All you need is the right licence and an understanding of international flight rules and procedures to be able to fly to Spain for your next getaway!
Are you on the lookout for your next travel destination that you can fly to all on your own? Well, it may be time to look beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. As a private pilot, hassle-free travel is something you can fully enjoy.
Take advantage of your ability to bypass the tedious commercial airline processing to fly your own aircraft to the beautiful nation of Spain! When it comes to the best travel destinations in the world, Spain comes out among the top countries on the list!
Not only is the country full of natural wonders for you to explore after landing, but it is also home to a rich culture and happening city life! While travelling in European Union territory isn’t as easy as it used to be before Brexit, it is still a fairly simple process.
All you need is the right licence and an understanding of international flight rules and procedures to be able to fly to Spain for your next getaway! Few things come as naturally to pilots as the love of travel, and with your Private Pilot Licence, you have the ability to explore far and wide without the burden of commercial travel requirements!
There are so many wonderful cities for you to fly to in Spain, and if you are looking for aero clubs in the country that you can fly to and socialise with local pilots, there are several options for you to look into. Here’s a list of some of the best aero clubs in Spain for a private pilot to fly to from the United Kingdom.
Not only are these clubs housed in well-maintained airports, but they are also close to a host of tourist attractions that you can explore and enjoy after you have landed!
WHY SHOULD YOU FLY TO SPAIN?
When it comes to reasons to fly to Spain, the list is quite long! A staple travel destination for many globetrotters across the world, Spain is a tourist’s dream. If you are a sucker for beautiful natural landscapes, the country has a lot more to offer in addition to its glorious sunny beaches!
Spain is home to mountainous regions with snowy climates, as well as deserts that have served as the sets for many Hollywood westerns. The diversity does not end at climate, with the country being home to people from all across the world.
Spain is also every adventure-enthusiasts dream, with the country offering many activities for thrill-seekers such as a zip line between Spain and Portugal, which can be reached after walking one of the scariest footpaths in the world.
Spanish cuisine, with its fresh produce as well as a variety of flavours, is bound to make the foodie in you very happy. The seafood in the country is some of the best in the world, and the perfectly spiced and balanced dishes are sure to leave you full and satisfied.
Spain also has an incredibly rich history with many attractions, such as the Cordoba Mosque, being must-visit destinations for all the history buffs out there!
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF JEREZ
The Royal Aero Club of Jerez, located in the scenic city in Spain is one of the country’s best aero clubs. Boasting over 30,000 hours flown, the club was founded in 1971. The club offers flight training to pilots hoping to acquire their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and also to pilots who are looking to sharpen their skills further and get additional ratings.
The club also offers flight “baptisms”, which are initiation flights for beginners who are not sure how they feel about piloting an aircraft and are unsure about diving into training just yet. The club offers training and experience flights on the Cessna 172P, which is the choice aircraft of private pilots and beginners across the world.
Attractions nearby
The small city of Jerez is the perfect place to start your explorations of Spain. The city offers the same gorgeous architecture and delicious food as larger cities such as Granada but does not overwhelm visitors thanks to its manageable size.
The charming old town of the city dates back to the time of the Moors, with gothic architecture such as the Jerez Cathedral dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can also experience Alcazar, which is a well-preserved Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th or 12th century.
For alcohol enthusiasts, the city is home to some of the best sherry in the world, and you can witness its production in the many sherry wineries in the area. Winemaking in the region dates as far back as 11 BC!
REUS AERO CLUB
Founded in 1935 and operating out of the Reus International Airport, the Reus Aero Club is a top choice of aviation enthusiasts in Spain as well as those flying in from abroad. The location of the club in a busy international airport allows pilots to experience a busy and professional atmosphere from early on.
The club offers initiation flights to pilots who are just starting out. The initiation flight helps those who are on the fence about training decide whether aviation is a hobby they would like to pursue further or not.
Following the initiation flight, the club offers flight training to pilots who are interested in private flying as well as those who are looking to pursue aviation commercially.
Attractions nearby
A charming city surrounded by mountains and a short distance away from the sea, Reus is a great destination for visitors looking to explore Spain’s history, art, and culture, as well as its scenic beauty. The airport is only 3 km from the city centre, which makes it easily accessible for pilots flying in.
For those who enjoy historical architecture, the intricate and well-preserved Plaça del Mercadal is a great place to take in the beauty of the old buildings. There are also many beaches nearby thanks to the city’s close proximity to the sea, including the Tarragona beaches, Salou beaches, and the Cambrils beaches.
BARCELONA-SABADELL AEROCLUB
Born in 1953 following the merger of the Barcelona Aero Club (founded in 1930) and the Sabadell and Vallés Aero Club (founded in 1931), the Barcelona-Sabadell Aeroclub is a top choice amongst pilots.
It is the largest aero club in Europe, with over 1200 members and 40+ aircraft as part of its fleet. The club boasts a total of 17,000 hours flown per year. The club offers initiation flights and training courses for both private and commercial pilots, with the organisation hosting many events for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Barcelona-Sabadell Aero Club is also home to a restaurant where pilots can unwind after a long flight.
Attractions nearby
The club operates out of the Sabadell Airport, close to the thriving city of Barcelona. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country thanks to its breathtaking scenery, gorgeous architecture, amazing cultural scene, and wonderfully balmy Mediterranean climate.
The city is perfect for a getaway, with pilots flying in having the opportunity to explore sandy beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, as well as small cafes and restaurants.
RED BARON CLUB
The Red Baron Club, located in the Camarenilla Aerodrome, prides itself on its fleet of ten planes, including the RANS Coyote II, IKARUS C42, and ZENAIR 601. The aerodrome also houses a flight school for pilots looking to get their PPL or those who need refresher courses to brush up their skills.
Attractions nearby
The Camarenilla Aerodrome is located near the historic city of Toledo which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The winding streets are perfect for aimless wandering and the city has a lot to offer when it comes to history and culture.
It is one of the most important historical landmarks in Spain, known for its traditional crafts and artwork. It is also only half an hour away from the major city of Madrid.
FLYING TO SPAIN FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB
A non-stop flight from Leeds, where Sherburn Aero Club is located, to Madrid in Spain will take an average of 2 hours and 35 minutes. This is a general estimate and there are many other factors that may affect your flight time and lead to a longer duration.
On top of the list is the experience level of the pilot. If the person flying the aircraft has been flying aircraft for years, they will probably reach their destination sooner than a pilot who has only just received their licence. The reason behind this mainly comes down to how familiar the pilot is with the route, workings of the aircraft, as well as general procedures and customs regulations.
A newer pilot will take their time to understand what is going on and will also proceed with caution, which will lead to a longer flight duration. Apart from this, the flight time will also be affected by the type of aircraft that is being flown. Certain aircraft models are known to be faster than others, and the model being flown may affect the overall flight time.
Finally, the weather may also play a part in making a flight longer. While certain weather conditions such as storms may result in a grounding of the flight, bumpy flights will generally take longer than one that takes place through a clear sky.
WHAT LICENCE WILL YOU NEED?
While a UK pilot was previously able to fly to Europe on a basic Private Pilot Licence, this is no longer the case. The reason behind this is Brexit, which has led to the split between the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom (CAA UK) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The PPL now only allows its holder to fly within the borders of the UK. However, a pilot can still fly to Europe on a PPL, given it has been upgraded to a part-FCL. This is an EASA-approved rating which allows pilots to fly EASA-registered aircraft. To qualify for a part-FCL rating, the pilot must also hold a valid EASA-approved medical licence.
The one issued by the CAA UK will not suffice due to the split between the two regulatory bodies. The CAA UK operated under the jurisdiction of EASA before Brexit, but since the split, approval by the CAA UK does not guarantee approval by EASA.
While this may feel like a huge roadblock, it really isn’t. All you need is to upgrade your licence, which is fairly easy to do, after which you are all set to fly to any destination in Europe, including Spain!
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN AN AERO CLUB?
For pilots, both of the private and commercial variety, aero clubs are a wonderful resource. There are many reasons that pilots should opt for a membership to an aero club, both at home and internationally.
The biggest reason that many pilots choose to become part of aero clubs is the fact that they provide access to a community of like-minded aviation enthusiasts. While flying is a wonderful hobby, it isn’t all that common. Finding others with a passion like yours for flying is key to having a good time when it comes to aviation.
Aero clubs such as Sherburn Aero Club have members from a variety of backgrounds and age brackets. Pilots can benefit from each other's unique perspectives and experiences. Apart from fostering a sense of community, aero clubs are also a great way to get access to aircraft without having to purchase one yourself. Many clubs have a fleet of their own, renting out the aircraft by the hour.
This is a great option for beginners who are not yet ready to make the investment that comes with purchasing an aircraft, and also helps private aeroplane owners to have access to a variety of aircraft different from the one they own.
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.
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.
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.
You are required to take medical exams to prove you are fit enough to take to the skies when applying for a licence, and the facility at Sherburn allows you to start your aviation journey on the right foot. Sherburn also 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. 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.
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. 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 on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on flying to Spain and upgrading your Private Pilot Licence.
Photo by Johan Mouchet on Unsplash
