For those who have an interest in travel and gorgeous scenery, the beautiful country of Switzerland is truly a must-visit destination! Private pilots from the United Kingdom can easily fly to Switzerland and experience the magic of the Swiss Alps and the country’s several other natural attractions.
Travel and flying go hand in hand, and if you are a pilot with a passion for aviation, chances are you love to visit new destinations across the world as well. For those who have an interest in travel and gorgeous scenery, the beautiful country of Switzerland is truly a must-visit destination!
Private pilots from the United Kingdom can easily fly to Switzerland and experience the magic of the Swiss Alps and the country’s several other natural attractions. Flying over the mountainous region is one of the most breathtaking things that a pilot can experience, and it is one that you must cross off your bucket list the first chance you get!
While many private pilots enjoy flying within the borders of the United Kingdom and taking advantage of the local scenery and aviation-related facilities, there is so much more to explore outside of the UK! Don’t let the label of “international” overwhelm or deter you from flying outside of the borders of the country.
With just a few upgrades to your licence and a well-thought-out itinerary, the travel process will be a breeze and one that you are bound to thoroughly enjoy! For pilots who wish to fly their aircraft to Switzerland from Sherburn Aero Club (or any other flying club within the UK for that matter), the European nation has many destinations for you to fly to which house aero clubs that can cater to all your aviation-related needs.
If you are looking for aero clubs to fly to in Switzerland, here is an in-depth compilation of the various clubs on offer, as well as the attractions nearby that you can explore during your downtime!
WHY SHOULD YOU FLY TO SWITZERLAND?
If you are still on the fence about flying to Switzerland, there are many attractions and things to do in the beautiful European country that may have you rushing to pack your bags and prepping your aircraft! One of the biggest reasons to travel to Switzerland is the glorious Swiss Alps, which are a dream destination for those who love to ski and are also home to the most photographed mountain in the world!
Even if you don’t know much about Switzerland, you’ve most probably come across a picture of the jagged tooth-like mountain named Matterhorn. Thanks to the Alps, the country is home to a varying climate, with snow being available in abundance in the mountainous regions, as well as a selection of palm-filled scenery on the other end!
Switzerland is historically known for its international nature and incredible diversity, thanks to the country formerly being home to the United Nations. It has historically served as a safe haven for many people, contributing to its multi-ethnic and diverse culture.
If these reasons weren't enough, the foodie in you won’t be able to resist the pull of the delicious Swiss chocolates or the country’s world-famous perforated cheese! Apart from all this, the country is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in all of Europe! Flying over these glittering water bodies is an experience of a lifetime for a pilot and one you definitely do not want to miss out on!
SWISS FLYING CLUB
The Swiss Flying Club, located in the heart of Switzerland in Zurich, is one of the best aero clubs in the country.
The club also offers flight training services to pilots who are new to the game or those who wish to sharpen their aviation skills further. The club has leisure flying as its focus and operates out of the idyllic airfield of Hausen am Albis. Offering private pilot training, the club also provides refresher courses to its members.
Part of the Swiss Aero Club’s fleet are private pilot favourites such as the Cessna C172 and C177RG, as well as the Aquila A210.
Attractions nearby
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and has so much to offer those who travel to the city. Home to a host of beautiful museums and happening events, visitors can also enjoy the charm of the city’s old town. Lake Zurich, surrounded by scenic parks and beautiful gardens is also a hot spot for tourists looking to enjoy some fresh air in the sun surrounded by natural beauty.
If you’re looking to fly something other than an aeroplane, visitors also have the option to experience breathtaking views in a hot air balloon ride in the city’s southwest in the area known as Uetliberg.
AEROCLUB OF GENEVA
The Aeroclub of Geneva has been around for quite a while, with the facility having begun operation in 1909. Since then, the club has trained thousands of pilots, both private as well as those who go on more commercial pursuits.
The club is located in the Geneva International Airport in one of the most diverse cities in the world. This prime location allows trainee pilots to experience what it is like to operate an aircraft in a busy airfield and with pilots from all over the world.
The club was the first in Switzerland to train pilots in the art of flying, beginning its training operations in 1926.
Attractions nearby
Geneva has one of the most cosmopolitan atmospheres in the world, thanks to its population of people from all over the world. It is the city where the Red Cross was founded in 1865 and formerly served as the headquarters of the United Nations.
Visitors to the city can experience the beauty of Lake Geneva with its backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped alps. The city is also home to the historic cathedral of St Pierre, which has been around since 1150. It is located at the highest point in Geneva.
Near the cathedral, located in the old town, you will find the old city square, which is dotted with cafes and restaurants.
CLUB NEUCHÂTELOIS D’AVIATION
Established in 1926, Club Neuchâtelois D’aviation is a great place for aviation lovers. It offers flying services for pilots interested in gliding, motorised aircraft, as well as scale model aircraft. Located in the French-speaking region of Neuchâtel, the club’s motor flight division offers training facilities and initiation flights for pilots.
The club trains pilots in the acquisition of the Private Pilot License, complete with both practical as well as theoretical training for the required written exams. Pilots will have the freedom to choose between two aeroplanes from the club’s fleet, both of which are the Robin DR400.
Attractions nearby
Located on the banks of Lake Neuchâtel, this charming city dating back to medieval times is around a two-hour drive from the major city of Zurich. The charming old town offers a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities and is perfect for spending the day lounging around in cafes and by the lakeside.
The brightly painted buildings of the Italian quarter of the city are a sight for sore eyes, and the Museum of Art and History is a great place to unwind and connect with the region’s culture. The museum is housed in the gorgeous Palais des Beaux-Arts, complete with stunning architecture and a well-curated collection of artwork.
AEROCLUB OF SWITZERLAND AECS
Located at a thirty-minute car ride from the city of Lucerne, the Aeroclub of Switzerland AECS is the country’s national aero club, with around 23,000 active memberships. The club caters to aviation enthusiasts interested in ballooning, aeromodelling, sailplaning, power-flying, parachuting, experimental and homebuilt aircraft, microlights, and helicopters.
The national club is made up of around 40 regional aero clubs, with the organisation operating in the heart of Switzerland out of the Meiringen Air Base.
Attractions nearby
Lucerne, located on the northern banks of Lake Lucerne, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. The city’s charming atmosphere and well-preserved historic architecture make it a great place for culture buffs.
The city is very easy to explore thanks to its small size and walkability, so you can enjoy the views in Lucerne without stressing about transport. When in the city, it is recommended to take a short trip to experience the stunning views at Mount Pilatus. Visitors can also experience the fun of European rail travel by taking a train up Mount Rigi via the Cog Railway.
For those who are enthusiastic about locomotives and mechanical transport, the city is also home to the Swiss Transport Museum.
FLYING TO SWITZERLAND FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB
It is very easy to fly from Sherburn Aero Club, located in Leeds in the United Kingdom, to Zurich in Switzerland. A non-stop flight from Leeds to Zurich will take around 3 hours and 55 minutes. While this is the average flight time, it is important to understand that the exact duration of a flight is dependent on a few different factors.
On top of the list is whether the pilot will be stopping anywhere else to refuel or simply take a break on the way to Switzerland. Another factor that may lead to an increased flight time is the type of aircraft that is being flown. Different types of light aircraft come with slight variations in speed which may affect the overall duration.
If the sky is clear, the flight will reach faster than when the sky is cloudy and the flight is bumpy. Lastly, the skill of the pilot will also determine how long the flight may take. An experienced pilot may get to their destination much faster, given that they are either familiar with the route, aircraft operation, or both.
A newer pilot will proceed with added caution and thus take a bit longer to reach their destination. It is important to alert the airfield you will be flying to about your arrival well before your departure and make sure there are no issues relating to language.
International airports generally will not have issues relating to language barriers, but smaller airfields might. Make sure you are prepared.
WHAT LICENCE WILL YOU NEED?
Before Britain’s exit from the European Union, it was fairly easy for a pilot from the UK to travel into EU territory on a basic Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or even a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL). However, after Brexit, this is no longer the case, with the PPL only allowing its holder to fly within the borders of the UK.
Despite this, a UK pilot can still travel to Europe with a PPL, given the licence has been upgraded to Part-FCL. A part-FCL PPL allows its holder to fly any EASA-registered aircraft. In addition to the upgraded PPL, the pilot will also need to have an EASA-approved medical certificate.
This is mainly due to the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK is no longer under the jurisdiction of EASA. After the split, the CAA UK became an independent body, and approval from the CAA UK does not guarantee approval by EASA.
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN AN AERO CLUB?
There are so many reasons that make aero clubs highly beneficial for private pilots. Perhaps the most popular reason for pilots joining aero clubs is that it allows them to fly aircraft without purchasing them.
Aircraft that are part of the club’s fleet are available for hire at hourly rates, saving pilots the cost of purchasing and maintaining their own aircraft. This makes flying a lot more accessible to people, allowing them to train and perfect their skills before making the investment into an aircraft, either privately or on a shared basis.
Another major reason for pilots to join aero clubs is that it gives them access to a diverse community of aviation enthusiasts. Aero clubs are home to pilots who are at varying levels in their flying careers, allowing the members to benefit from each other’s experiences and unique perspectives.
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 Switzerland and upgrading your Private Pilot Licence.
