Here are some of the best aero clubs that you can fly to from the Sherburn airfield as well as from other areas of the United Kingdom.
When it comes to places you must visit in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, as well as the independent nation of Ireland, is definitely on top of the list. With breathtaking natural scenery and landscapes and the added advantage of having a rich cultural heritage, Ireland is one of the top destinations for private pilots to fly to.
The fact that part of Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom and has not been affected by the recent Brexit situation means private pilots can fly to the area without much hassle related to customs or international licence approvals such as in the case of other countries in the European Union. Ireland has some of the most stunning natural scenery in all of the United Kingdom.
Its castles and historical sites are a sight to behold, having been used as shooting locations for many famous fantasy series, including the super famous television series Game of Thrones. Apart from the scenic beauty, Ireland also has a bustling cultural scene, with music and art festivals being a mainstay in the area, attracting visitors from all over the United Kingdom and beyond.
Pilots who are part of Sherburn Aero Club fly to Ireland regularly, thanks to the ease of access to the area as well as the fact that the country has so much to offer its visitors, including gorgeous landscapes that offer breathtaking views from above!
Here are some of the best aero clubs that you can fly to from the Sherburn airfield as well as from other areas of the United Kingdom:
WATERFORD AERO CLUB
Located in Waterford, which is in the South of Ireland, this aero club caters to pilots who are beginners as well as to those who have years of flying in their logbooks. The Waterford Aero Club offers training facilities for Private Pilot Licences (PPL) as well as Light Aircraft Pilot Licences (LAPL) for recreational pilots who wish to fly smaller aircraft such as microlights.
The club also offers experience and trial flights for those who are unsure about whether they would like to pursue aviation further and wish to find out whether they enjoy taking to the skies in an aircraft or not.
Attractions nearby
There are many fun things to do and attractions in Waterford, several of which are located fairly close to the airfield. You can travel to the Mall in the heart of Waterford and see how the famous crystal originating in the area is made.
If you are willing to drive (or fly!) a little further away from Waterford, the historic Rock of Cashel is located 70 minutes by car outside of the city. The area is Ireland’s most visited heritage site, and understandably so!
NORTHERN LIGHT AVIATION
Northern Light Aviation, located in Londonderry, is the perfect place for those living in the United Kingdom to earn their National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL). The club allows pilots to fly over the breathtaking Northern Ireland coastline which is bound to make for a memorable flight.
The club also offers training to private pilots through its CAA-approved instructors. The fact that the club offers such spectacular views also makes it a perfect place through which to gift your loved ones an experience flight.
The gift is bound to be one they will remember for the rest of their lives given the gorgeous coastal scenery, which looks all the more beautiful when viewed from above while flying.
Attractions nearby
Londonderry is one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland, offering everything from chocolate tours to horse riding by the sea.
Visitors in the area can take a helicopter tour of the city or attend a beer masterclass. For those who are more inclined towards nature, Londonderry offers scuba diving so that visitors can take in the spectacular underwater views as well as those from up in the sky!
ORMAND FLYING CLUB
Located in the county of Offaly in Ireland, the Ormand Flying Club is focused on making flying accessible and fun for all. The club offers in-depth training for those hoping to get their Private Pilot Licence (PPL), which is approved by the Irish Civil Aviation Authority.
The introductory flight experience offered at the club makes for a wonderful gift to yourself as well as to a loved one. If flying an aircraft is something you would like to experience once for yourself, the club has trial flights on offer as well as training facilities for private pilots if you enjoy flying and want to pursue aviation further.
Attractions nearby
Offaly is truly a magical destination, offering the picturesque town of Birr which is a prominent heritage site in Ireland. The town has beautiful castles and buildings that are centuries old to satisfy any history buff out there.
The area also houses quaint coffee shops in case you long for some quiet down time with a book or to write in your journal as well. There are also some spectacular gardens in the area which house what was once the biggest telescope in the world!
ULSTER FLYING CLUB
Located in Newtownards, Ulster Flying Club is a great place for aviation enthusiasts travelling to Ireland. Founded in 1961, the club is now one of the largest flying organisations in the country, providing a host of different services.
The club offers trial flights for newbies and thrill-seekers, as well as in-depth PPL training. The club also has IMC training on offer, paving the path for many pilots towards acquiring their Instrument Rating. The club prides itself on its friendly staff and comfortable learning environment that allows beginners to learn the art of aviation without any harsh treatment.
Attractions nearby
While Newtownards is a small town that often goes unnoticed by tourists, it is a hidden gem and a rising spot for visitors who come to Ireland. The town offers attractions such as the Echlinville Distillery with its stunning architecture and glass facade, as well as the Ark Open Farms, spread over 40 acres of land, perfect for a day out with family or a stroll on your own.
Also in the area is the Mount Stewart Garden, which is a beautiful and quirky attraction that both architecture enthusiasts and plant lovers will find delightful!
SKYLINE FLYING CLUB
Based in the Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in Longford, the Skyline Flying Club offers pilots the ability to integrate into a tight-knit community of aviation enthusiasts.
Not only does the clubhouse have top-of-the-line aircraft and a 2000 ft long tarmac, but it also offers a place for aviation enthusiasts to come together and bond over their love of flying in the clubhouse.
The ground school at the club runs annually, but the clubhouse is available for members throughout the year, providing pilots with a platform to socialise with each other and learn from each other’s aviation experiences.
Attractions nearby
There are many must-visit attractions in the county of Longford in Ireland. It is the second smallest county in Ireland, yet it is filled with things to do for visitors. You can enjoy water sports at the scenic lake of Lough Ree, which is perfect for those who love to spend time outdoors.
There is also the Newcastle Wood for those who wish to stroll in nature on the Corlea Trackway for a scenic walk. For those who prefer indoor attractions, Longford Megabowl is perfect for the whole family! The bowling alley is full of vibrant decor and neon lights for a fun day out.
EGLINTON FLYING CLUB
Also located in Londonderry, the Eglinton Flying Club is one of the best destinations for aviation lovers in Northern Ireland. The club promises a fulfilling and affordable flying experience, offering scenic views of the coastal area as well as guaranteed satisfaction of its patrons.
The club prides itself on the highest level of instruction that is currently offered in Londonderry, with several members moving on from private flying to build successful careers as commercial pilots with major airlines.
The club also has gift vouchers on offer for those looking to make a present out of a flight experience for their loved ones, with the club providing a total of over 2000 hours of flying experience.
Attractions nearby
Apart from the attractions already mentioned above, Londonderry also provides tours of giant shipwrecks of the North Coast, which includes a voyage towards Rathlin Islands.
Walking tours of the city are also available for those who wish to soak in Irish culture. Being the birthplace of the prolific Irish writer Seamus Heaney, Londonderry also offers guided tours of his homeplace, offering insights into the writer’s life and work.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT IRELAND
Natural landscapes
There are several reasons why you should visit Ireland, but the scenic beauty of the natural landscape in the area truly comes out on top of the list. The jaw-dropping beauty of the rugged cliffs and coastal scenery is bound to make for a wonderful experience for anyone visiting the area.
The varying landscape offers something that is suited to many different tastes; you can go hiking in the mountains or sail along the coast enjoying the sea breeze.
Music festivals
Ireland is a country positively teeming with culture, and this is most obvious in its abundance of art and music festivals. These include the TradFest that is held in Dublin every year, as well as the festival hosted by the town of Dingle every year.
Castles
The fact that several historical locations in Ireland have been used as set locations for fantasy television series and films really says it all! Ireland has a rich cultural heritage, the most obvious and breathtaking display of which are the historic castles and monuments in the country.
Bustling cities
Cities such as Dublin and Belfast are brimming with life and colour, thanks to their diverse populations and rich cultural heritage. The cities are great places for those who enjoy the fast-paced hustle and bustle and are always on the lookout for their next social outing.
There is always an event such as a concert or theatrical production happening in the cities, and the fact that they are filled with cafes and coffee shops means there is something on offer for those who possess a more introverted nature as well.
Delicious food
It’s a fact that Ireland is home to some of the best food in the world, thanks to its diversity and cosmopolitan nature. The drinking culture in the country is also very rich and Irish whiskey is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks available on the market.
Irish soda bread and Irish potato pancakes also make for a delightful breakfast, with the delicacy available at many restaurants across the country. There are also a lot of fine dining options in larger cities such as Belfast and Dublin.
Fresh produce is also readily available in Ireland, making for a wonderful and refreshing shopping experience when it comes to buying groceries.
FLYING TO IRELAND FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Since Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, there are no customs requirements when flying to the area from Leeds, where Sherburn Aero Club is located. However, independent Ireland falls outside of the jurisdiction of the UK, which means your National Private Pilot Licence or the UK Light Aircraft Pilot Licence will no longer be valid when flying into this area.
You will need a Part FCL Private Pilot Licence (PPL) since independent Ireland falls into the jurisdiction of the EU. On the bright side, there is no visa requirement for UK nationals when flying to Ireland. You can shortlist an airfield depending on where you wish to fly to in Ireland from Sherburn. A direct flight with no stops from Leeds to Dublin will total a little over an hour.
However, this depends on how skilled the pilot is, the visibility and weather conditions, as well as the type of aircraft being flown since some aeroplanes are faster than others.
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 Ireland and airfields in the area.
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
