Offering a diverse cultural scene, as well as a treasure trove of natural beauty, the country has a lot in terms of attractions and things to do for visitors.
If you have a European Union-approved Private Pilot Licence (PPL), then it may be time to put it to good use and take a trip to the Netherlands, also referred to as Holland! Offering a diverse cultural scene, as well as a treasure trove of natural beauty, the country has a lot in terms of attractions and things to do for visitors.
If you have a United Kingdom-specific PPL, we suggest you opt for an upgrade to Part-FCL, which is necessary for pilots travelling to European Union territory. The upgrade will broaden your horizons, adding many more travel destinations to your list from across the EU, including the wonderful Netherlands!
WHY SHOULD YOU FLY TO THE NETHERLANDS?
Not only do the Netherlands offer vibrant city life, with the country being home to Amsterdam, which is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, but the area is also full of scenic beauty in small towns and villages.
The Netherlands also boast a diverse population, comprising of ethnicities from all across the world. The Dutch are also known to be very friendly people, so there’s always the opportunity to make friends after you land. While Amsterdam offers a hefty dose of history and culture, other major cities like Rotterdam are filled to the brim with stunning modern architecture. This allows pilots to fly over some truly diverse cityscapes.
For pilots looking for natural beauty, the country offers quite a treat, with its vast plains full of colourful vegetation. The Dutch tulip fields are truly a sight to behold, and flying over them makes for one of the most unforgettable experiences for a pilot!
While it is not as easy to travel to the Netherlands from the United Kingdom as it used to be before Brexit, given the newly-imposed customs requirements, it is still a rather smooth and hassle-free process!
For those looking to travel to the Netherlands, here’s a list of the different aero clubs that you can fly to from Sherburn Aero Club (as well as any other airfield). These are some of the top destinations for pilots flying into the Dutch nation from elsewhere, with there being several attractions for pilots to explore nearby after they have landed!
ROTTERDAMSCHE AERO CLUB
The Rotterdamsche Aero Club has the reputation of being the oldest flying club in Europe, which means they have a long-standing tradition of satisfying aviation lovers. The club has been operational since 1926, with Charles Lindberg visiting the club in 1927 before embarking on his infamous solo, non-stop cross-Atlantic flight.
The Rotterdamsche Aero Club also prides itself on its friendly staff and welcoming environment. The club also offers training facilities for its members, allowing beginners to gain confidence in their flying and experienced pilots to sharpen their already existing aviation skills.
Operating out of The Hague Airport in Rotterdam, members have access to the Diamond DA40 aircraft, which is one of the best options for those who are learning to fly due to its simple yet efficient controls. For those who aren’t sure about whether they would like to pursue aviation full time, the club also offers trial flights so that individuals can experience the thrill of flying themselves before making a commitment!
Attractions nearby
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is home to the largest port in the world, which makes it a hub of commerce and industry in Europe. The city is full of modern architecture due to the fact that it was destroyed after World War II.
However, Rotterdam dates back to medieval times and is a major cultural hub of the country as well. The old harbour and marine museums in the city are great areas for visitors to explore. The city is also home to the International Cuisine Market as well as interesting cubic architecture for people to admire!
VLIEGCLUB FLEVO
Located in the province of Flevoland in Holland, the Vliegclub Flevo (which translates to Flevo Flying Club), has been operational for the past 50 years. The club houses a certified flying school, offering training for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), as well as Night and Instrument Ratings.
As part of its aircraft fleet, the Flevo Flying Club is home to Piper aeroplanes, which are one of the best aeroplanes for beginners to train on. Members can rent the aircraft, allowing them to make use of the club’s facilities. The flying school also offers mini-PPL courses as well as theory classes for the PPL exams and training for the Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FRTOL).
Attractions nearby
Flevoland is the largest land reclamation project in the world, with the area being completely under water previously. It was added to Holland in 1986, with the area now boasting beautiful natural landscapes as well as a vibrant cultural scene.
The area is also home to the largest shipwreck graveyard in the world! Over 450 wrecks have been found till now.
KLM AEROCLUB
Operating out of Lelystad Airport in the province of Flevoland, the KLM Aeroclub is a great place for pilots to come together and build their flying portfolio. Founded in 1970, the club has more than 200 members, with the number continuing to grow.
The club regularly arranges social events, excursions, and flights abroad for its members that allow for ample opportunity to socialise and build a community of like-minded individuals. The club operates from its own hangar which is located in Lelystad Airport as well. KLM Aero Club also has a good relationship with many flying clubs abroad, facilitating trips to and from various locations internationally.
As part of its fleet, the club houses Two Cessna 172, a Piper Archer, and the Aquila A210, which are member-owned.
Attractions nearby
Apart from the attractions already mentioned in the previous section, Flevoland is also home to Batavialand Heritage Park, which includes attractions such as the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia. The park offers an insight into the history of land reclamation and shipbuilding in the area.
AERO CLUB SALLAND
Established in 1971, the Aero Club Salland is located in Dalfsen. The club is mainly for those looking to learn to glide, with the facilities at the Aero Club Salland catering to gliding over powered flight. The club is home to an airfield which can be used by powered aeroplanes as well. On offer are one and two-week gliding courses, which is a great way for those flying powered aeroplanes to branch out and learn something new.
Training begins on two-seater gliders before members are allowed to graduate towards single-seaters, allowing them to glide solo. For those who wish to try gliding, the club offers experience flights which can be used to determine whether the activity is right for you in the long run.
Attractions nearby
For those who love hiking or cycling, Dalfsen is truly a gem! There are several scenic hiking trails across the area, such as the Kasteel Rechteren Lemelerberg and Ommen!
EINDHOVEN AERO CLUB
The Eindhoven Aero Club is one of the most prominent flying clubs in the Netherlands. The club has a lot to offer to pilots, with a certified flying school that trains newer pilots in the art of flying. As part of its flight school, the club offers courses in Private Pilot Licence (PPL) acquisition, Night and Instrument ratings, as well as aerobatics for the true thrillseekers out there.
The club also houses a well-maintained fleet, which includes a wide array of aircraft, including the Cessna SkyHawk as well as the Ps28 Cruiser.
Attractions nearby
Eindhoven is filled to the brim with gorgeous modern architecture as well as vibrant nightlife! While Amsterdam is known to get all the attention when it comes to the latter department, Eindhoven is a gem that tends to fly under the radar for many.
It is also home to some gorgeous Gothic architecture thanks to buildings such as St. Catherine’s Church, which dates back to 1867.
FLYING TO THE NETHERLANDS FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB
A direct flight from Leeds, where the Sherburn Airfield is located, to Amsterdam, takes only about an hour and fifteen minutes. This is the case for direct flights in which the pilots do not make any stops along the way.
While stops may elongate the time it takes to get to the Netherlands from Leeds, other factors that may affect flight time include the experience of the pilot, the type of aircraft being flown, as well as the type of weather that the flight is taking place in. When it comes to experience, it is understood that a pilot with a higher experience level will be far more comfortable during a cross-border flight as compared to someone who just received their licence.
Beginner pilots proceed with added caution, which may mean they fly at a relatively slower speed as compared to more advanced pilots. This may affect the overall flight time, with the beginner taking longer to get to the Netherlands as compared to the expert.
Apart from this, certain aircraft, regardless of the pilot’s experience, are known to be faster than others. For example, if a pilot is flying a three-axis microlight, the flight will take longer than if they were travelling in a larger aircraft such as the Piper PA-28. Lastly, the weather is a huge deciding factor when it comes to whether a pilot will reach their destination in a short amount of time or not. While severe weather such as thunderstorms may ground flights completely and introduce a longer delay, cloudy weather may also slow down a flight.
An aeroplane can easily glide at a sustained speed through clear skies, but the roughness introduced due to clouds may slow it down. Also, during times of impaired visibility, pilots may exercise more caution and fly slower.
WHAT LICENCE WILL YOU NEED?
The Netherlands are part of the European Union, which means pilots will need a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-approved licence in order to fly to the region. UK national licences such as the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) and the National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) shall no longer suffice. Even holders of Private Pilot Licence (PPL) must have their licence upgraded to Part-FCL (Flight Crew Licencing) in order to fly into European Union territory.
This is due to the fact that following Brexit, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the United Kingdom is no longer under the jurisdiction of EASA, which means it is treated as a third party and licences issued by the regulatory body must get EASA approval before the pilot is deemed eligible to fly into the EU territories.
There are a few extra customs requirements due to Brexit now. However, there is still no visa requirement for UK nationals and the process of entering the EU is relatively smooth and streamlined, so it is not much of a deterrent to pilots flying to areas such as the Netherlands.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING AN AERO CLUB
If you have been on the lookout for reasons to join an aero club, know that there are quite a few! For pilots, both beginners as well as those who are more advanced, aero clubs have a lot to offer. First and foremost, an aero club gives pilots access to a community of like-minded individuals who share their passion for flying.
While aviation is a highly rewarding hobby with a large number of private pilots in the UK, it is hard to come by people dedicated to flying while you’re out and about. Flying clubs help pilots connect and build a community where they can share their knowledge and experience. Flying clubs also introduce a healthy amount of competition that encourages pilots to perfect their skills and do better when it comes to aviation.
Apart from this, flying clubs also make flying more accessible to those who cannot afford their own private aeroplane, giving pilots access to the club’s fleet which they can rent out on an hourly basis. The variety of aircraft means it is also a good way for private aeroplane owners to broaden their horizons and try flying various models of aircraft, as opposed to flying just the one they own.
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 the Netherlands and airfields in the area.
Photo by Michal Soukup on Unsplash
