We will explore the many reasons why pilots should consider visiting Cumbria, their diverse range of aeroclubs, and the important best practices that can help pilots plan their trips better.
Cumbria is one of the ideal places for private pilots to visit due to its geographical features and welcoming aviation community. If you have been planning to visit Cumbria aero clubs for either leisure or professional purposes, then this guide is just for you.
We will explore the many reasons why pilots should consider visiting Cumbria, their diverse range of aeroclubs, and the important best practices that can help pilots plan their trips better.
Cumbria – An Aviation-Friendly County
Cumbria is a non-metropolitan county in Northwest England that is known for its scenic landscapes and jaw-dropping sunsets. The county is home to lakes, rock structures, vast patches of greenery, and a mix of cute urban towns.
Located just 122.8 miles from Sherburn, Elmet, Cumbria is one of the nearest and most exciting places to visit for private pilots who want to experience a diverse landscape.
Cumbria has a rich history in aviation and has played a pivotal role in promoting aviation in the region. Although it is a non-metropolitan county, it still sports an active aviation community of enthusiasts and professional pilots.
Here are some of the places that you can visit while in Cumbria:
Lake District National Park
Let’s begin with one of the most iconic places in Cumbria! The Lake District is home to several geographical features and is by far the go-to place in Cumbria for flex-wing pilots (more on this below).
Experience stunning mountains, hiking trails, greenery, and a killer aerial view while flying above the district. Some notable spots include Lake Windermere, Ullswater, and more. We also recommend that you check out Cumbria’s dramatic mountain sites like Scafell Pike which is known to be England’s highest peak!
Solway Firth
Looking for a serene coastal area? Then look no further than Solway Firth. This estuary and coastal area combo provides a mix of mesmerising sand dunes and beaches. We guarantee that Solway Firth will become your favourite spot to visit in a flex-wing aircraft. Since the county is known for its stable weather conditions, you can fly during the daytime and enjoy a peaceful flight. Pro Tip: This is also an excellent place to take your loved ones for a romantic flight!
Eden Valley
As the name suggests, Eden Valley is located east of the Lake District and is home to several rolling hills and cute villages. Of course, it is also known for the river Eden, which is by far one of the most awe-inspiring locations in Cumbria. We recommend visiting Eden Valley during the early hours of the morning or in the late afternoon when the sun isn’t as strong. Bonus points if you manage to plan your flight just around sunset time!
Hadrian’s Wall
Want to experience an important part of Cumbria’s history? Then we highly recommend that you visit Hadrian’s Wall which is also recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Roman-era wall stretches across northern England – and although it might not be the same as the Great Wall, it is surely a site to visit for private pilots. Hadrian’s Wall offers a fantastic aerial view and if you want even more then you can also visit other nearby sites like Birdoswald Roman Fort and other forts in the area!
Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve
Sandscale Haws is a national nature reserve on the Duddon Estuary, Cumbria. This reserve is managed by the National Trust and is an excellent place for private pilots to fly over. You get to see sand dunes, coastal habitats, and a jaw-dropping beach with one of the most beautiful horizons in the country. If you love bird watching and natural features, then we think that you will love it here.
Morecambe Bay
Just like other estuaries in this county, Morecambe Bay is another great place for private pilots due to its various scenic views. The bay offers striking views of the sea and is also famous for its tidal range. Although you might want to be extra careful of the tides when landing nearby, if you manage to find a great spot, then this is perhaps the best place for a romantic trip.
Travelling to Cumbria – A Checklist
Now that you know the best places to visit in Cumbria, it's time to go through a quick checklist that can help you manage your flight better!
Here are the top things that you must keep in mind when travelling to Cumbria:
Book your Trip
Even though Cumbria’s air traffic isn’t as busy as other counties in the region, you should always make it a habit to prebook your flight to avoid issues. Keep in mind that every flight school has its own policies when it comes to visitors. While Cumbria is home to several friendly aero clubs, we highly recommend that you always book your arrival in advance and professionally conduct yourself when dealing with other aero clubs.
If you have specific requirements related to your travel, such as accommodation or a common area for meetings, then we suggest that you inquire about the availability of these amenities beforehand. Some flight schools operate on a no-frills ideology while others may provide extensive services – make sure that you pick aero clubs that best fit your needs.
Peer-Check your Flight Plan
One of the easiest ways to build a flight plan is to have it crosschecked with other experienced pilots. Remember, aviation is built on collaboration and shared experiences – and if you aren’t experienced enough to make a comprehensive flight plan on your own, then you should always opt for a peer review of your plan.
The biggest benefit of this is that you can bring down risks and maybe even cut down your travel costs. Make sure that you discuss routes, fuel calculations, and weather patterns with your peers. Please keep in mind that your flight plan is the soul of your trip! If you don’t have a comprehensive flight plan, then you will open yourself to unnecessary risk.
Aircraft Choices
The type of aircraft you choose for your trip can either greatly enhance your experience or make it difficult for you to enjoy your journey. There are two types of light aircraft that you can choose from.
The first is a traditional fixed-wing aircraft that can seat multiple people and is specifically built for long-distance travelling. This aircraft is ideal for people who want to either travel for work purposes or for people who want to test their flying skills.
Fixed-wing aircraft are the default choice for many private pilots who want to learn how to fly. This aircraft is built as a miniature version of larger planes which is why they come with a whole range of onboard instruments and an advanced control system.
The second type of light aircraft is known as flex-wing aircraft. These aircraft are beloved by the aviation community and are frequently the choice for many enthusiasts. The reason why they are so loved is because of the unique flying experience that they offer. For starters, these planes don’t have a traditional cockpit. Instead of an enclosed cabin that seats multiple people, this plane offers one to two seats and an open-cockpit design that puts the pilot and a passenger in the open.
As you can imagine, such a design opens a lot of possibilities for travel. For example, a flex-wing is an excellent choice for people who want to take photographs or videos. The unimpeded view and open environment make flex-wings the perfect plane for enthusiastic private pilots.
Additionally, you might also want to consider taking a helicopter ride in Cumbria. Helicopters are also a type of light aircraft that are prized for their versatility and multiple uses in aviation. The biggest benefit of flying in a helicopter is that you get to truly take in the environment instead of having everything pass by you in a flash, like in speedy fixed-wing aircraft.
There are multiple helicopter fields in Cumbria that you can visit too. Since the county is home to jaw-dropping views, it is no surprise that there is also a prospering community of helicopter pilots.
However, if it comes down to choosing the perfect aircraft for this county, then we think that taking a flex wing is going to be a much better option than other light aircraft. Since Cumbria is located relatively closer to Sherburn, you can fly in a flex wing and experience everything that the terrain has to offer without being enclosed in a restrictive cabin!
Aircraft Inspection
Aircraft inspections are at the core of aviation because these maintenance tasks significantly bring down risks and chances of errors during flights. Aviation was once known for its risks but thanks to strict regulations and the continuous evolution of aircraft safety guidelines, modern aviation is at a point where flying is considered to be the safest form of travel. This is a huge achievement – and at its centre are key tasks like aircraft inspections and maintenance schedules.
Always double-check the maintenance schedule of your aircraft before even stepping into the cockpit. Make sure that your aircraft is free of electrical issues or mechanical faults. Even if you notice an issue at the last moment, it is crucial that you share the status of your aircraft with the ground crew. Most flight schools have their own engineering teams that can help you diagnose and fix issues as soon as possible!
Best Aero Clubs in Cumbria to Fly to From Sherburn
Carlisle Flight Training Ltd
Aeroclubs are only as good as their instructors which is why Carlisle Flight Training is one of the finest aero clubs in the county. If you are looking for a place where you can find aviation fanatics and enthusiasts in Cumbria, then this is the place. While the aeroclub operates on a smaller scale than other larger schools, it is still considered to be an excellent flight school that has a track record of producing highly capable pilots.
The best part is that this flight school is also ideally located and offers fantastic aerial views and majorly great weather conditions.
Carlisle Airport
Want a fuller aviation experience during your trip to Cumbria, then why not check out Carlisle Airport? Located in the centre of Cumbria, this airport offers access to not just the Lake District, but also a range of geographical features such as lakes, mountains, and even small towns.
Since this is a full-fledged airport, you can also get access to several amenities, which means that pilots who are looking to network can easily meet people here. The airport is also home to aero clubs, so you can also mingle with experienced pilots and instructors.
Mile Buzz Helicopter Rides
If you want to experience something extraordinary then we highly recommend that you visit the nearby Heli-field in Cumbria. Ideally located near Cumbria’s best geographical and manmade features, we think that this Heli-field should be included in every pilot’s route plan. Flying in a helicopter is an experience on its own and if you want to truly take in the beauty of this county, then there is no better way than to explore Cumbria in a helicopter.
Kirkbride Airfield
Located in the Northwest corner of Cumbria and managed by Solway Light Aviation, Kirkbride Airfield is the best airfield in the county for one reason: it offers access to the best locations in Cumbria and is home to an extremely welcoming community of pilots from all walks of life.
The airfield can accommodate light aircraft and helicopters making it one of the most diverse and busiest airfields in the county. We suggest that you call in and inquire about the availability of this airfield before planning your journey to avoid any issues.
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.
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.
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.
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, fee structure, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by James Armes on Unsplash
