Here is a list of the top flying clubs in Scotland to which you can fly from our airfield.
For those who have been bitten by the travel bug and long to explore new places, flying is the perfect hobby.
Not only does private flying allow you to bypass the long queues and paperwork involved in booking flights to different destinations, but it also provides a unique perspective from which to enjoy the scenery. While it is true that in order to explore more far off destinations and those outside of the border of the United Kingdom a pilot requires an internationally-recognised licence such as the Part FCL PPL or the CPL, travelling within the UK is far less demanding.
The United Kingdom has a great variety of landscapes and attractions that can provide a thrilling experience to private pilots. Scotland is home to several scenic wonders such as the Three Sisters mountains located in the Highlands, which offer a breathtaking view of the ocean making them one of the most popular natural attractions in the country.
Other attractions include miles and miles of pristine coastal landscape full of white sand and blue waters at the Luskentyre Sands. There are many different airfields located within Scotland which are easily reachable through Sherburn Aero Club depending on where you wish to land in the country.
Here is a list of the top flying clubs in Scotland to which you can fly from our airfield:
LEADING EDGE FLIGHT TRAINING
Leading Edge Flight Training is located in one of the prime locations in Scotland, with the facility easily reachable through Glasgow International Airport, which is the biggest airport in the country. The club offers training facilities for beginner pilots, as well as the opportunity for those pilots who are more advanced in their training to sharpen and brush up their aviation skills.
The location of the club means it is easy to access from all across the world and houses top-of-the-line facilities thanks to the fact that it caters to international flyers. The club offers training for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) as well as the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL).
Apart from this, the facility also offers training for the acquisition of Instrument and Night Ratings, with a simulator housed at the facility’s neighbouring Virtual Flight that allows pilots to practise their flying skills before taking to the skies.
Leading Edge Flight Training also offers experience flights which cater to both beginners as well as thrill-seekers who wish to check flying an aeroplane off their adventure bucket list.
Attractions nearby
Glasgow is home to some stunning natural attractions, including lush national parks teeming with wildlife and greenery. With 82 acres of greenery, Linn Park is one of the largest park areas in the city, with attractions including horseback riding as well as waterfalls. Kelvingrove Park, known as Glasgow’s most famous park, also has a lot of natural wonders to offer, as well as a famed art gallery and museum.
GLASGOW FLYING CLUB
Another flying club that takes advantage of its location in Glasgow International Airport is the Glasgow Flying Club. The location is ideal to cater to both private as well as commercial flyers from all over the world, with the busy airport offering pilots valuable experience in radio communication and flight planning.
Founded in 1963, the club is completely member-owned, which means the fee that is paid by members is used to benefit them via improved facilities and general upkeep of the club. It is a UK CAA-registered flying club offering a relaxed and friendly environment without compromising professionalism and quality and rigour of training.
Similar to Sherburn Aero Club, Glasgow Flying Club houses the Piper PA 28 as its primary aircraft of choice, which is one of the top-rated aircraft for private pilots. Other facilities include a clubhouse where members can meet and socialise.
The club offers training aimed toward attaining the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), as well as Instrument and Night Ratings. Also on offer are experience flights of varying lengths depending on the needs of the members.
Attractions nearby
Glasgow is one of the major cities in the world and a hub of culture in addition to being full of natural attractions. The city houses the beautiful Glasgow Cathedral, a 12th-century building that has been one of the city’s most attractive buildings to tourists and residents alike. Next to the cathedral is the Necropolis, which houses lush Victorian Gothic gardens and beautiful stone architecture.
For transport buffs, the Riverside Museum in the city offers a deep dive into the history of ships, locomotives, trams, and vintage cars, all the way down to horse-drawn carriages.
STRATHAVEN AIRFIELD
Founded in 1927, the Strathaven Airfield was formerly known as the Scottish Flying Club, which ended operation in 1947. Since then, Strathaven Airfield has been one of the best places in Scotland to train on and fly microlights.
Strathaven offers training for the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, which is a less stringent version of the Private Pilot Licence, nationally recognised and demanding much less in terms of flight hours and technical expertise.
The club offers training on both modern light aircraft and the more traditional microlights, along with experience flights for both beginners as well as thrill-seekers. If you wish to gift your loved one the experience of a lifetime, the club offers gift vouchers for its trial flights on microlights.
Microlights are a fun, safe and modern way to experience aviation, with the smaller aircraft demanding less in terms of training and finances. The Strathaven Airfield also houses a hangarage and electric car charging point. The airfield also hosts events for aviation enthusiasts where they can connect with like-minded individuals who love flying as much as they do.
Attractions nearby
Located a little over 2.5 km from the airfield is Strathaven Park, offering a calming green space for you to unwind after a long day of flying. The park includes boating facilities, play areas for children, as well as a railway miniature that is bound to capture the attention of both young and old visitors.
Located a little further is Corse Hill, which houses a wind farm, as well as the Calderglen Zoo, home to a variety of animals. The zoo, which began operation in the early 1980s, is home to 50 different species, some of which are critically endangered.
SCOTTISH AERO CLUB
Located at Perth Airport, the Scottish Aero Club has been operational since 1927, offering its patrons a world-class facility that caters to both UK nationals as well as international flyers. The club’s main aim is to make sports and recreational flying more accessible to the average person. One of the key goals of the club is to reduce the cost involved in pursuing aviation as a hobby, which generally requires quite a bit of financial commitment.
Scottish Aero Club houses a training facility for beginner pilots who wish to pursue general aviation, with aircraft for hire including top of the line three axis microlights, including the G-FLYJ, G-CFNW, as well as flex-wings such as the G-DTAR.
For beginner pilots, the Alba Airsports microlight training facility is available to help build their skills and allow them to fly their own light aircraft. Apart from microlight training, the facility also offers gyrocopter flight training.
Attractions nearby
If you are someone who enjoys nature, then Perthshire is an absolutely wonderful place for you to visit. Housing magical forests, lush moors and gorgeous waterfalls, the area is full of serenity and calmness for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Queen’s View in Highlands Perthshire is surrounded by the Tay Forest Park and is home to some spectacular views. The visitor centre also includes a cafe if you wish to stop by for some coffee while enjoying the natural landscape.
The Hermitage is also a great place to visit for nature lovers, cared for by the National Trust of Scotland. The breathtaking forest was previously famous as the pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th century.
PRESTWICK FLYING CLUB
Prestwick Flying Club operates out of Glasgow Prestwick Airport and caters to flyers from all over the world. The club is member-run and consists of a team of volunteers who are passionate about aviation. The member-owned nature of the club means the fee charged is used for the benefit of patrons and members through general upkeep of the airfield as well as maintenance.
The club offers training facilities for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) as well as Instrument and Night Ratings and aerobatics training. The training facility focuses on producing competent pilots, many of whom go on to train further with airlines, eventually pursuing aviation in a professional capacity.
The club offers experience and trial flights for those who are unsure about whether they wish to pursue flying or not. Prestwick flying club also houses a clubhouse that includes a tea and coffee area for members to unwind and socialise.
Attractions nearby
While Prestwick is mainly famous for its airport, its rich history also makes it a great place to explore for visitors and locals alike. It is located in Scotland's oldest baronial burgh, which is more than 1000 years old. The Old Prestwick Golfcourse also hosted the first-ever British Golf Open Championships in 1860.
FLYING TO SCOTLAND FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB
On average, flying directly from Leeds, where Sherburn Aero Club is located, to Glasgow should take a little over an hour. However, this time is variable, depending on the type of aircraft being flown, air traffic, as well as the skill of the pilot. It is important to alert the airfield you plan to land in about your arrival and plan the route ahead of time in the interest of safety.
Since Scotland is located within the United Kingdom, your LAPL or NPPL will suffice. If, however, you wish to fly abroad or fly more complex aircraft, then a PPL or higher licence is recommended.
Make sure you conduct prior research before flying out to make sure whether there is fuel available at the airfield you plan to arrive at. If not, be sure to fuel up before departure and arrange for reserves in case of an emergency.
There is no passport requirement in order to travel to Scotland, so all you will need are your licence with the required ratings and an aircraft and you’re good to go!
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER JOINING AN AERO CLUB
There are many reasons why pilots should consider joining an aero club. On top of the list is the fact that flying clubs provide pilots with a sense of community. Aviation is a niche interest and it is difficult to come across individuals who share your passion for flying on the street.
Flying clubs provide a space for like-minded individuals to connect with each member providing valuable insight according to their experience with their fellows. Apart from this, aviation clubs are also a great way to save money when it comes to flying. Instead of purchasing your own aircraft, you can simply hire one by the hour from the club’s fleet.
The money that is paid in membership fees is also used for the club’s upkeep and maintenance of the aircraft, so you need not worry about having to invest more money in making sure the aircraft you are flying is functioning properly and is well-maintained.
Flying clubs also provide healthy competition, encouraging members to learn from each other and perform better by sharpening their skills. Most clubs have an in-house training facility as well as a simulator through which members can brush up on their flying skills.
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 Scotland and airfields in the area.
Photo by Petia Koleva on Unsplash
