In this guide we will look at some of the top light aircraft flying events and competitions in England and how they are inspiring the next generation of capable pilots.
England is home to various types of aviation events. The country is known for its aviation community and regularly hosts competitions and flying events throughout the year. Not only are these events an important part of the local aviation community, but they also foster an environment of inspiration.
These events are a win-win for the aviation industry because they attract a lot of people from all over the country, and even the world. In fact, it is widely known that regular events like the RIAT, Aero Expo, LAA Rally, and more are the direct reason for the uptick in interest in aviation and light aircraft.
In this guide we will look at some of the top light aircraft flying events and competitions in England and how they are inspiring the next generation of capable pilots.
Light Aircraft – The Best Aircraft for Flying Events
Light aircraft are at the centre of every flying event in the world and the reason for this is very simple: these aircraft are highly versatile, and their low weight and manoeuvrability make them the best choice for all types of flying scenarios.
For example, light aircraft can be modified with a more efficient and high-output engine to greatly increase their speed. They can also be made even more aerodynamic which is key in numerous aero sports, including air racing and aerobatics.
The benefit of flying light aircraft is that they can be customised in any way you like, and it is also relatively more cost-effective to fly these planes than other larger aircraft. Perhaps the biggest advantage of these aircraft is that they don’t require an advanced license. Pilots with a Private Pilot License or a Commercial Pilot License will have access to light aircraft.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can enrol in aero competitions after obtaining your license. The pilots who enrol in such competitions first have to master and prove their skills.
Several certifications prove a pilot’s skills. As you can imagine, cruising in light aircraft and air racing are two completely different activities. While cruising, you don’t put the aircraft under a lot of stress. In fact, cruising is the best way to get the most out of the fuel efficiency of single-engine light aircraft. However, when it comes to air racing, you will need to not only push the aircraft but also yourself to the limit!
Pilots train for hours several times a day to get a basic understanding of aerobatics and how they can be used in various ways. Why is aerobatics important in this regard? Well, if you go to an airshow, you will probably see multiple planes flying in complete sync, even when they pull off various complex aerobatic moves like a barrel roll, or even a Cuban eight.
The reason why they are able to perform these moves with such accuracy and synchronicity is that these pilots train for hours together to get the movement right. It is important to understand that even a small miscalculation or error on the part of the pilots can result in disaster. In fact, there have been a few recorded incidents where a mistake on the pilot's part resulted in disaster during air shows.
This is why learning aerobatics and operating aircraft under limitations is so important. Today, aero sports are much more regulated and standardised than they once were in the earlier years of aviation. There are very strict rules and regulations that must be followed by all participants in an airshow. Failure to follow these rules can result in an immediate suspension or disqualification.
Air shows have set a very high standard for all pilots to ensure maximum safety and some events even require certification. For example, Spot Landing Contests and Short Take Off and Landing competitions require very specific certifications that prove that the pilot is capable of taking part in such competitions and that they can easily operate the aircraft within the rules and regulations set by the event management.
Top Light Aircraft Flying Events and Competitions in England
Now that you have an idea about the basics of how light aircraft are used in various flying events and competitions, here are some of the top flying events in England:
Aero Expo
If you have ever been to an expo event before, then you will already know what to expect in an Aero Expo. These events are one of the most prestigious flying events in the world. People from all around the country and even the world come to attend Aero Expo UK, simply because it has historically been one of the best-hosted events for aviation in the country.
Aero Expo is hosted in Wycombe Air Park and is the ideal place for pilots to meet other aspiring and experienced pilots. There is no better place to build networking than here, and pilots get a rare chance to meet their heroes and learn even more about aviation.
The best part is that Aero Expo is specifically arranged for light aircraft. You can expect to see a range of light aircraft including gliders, ultralights, helicopters, and even advanced aircraft models.
In fact, many aviation companies actively participate in the expo to showcase their latest products to the public. This generates interest in aviation and is known to also boost sales of aviation manufacturers.
Pilots also get to participate in various flying competitions, test flights, and workshops/seminars as well. All in all, the Aero Expo provides entertainment for the public and acts as a source of knowledge for pilots!
Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)
The Royal International Air Tattoo is perhaps one of the biggest air events in the world. Arranged by the military, this airshow provides extreme thrills, even for the people on the ground and only the most experienced of pilots get to participate in this prestigious event.
The RIAT mostly focuses on military aviation but there are also a few sections of the show that feature light aircraft in all their glory. If you want to learn just how much light aircraft can be pushed in the air, then this is the show to check out. When in the hands of highly capable pilots, light aircraft become more than just entry-level aircraft, they become a spectacle to witness!
RIAT is held every year at RAF Fairford. This single event alone attracts people from all walks of life. People from all over the world come to visit this annual event and the great thing about RIAT is that it leaves people with an open jaw, even when they know what to expect from the event.
There are also several mini-competitions held at the event. Spot landings, air racing, and other similar events are the norm at the RIAT, and you can also expect to see most of the pilot community of England in one place.
LAA Rally
What better way to experience light aircraft than at a rally held by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA)? The LAA Rally attracts the biggest gathering of professional and amateur light aircraft pilots in the country.
This event is extremely important for the light aircraft community because it brings together not just pilots, but also enthusiasts who want to get into aviation. If you are someone who is contemplating getting into aviation, then you need to visit this event to be completely sold on the idea behind aviation.
Not only can you expect to see the light aircraft community of the UK, but you will also get to meet key people in the aviation industry that can impart knowledge and help you in your career or passion for aviation. The LAA Rally is held at the Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire and is open to all enthusiasts.
Perhaps the coolest thing about this event is that it also provides a platform for engineers and enthusiasts to showcase their passion in full swing. The event regularly features amateur-built aircraft, and you can also expect to see vintage aircraft at the show too.
Since this is a light aircraft rally, there are also quite a lot of air competitions! For example, the LAA Rally is known for its spot landing and navigational challenges that both dazzle the audience and test the skills of pilots.
Shuttleworth Collection
If you are looking for a long-form event that takes place throughout the summer, then you have to visit the Shuttleworth Collection held at the Old Warden Aerodrome. This event is known for its Flying Days series which features air shows performed using light aircraft.
The Shuttleworth Collection is ideal for people who want to see vintage and classical light aircraft in action. You truly get to feel and experience the history of aviation in shows like this and if you want to impress or surprise the older aviation enthusiasts then there is no better place to start than here.
Goodwood Festival
Love fast cars and airplanes? Well then, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is just for you. This event is known for its combination of aviation and motorsports as it features super-fast cars and a range of light aircraft that are specifically modified for air racing and aerobatics.
Held at Goodwood House in West Sussex, this event attracts thrill-seekers and enthusiasts of both aviation and motorsports. Not only this, but you can also expect to see military-based aircraft perform various airshows too. The event has a similar layout to Aero Expo where you get to explore vintage and modern aircraft from up close.
There are also a series of workshops and seminars at the event, and of course, for the people who want action, there are plenty of air shows and competitions that will leave you utterly astonished!
Learning to Fly Light Aircraft
Want to be more than just a visitor at any of the events listed above? Then you will have to commit to flight training! There is no better time to start your journey in aviation than now!
Getting a pilot license is all about finding the right flight school and training. The first step is to determine your needs. If you want to just fly for leisure and relaxation purposes, then you can go ahead with a Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL) but if you want to be a more diverse and comprehensive pilot that doesn’t want an aviation career, then we highly recommend that you invest in a Private Pilot License (PPL).
The benefit of a private license is that you will get to fly multiple types of light aircraft and you can also advance your training by pursuing specific certifications. For example, if you want to learn the basics of aerobatics, then you will have to enrol in a flight school, like Sherburn Aero Club, that specifically has flight instructors that teach aerobatics. Always remember that aerobatics requires quite a lot of focus and mastery, which is why you will have to enrol in a top-tier flight school.
Not only this, but the flight instructors at these flight schools can also offer mentorship. If you have what it takes to become the next best aero sport pilot, then your instructors will provide you with all that you need to make your ambitions come true.
On top of that, flight schools, like Sherburn also host their own airshows and you can also build your network. Since pilots from all walks of life visit flight schools, you can expect to bump across various professionals that can give you advice about your goals.
Please keep in mind that due to the costs associated with training, you can’t switch flight schools very easily, which is why we recommend that you invest your time and resources in the right school from the get-go!
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.
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 licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
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 in various types of light aircraft.
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.
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.
Sherburn 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.
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 at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Adrian Smith on Unsplash
