Full of natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, the Isles of Scilly have a lot to offer to aviation enthusiasts who wish to fly into a coastal area.
If you are longing to fly over to some beautiful coastal landscape and enjoy your time lounging by the sea, then a trip to the Isles of Scilly may be a great option for you. Termed the “UK’s answer to the Maldives”, it is the perfect destination for those who want to vacation by the beach without having to travel too far.
For private pilots who do not possess an internationally recognised licence such as the Part FCL Private Pilot Licence or the Commercial Pilot Licence for professionals, the Isles of Scilly are a great destination to fly to. Located within the borders of the United Kingdom, the Isles of Scilly provide pilots with a flying experience free of any daunting customs requirements or lengthy visa processing, allowing them to freely fly to the coast armed with nothing more than their licence and a positive attitude!
Flying to the Isles of Scilly from the airfield at Sherburn Aero Club is fairly easy, given you have the right training and certification. The Isles house only one airport, so that saves the pilot the trouble of shortlisting airfields in which to land.
However, this airport does not have all the facilities that a pilot may require, so it is best to be prepared. There is also some paperwork that you must take care of before flying to the Isles which grants private pilots permission to fly into the area.
Full of natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, the Isles of Scilly have a lot to offer to aviation enthusiasts who wish to fly into a coastal area. Here is everything you need to know for your next flight to the beautiful beachy area:
WHAT LICENCE WILL YOU NEED?
The best part about flying to the Isles of Scilly is just how easy it is. The fact that it is located within the United Kingdom, just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, means the licence requirement for flying to this scenic area is fairly relaxed.
All you need in order to fly to the Isles is a valid general aviation licence. While the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is preferred, a pilot can just as easily fly to the area with a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) or a National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL).
The requirements for the NPPL and the LAPL are relatively less stringent. While the PPL requires 45 hours of logged flight time, the LAPL only requires 12. However, with a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, you can only fly smaller aircraft.
If you wish to fly to the Isles with a passenger or two or would like to fly a more complex aeroplane, you will need to upgrade to the PPL and get additional ratings in order to be able to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) as well as at night.
You can also easily fly to the area on a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or any other professional licence, which are usually more difficult to obtain given the stricter requirements.
WHERE CAN YOU LAND?
Another good thing about the Isles of Scilly is that this area only has one airport that caters to both general aviation as well as commercial flights. This makes the airport fairly busy, but also means it is kept up to date and well-maintained, given that it is the only aerial entry point into the Isles.
Saint Mary’s Airport
St Mary’s is open to all general aviation aircraft, with those arriving from within the UK only required to fill in a pre-departure permission request before flying in. The airport is conveniently located, with several transportation services providing ways to get to your accommodation, even if it is off-island.
The airport is wheelchair accessible and is open to both commercial and private pilots. Wheelchairs are also available at the facility upon request. Also housed within the airport is a cafe with a panoramic view, making it a perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee after your flight to the Isles.
The only two commercial airlines operating at the airport are currently SkyBus fixed-wing air service and Penzance helicopters.
Fuel and hangar
There are certain factors that a pilot flying to the Isles must be aware of before making the trip. The first and most important is that there are no fuelling stations at St Mary’s, which means the pilot will have to fly to the archipelago prepared.
Make sure you fill up your tank before making the flight to the Isles, and if you need to stop and refuel, be sure to know where the nearest airfields with fuel facilities are located. Apart from this, St Mary’s does not have a hangarage, with the aeroplanes parked on the grass. If you need your aeroplane stored in a hangar, you may want to reconsider your trip to the Isles.
Operational hours
St Mary’s is not operational 24 hours, which means you have to be careful when scheduling your arrival and departure. A delay of a few hours can cost you dearly, leaving you circling the sky or making a round trip back home if you arrive a little later than you were initially supposed to.
The airport is operational Monday through Friday, with the facility remaining closed during the weekend. If you want to have a weekend getaway, you can arrive at the Isles on Friday afternoon and depart Monday morning after the airport opens up.
PRE-DEPARTURE PERMISSION REQUEST
All incoming pilots are required to submit a pre-departure permission request. The recreational pilots flying into the island are required to telephone the Isles and make a Prior Permission Request (PPR). Alternatively, pilots can download the form from the area’s official government website and send it in via email.
It is also necessary to phone in before departure to consult with the airport staff who can guide the pilot about the weather conditions in the area and if it is safe to fly in.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Even though the Isles are located within the United Kingdom, there are certain documents that you must carry with you while flying regardless. Just like you would be required to have your identification documents and driver’s licence on you any time you drive, regardless of the time or place, the same way certain documents must always be present in the pilot’s folder or wallet.
Pilot licence
Your pilot licence is the most important document. It is proof of the fact that you are fit to fly and that you do not pose a danger to others while piloting an aircraft. It is illegal for anyone without a valid pilot’s licence to fly an aeroplane, so it makes sense why this piece of paper is so important.
When travelling to the Isles, make sure you have your licence with you. While you do not need an EASA-recognised licence in order to travel to the area, make sure you have your national licence on you at all times. You will need to show it at the time of departure in your home airfield, as well as after you arrive at St Mary’s.
Instrument rating
Since the Isles have a variable climate and there may be visibility issues when flying to the area, it is important to have an Instrument Rating that allows you to fly during Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
IMC means that the pilot will need to use in-flight instruments in order to fly the aircraft due to the visibility being impaired. Since flying without an Instrument Rating on top of your pilot’s licence is illegal in the United Kingdom, you will have this documentation with you already if you practice flying regularly and have a valid licence.
Logbook
You must carry your logbook with you every time you fly. Your logbook is where you keep track of your flights and log in your flight hours. This contains details of the time of arrival and departure of all previous flights as well as the conditions during the flight.
The logbook must be maintained by all pilots and signed by an authority figure in order to be deemed valid. It is necessary to log in flight hours in order to get your licence, so this is a mainstay in every pilot’s document case. If you have maintained an electronic logbook, make sure you always have a downloadable copy of it on hand, However, it is best to have a physical copy on you at all times.
Survival kit
While this is a necessity for flights that are over glide range, it is still a good idea for a pilot to always travel with survival equipment in the case of any unforeseen circumstances. The survival kit should include basic first aid and any life-saving drugs you may need for any pre-existing conditions you suffer from. This kit should also include supplies that can help build a fire, as well as a tent and sleeping bag in case you need to camp out.
Dry and canned food (non-perishable) and water are also major parts of the survival kit that should not be left out. While it is unlikely that you may need any of these items, it is always best to be prepared in case of emergencies.
REASONS TO VISIT THE ISLES OF SCILLY
Scenic beaches
As has already been stated, this area is ideal for lovers of the sea and the coastal climate! A little slice of tropical heaven in Britain, the archipelago comprises 140 islands, only five of which are inhabited by humans! The crystal-clear waters and white sand make the beach look like something straight off of a travel poster. The beaches are sure to wash away all of your stress, with the Isles being the perfect destination for a weekend getaway when you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Wildlife spotting
The Isles are teeming with wildlife thanks to the limited human presence and the diverse flora and fauna of the area. The wildlife in the area includes Atlantic grey seals, adorable puffins, shags and egrets. It is perfect for animal lovers who wish to spot exquisite wildlife they don’t get to see every day!
Boating experiences
Where there’s water, there are boats! The Isles offer fun boating experiences for those who wish to sail in the turquoise waters. Other adventure sports available to visitors include snorkelling, paddle boarding, as well as deep-sea diving. After taking to the skies, you can experience the thrill of diving underwater as well!
Mild climate
For those who wish to escape the dreary climate of the rest of the United Kingdom, the Isles offer some much-needed respite. The coastal nature of the area means the weather is almost always pleasant and the climate is mild. There also isn’t much variation between temperatures during the days and night-time, with the variation being no more than two to three degrees.
Botanical gardens
With over 20,000 species of plants, the Tresco Abbey Garden is every nature lover’s dream! Planted in the ruins of a Benedictine priory, the garden is ideal for strolls and for admiring the many beautiful flowers in bloom all over the area.
Starry skies
The biggest benefit of islands uninhabited by humans? The lack of light pollution! The fact that there is not much artificial light on the islands means visitors are treated to breathtaking starry skies during the night-time, given that the weather is not cloudy. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading to the Isles so that you don’t end up staring up at skies covered in clouds and you can enjoy the starry sky to the fullest!
FLYING FROM SHERBURN TO SAINT MARY’S AIRPORT
There are no direct flights from Leeds, where Sherburn is located, to the Isles of Scilly. Typically, travellers will have to get to Exeter and then fly from there to the islands. However, for private pilots who can fly to the island on their own without the help of commercial airlines, this is not an issue. Those who are flying privately to the island simply have to jump into the cockpit of their aeroplanes and take off from the Sherburn airfield, arriving at the Isles without the hassle of making stops along the way!
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 Isles of Scilly and the airport in the area.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
