heavier and usually have a higher Take-Off Weight than flex-wing aircraft. The added weight comes from a larger engine, since these aircraft can also accommodate twin engines along with a bigger fuel tank, and an enclosed cabin space that can seat up to six people.
Fixed-wing aircraft are the miniaturised versions of larger passenger aircraft where they share more or less the same design philosophy. After all, fixed wings are the default choice for commercial pilot training!
These aircraft have a more complex instrument cluster that provides real-time data to the pilot. Thanks to its advanced equipment, pilots can also use this type of aircraft to fly outside of Visual Flight Rules, like at night, or during bad weather.
This is why fixed-wing aircraft are the only choice for commercial pilots who want to improve their Night Rating or get a certification for an Instrument Rating.
Helicopters and Microlights
Helicopters are a completely different type of light aircraft. Even though fixed and flex-wings are usually the primary focus for pilot training, helicopters also have a lot of demand for various purposes.
These aircraft truly revolutionised the aviation industry and are considered to be an important step up from the initial breakthrough by the Wright brothers. Helicopters provide pilots with extreme control. Not only can they breeze through the sky, but they can also move up and down, back and forth, and land almost anywhere with a stable surface.
The vertical take-off ability of this aircraft makes it one of the most indispensable aerial vehicles in the world. These aircraft are not only used for touring or leisure purposes but also play a vital role in emergency services.
Since these aircraft can move up and down and land almost anywhere, they are regularly used by emergency personnel to provide medical or rescue services. Imagine getting stuck on a mountain where no ground vehicle can reach you! This is where helicopters come in. These aircraft can hover in the air, which means that emergency personnel can pick up or evacuate people without the aircraft ever touching the ground.
Helicopter training is separate from fixed or flex wing training and there are dedicated schools just for this type of aircraft. However, in some larger and more advanced schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, you can find every type of aerial training under the sun!
Another popular type of aircraft is the humble microlight. These aircraft are much smaller and weigh less. Microlights can be gliders or ultra-light aircraft that are fitted with less powerful engines. These look like mosquitoes in the air and are one of the best aircraft to fly for people who want to only experience aviation as a hobby.
Microlights are also gaining popularity since these aircraft require less stringent training protocols and are generally cheaper to own as well. We highly recommend microlights for people who love adrenaline sports. Since these aircraft are very light and agile, you can get a very different flying experience from them compared to flex or fixed wings.
Which Aircraft Should You Go With?
If you are planning to visit Warwickshire but don’t know the right aircraft to take with you then you have to begin with a very basic question: what is your primary reason for travelling to the county?
If your answer is for leisure purposes, then we recommend going with a flex-wing aircraft. These aircraft are the perfect aerial vehicles for pilots who want to travel alone or with just one passenger. Flex-wings also provide a better aerial view for photography and offer an excellent flying experience, especially if you wish to check out the natural and manmade features in the county.
Flex-wings are also fuel efficient and if the weather conditions are nice, then you are guaranteed to have the perfect trip in this type of aircraft.
If you want to travel with more people or for non-leisure purposes, then we recommend that you pick a fixed-wing aircraft. As mentioned above, these aircraft can carry not just up to six people, but also a decent amount of cargo.
Coupled with the stability and power that these aircraft provide; we think that you will have a thrilling flying experience in one of these aircraft. Furthermore, if you plan on travelling at night or during not-so-ideal weather conditions, then fixed-wings would be the only logical choice for you.
Best Aero Clubs in Warwickshire to Fly to from Sherburn
Here are some of the best aero clubs in Warwickshire:
Warwickshire Flying School
Located in Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome, this aero club has stood the test of time and has emerged as one of the best flight clubs in the region. With a faculty of highly trained and experienced instructors, Warwickshire Flying School is without a doubt an excellent establishment for aviation enthusiasts.
You can find not only a great fleet of light aircraft but also a bustling community of private pilots. We love the location of this aero club, and you can almost be guaranteed clear skies whenever you want to fly!
Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome
The Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome (WMA) is a must-visit aerodrome in Warwickshire. Not only can you find all the necessary amenities at this establishment, but you can also expect to find not one but a couple of aero clubs within the aerodrome.
Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome is known for attracting large crowds during its many air events that are scattered around the year. We think that the expansive space and the locality of this aerodrome make it one of the best features of Warwickshire for private pilots.
Take Flight Aviation
If you want a quintessential flying experience, then we can’t recommend Take Flight Aviation enough. This aero club is relatively new but has been able to amass quite the following in a short time thanks to its faculty and friendly approach towards flight training.
Take Flight Aviation provides extensive services for private pilots and is also open to visitors. However, for the best experience, we recommend that you book your arrival in advance to avoid any scheduling conflicts. This aero club is usually busy at various times throughout the week so make your booking beforehand!
Stratford-upon-Avon Gliding Club
If you enjoy gliders, then we have just the aero club for you. Not only can you experience a variety of high-quality gliders, but you can also meet and fly with professional and enthusiastic pilots like yourself.
The club is known to attract adrenaline junkies from around the county and if you think you have what it takes to keep up with the rest of these ambitious pilots, then we highly recommend that you visit here.
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 James Sullivan on Unsplash
