If you are searching the map for your next flight destination, then it may be a good idea to consider Belgium. Filled to the brim with quaint charm as well as breathtaking historic architecture, the country is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.
If you are searching the map for your next flight destination, then it may be a good idea to consider Belgium. Filled to the brim with quaint charm as well as breathtaking historic architecture, the country is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.
In order to travel to Belgium, it is necessary for all incoming pilots to hold a part-FCL Private Pilot Licence (PPL), without which travel into the European Union territory is not possible. When flying to Belgium, your national pilot licence, which is United Kingdom-specific, will not suffice.
While it was entirely possible to travel within the EU territory on a national licence such as the PPL prior to Brexit, additional approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was not necessary for pilots travelling to the region.
However, this should not be a deterrent when it comes to flying to the wonderful nation of Belgium, since the customs requirements are fairly straightforward and still come with a lot of benefits for UK nationals! All you will need are a few documents and you should be set to take off on your next holiday in Belgium!
WHY SHOULD YOU FLY TO BELGIUM?
The country has so much to offer to visitors, with scenic towns such as Bruges, as well as bustling cities such as Brussels. The capital is also one of the most diverse locations in the EU since it is home to migrants from all across the world.
If you’re looking for reasons to travel to Belgium, there are several. Firstly, the country is home to some gorgeous historic architecture full of the most stunning intricate details that are bound to make any visitors to the country stop and take in their beauty.
With several quaint waterfront towns built on lakes and larger cities such as Antwerp, also referred to as the fashion capital of the country, Belgium has something for every kind of traveller to the region.
The food in the country is also worth enjoying. While you may already be familiar with the Belgian waffle, what better place to have some fresh from a local stall in Belgium? The country also prides itself on its delicious fries and beer, which make for a hearty meal after you land!
For those on the lookout for something a bit healthier, the town of Ghent in Belgium is also referred to as the vegetarian capital of the world! Offering several options when it comes to foods for veggie lovers, the town also hosts “Veggie Thursdays”, which encourage people to try out the vegetarian lifestyle. If all this has you convinced about travelling to Belgium, it is a good idea to plan where you wish to land. The country is home to many great aero clubs, which are built within airfields that you can travel to from Sherburn Aero Club.
Here are the top aero clubs in the country, as well as the host of attractions near each, so that you know how to spend your time after you land in Belgium:
SABENA AEROCLUB
The Sabena Aeroclub is one of the oldest and most well-reputed flying clubs in Belgium, dating back to 1954. The club is based at the airfield of Grimbergen, which is very close to the city of Brussels.
The club aims to bring together aviation lovers from all walks of life and build a community of people who share a love of and passion for flying. With a friendly staff and a warm and welcoming environment, the club is a great place for beginners to start their journey, as well as for more experienced pilots to come together from across the world.
The club also offers flight training courses to its members, including practical courses that include training towards the Private Pilot Licence with an Aeroplane rating, as well as one focused on the more theoretical parts of flying. Offering introductory experience flights for those wishing to try out flying, the club is home to a well-maintained fleet, consisting of the Cessna 152, Diamond 20, Piper Archer II, and Piper Archer III.
Approved by the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, the club is a great place for private pilots to fly to from Sherburn Aero Club, as well as other airfields across the world.
Attractions nearby
Located in the province of Flemish Brabant, Grimbergen often serves as a residential location for those who work in Brussels, due to its close proximity to the major city. The ease of travel to Brussels means those landing in Grimbergen can easily experience the vibrant city life. Brussels is the capital of Belgium as well as the capital of the European Union.
The city has a thriving dining culture, and if you love restaurants and cafe hopping, then the area has much to offer. There are also many world-class museums and art galleries in the city, including the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
There is also a lot in the city for architecture enthusiasts, with grand historic buildings such as the Saint-Michel Cathedral, the Royal Palace, as well as Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site!
ROYAL ANTWERP AVIATION CLUB
The oldest flying club in Belgium, the Royal Antwerp Aviation Club was founded in 1927. The club operates out of the Antwerp International Airport, providing training facilities for private pilots.
According to the club’s website, the members of the club include airline pilots, military pilots, glider pilots, balloon pilots, air traffic controllers, hobbyists, helicopter pilots, model pilots, spotters, aviation technicians as well as regular citizens who are interested in the art of aviation.
The club has a fleet of aircraft that it has made available for its members. For those who are not beginners and already possess a pilot licence, the club welcomes them to join and fly their aircraft as well. The fleet consists of four four-seater aircraft, including the Piper Warrior.
Apart from this, the club also houses a training facility where beginners are given training in the Private Pilot Licence (PPL). There is a practical flying course as well as one focused more on the theoretical knowledge needed to fly an aeroplane and pass the PPL exam.
Attractions nearby
The Royal Antwerp Aviation Club is located in Deurne, which is the second-largest district in the municipality of Antwerp. The area houses one of the oldest still-functioning airports in the world, where the club is located.
The area is also known for its greenery and natural attractions, with Deurne being home to the biggest park in Antwerp, Rivierenhof.
ROYAL AEROCLUB KEIHEUVEL
Founded in 1956, the Royal Aeroclub of Keiheuvel prides itself on its relaxed environment focused on making flying an enjoyable hobby. Since its inception, the club has also grown into a leisure park, continuing to retain its significance as an aviation club.
The club’s fleet includes some of the best aircraft for general aviation, such as the Piper Archer III, the CSA PS-28, and the Cessna 172-M. The club also offers training for the Private Pilot Licence, complete with medical examinations and theoretical knowledge needed to pass the PPL exam as mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Belgium and EASA.
Like many others on this list, the club also offers initiation flights for beginners and thrillseekers who wish to experience the fun of flying!
Attractions nearby
While there is not much to do in Balen, which is located in Antwerp as well, there are many areas nearby that serve as tourist attractions. The Grand Palace in Brussels is a great place for those landing in the area to visit nearby.
For those who love all kinds of flying machines, there is also the European Balloon Corporation, which is located in Rhode-Saint-Genese.
AREL-AIR
Operating out of the Arlon-Sterpenich aerodrome since 1984, Arel-Air is a club focusing on microlights as opposed to traditional light aircraft. Fun, safe and reliable, microlights are a great option for pilots who wish to experience the thrill of flying without investing too much of their time and energy into learning to fly traditional fixed-wing aircraft.
The club is focused on leisurely flying and on the pleasurable aspect of taking to the skies. While the club does not offer training facilities for microlight operation, those with a valid pilot licence are welcome to it.
Attractions nearby
Arel-Air is located near Arlon, which is the capital city of the province of Luxembourg. The area is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with several hiking trails, woodlands, rolling hills, and green fields. It is a nature lover’s dream!
There are also some beautiful churches in the area, as well as an archaeological museum for the history buffs who plan to fly to the area. The area is also home to the bicycle museum!
LITTLE WINGS AERO CLUB
The Little Wings Aero Club is the only club based out of the busy Brussels South Airport, which allows members to fly in a busy environment and polish their aviation skills. The club also offers Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training to its members, who benefit greatly from the club’s location as well as its competitive prices. The club also offers Night and VFR training.
Attractions nearby
The club is located in the Belgian province of East Flanders, which is close to scenic areas such as the historic Bruge as well as the cosmopolitan Brussels. For those visiting East Flanders, a trip to the city of Ghent is absolutely necessary! The city is the cultural hub of the province as well as the festival capital of Belgium.
East Flanders is also home to the idyllic countryside, brimming with rural charm and natural beauty.
FLYING TO BELGIUM FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Private pilots flying out from Leeds, where the Sherburn Airfield is located, to Brussels in Belgium will take two hours on average to reach their destination. This is if the pilot does not make any stops along the way and flies directly to Brussels.
The exact duration of the flight will vary depending on the aircraft being flown, the pilot flying the aeroplane, as well as the kind of weather the flight is taking place in. All these factors contribute to the speed of a flight.
While an experienced pilot may get to their destination faster, given their familiarity with the aircraft and the route, a beginner may take relatively longer due to them being more careful and taking time to make decisions. Aeroplanes also move faster through clear skies, since there are no impediments and the aeroplane can easily move through the air.
However, when the weather is cloudy, the flight is bumpy which increases the overall duration of the flight due to the aeroplane being unable to fly smoothly across the sky.
WHAT LICENCE WILL YOU NEED?
When flying into European Union territory such as Belgium, pilots from the United Kingdom must hold a Part-FCL (Flight Crew Licensing) Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or equivalent, with the basic PPL not being approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
National licences such as the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) and the National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) are not EASA approved, which means holders cannot fly outside the borders of the UK.
Pilots should also carry their EASA-approved medical certificates as well as a valid certificate of airworthiness. Travelling into EU territories is not as easy following Brexit, but it is still a relatively smooth process with straightforward requirements.
United Kingdom nationals also do not have a visa requirement when travelling, so that is one less thing to worry about for pilots planning to fly to the region!
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN AN AERO CLUB?
Perhaps the most important reason for joining an aero club is the fact it allows pilots to thrive in a community of like-minded aviation lovers who are all passionate flyers! The healthy competition that comes with being around other pilots also encourages them to refine their skills and keep trying new things, which keeps things interesting.
Apart from this, flying clubs also make aviation an accessible hobby, allowing members to rent out aircraft from their fleet. This is highly beneficial for those pilots who do not have access to their own aircraft, or those who wish to gain expertise in flying a variety of different aeroplanes.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
Sherburn Aero Club opened its doors in 1964 and went on to become one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country. The flying club opened a flight training school in the 1970s which was followed by several major investments including a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse.
Being both a flying club and a flight training school, we are well-positioned to cater to our members and their friends and families, before, during, and after they become qualified pilots. We aim to give all of our members a fun social environment whilst providing the opportunity to continue to build on their experience and expand their horizons.
Whether you are taking to the skies for an experience flight or starting your flying career, Sherburn has it all to offer. 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.
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 licenses, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information about flying to Belgium and airfields in the area.
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
