In this guide, we will learn more about the importance of aero clubs in building a pilot community and some of the best aero clubs in Leicestershire to fly to from Sherburn.
If you’re planning to visit a nearby county to experience thrilling skies and breathtaking views, then we highly recommend that you visit Leicestershire.
This county has it all: from jaw-dropping horizons to beautiful natural and manmade features. However, the main attraction in Leicestershire for pilots is their pilot community!
Not only is Leicestershire an excellent place for pilots to visit, but the diversity of aero clubs and pilots makes it one of the most engaging places for new and experienced pilots.
In this guide, we will learn more about the importance of aero clubs in building a pilot community and some of the best aero clubs in Leicestershire to fly to from Sherburn.
Early Aviation – Building the Future
Aero clubs may seem ordinary now, especially in established cities, but there was a time when aero clubs were incredibly rare and a place where regular folks and aspiring pilots would often meet.
The modern aviation industry is a marvel like no other, but it had very humble beginnings. Aviation has been around in human culture for centuries. Even as early as 400 BCE, humanity was pondering the question of flight – but in the context of philosophy.
Philosophers would often discuss the implications of flight and how one could achieve this feat. You can even find evidence of this in ancient myths, such as that of Daedalus, who built mechanical wings to fly to the heavens, only to get his wings burned by the scorching sun.
These myths played a much larger role than providing anecdotal lessons; they were important for feeding the curiosity of people who would take on the challenge of flight in a more practical sense in later centuries.
As we progressed to a more science-accepting and truth-finding society, we began to see a lot more practical progress in the field of aviation.
- Did you know: the first real attempt at aviation wasn’t by the Wright Brothers. That honour belongs to the Montgolfier brothers who built the first vertical-take-off machine, A.K.A, the iconic hot air balloon.
Once we fully adopted the scientific method, engineers and scientists started to explore the mechanics of flight in different ways. In fact, this initial research also gave birth to various other scientific fields such as aerodynamics.
During the end of the 18th century, engineers had already begun to develop viable but very rudimentary aircraft designs. These designs proved the concept of flight, but there was one problem: they weren’t fit for manned flight.
Even though these designs could technically fly, they couldn’t sustain flight or land back safely. There was still a lot more work to be done!
It wasn’t until the 20th century that we truly started to see the practicality of aviation. This was the time when the Wright brothers made their mark in history.
The Wright brothers were two self-proclaimed engineers who wanted to crack the code of flight. The brothers took a very smart approach towards the problem where they focused on building the missing pieces of existing designs rather than starting from scratch with a new design like everyone else.
The Birth of the Fixed-Wing Aircraft
The Wright brothers are credited with the first viable fixed-wing aircraft. This aircraft design was based on existing aircraft designs that could achieve and sustain flight but were difficult to control and almost impossible to land without crashing.
Instead of reimaging the wing design, the brothers decided to focus on building a viable control system and a power system that could regulate the speed of the aircraft, thereby allowing it to land back safely with a pilot.
The answer to these problems came in the form of two innovations:
- Three-Axis Control System
- Compact Combustion Engine
The three-axis design was seen as revolutionary because it allowed the pilot to control the aircraft by not only turning it up and down but also rolling it side by side. This meant that the pilot could accurately position the aircraft in a landing position and make contact with the terrain in an extremely controlled manner.
The second innovation was a pre-existing one, but the Wright brothers were the first to install an even more compact engine in the front of the plane that could power the entire aircraft.
Once the brothers had finalised their design, they decided to take flight on December 17, 1903, in their beloved aircraft, affectionately called, Kitty Hawk – and the rest, is history.
The initial success of the fixed-wing system had shaken the industry worldwide and everyone started to build on the success of the Wright brothers to develop their aircraft designs based on the Kitty Hawk.
Things began to progress quickly from that point, especially after both World Wars, where the military took a special interest in aviation as it was deemed to be incredibly useful for war efforts.
By the late 20th century, we already had commercial flight operations worldwide and the aviation industry has since been on the rise and is expected to continue its trajectory upwards.
How Aero Clubs Benefit the Community
Aero clubs existed in some form or another even before the engineers had come up with a viable aircraft design, but after 1903, aero clubs began popping up everywhere around the world.
However, aero clubs were quite expensive to operate. After all, these clubs often required extensive capital and a lot of expertise to operate. As technology progressed, and aircraft manufacturers started to become competitive, aero clubs became more commonplace in society.
Aero clubs were always community-first. They were built to attract members of a community to join and learn how to fly, and aero clubs also regularly held air events to help bring people from other communities together.
In fact, these events were often hosted to help causes through fundraisers or highlight community issues.
Aero clubs also played a pivotal role in providing a purpose to younger generations. One of the best ways these clubs did this was by offering early registration discounts, special offers, and scholarships.
As mentioned above, the aviation industry is naturally capital-extensive and not everyone can afford pilot training, but by utilising these discounts and offers, more people are able to join aero clubs and become productive pilots!
For example, many well-established aero clubs, like Sherburn Aero Club, offer discounts for young adults who want to learn how to fly. If you are a parent, then you can enrol your children for ground training and as soon as they are 18 years old (or 17 in some countries), they can begin flight training.
A benefit of starting early is that younger pilots tend to graduate early and can quickly progress in their aviation careers as well. It is well-known that airliners are constantly on the lookout for younger and well-trained pilots.
This is why many accomplished young pilots are offered jobs before they even graduate. Even if you don’t want to pursue aviation as a career, learning how to fly is an excellent way to teach young adults discipline and work ethics!
Types of Flight Training
There are three main types of flight training:
- Private Pilot Training
- Commercial Pilot Training
- Light Aircraft Pilot Training
Private Pilot Training
Private pilot training is one of the most popular types of flight training programmes in the world. This training goes towards a Private Pilot License (PPL) which allows pilots to fly fixed-wing and flex-wing aircraft.
These aircraft are termed light aircraft and are extensively used for leisure and training purposes. However, private pilots can only fly light aircraft for leisure purposes and can’t use their training to earn money from their flight training.
This is why private pilots are more focused on taking on aviation as a hobby than a career. A private pilot training programme is also more affordable than commercial pilot training because it requires less extensive ground and flight training.
The good news is that almost every aero club in the world offers a private pilot training programme – and if you decide to delve deeper into the world of aviation in the future, then you can just pick up from where you left off in your training and begin training for advanced modules for a commercial pilot license.
Commercial Pilot Training
Commercial Pilot Training programmers are geared toward pilots who want a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). This is another incredibly common type of license that allows pilots to fly larger commercial passenger airliners, along with cargo planes, and even for emergency services.
Commercial pilots can also use their licenses to earn from other commercial means. For example, commercial pilots can fly tour planes and can also go for freelance opportunities like aerial photography, aerial surveys, and the like.
However, most commercial pilots dream of becoming captains which is a high-paying and highly respected job in the world of aviation.
Commercial pilot training requires extensive ground and flight training and is naturally a more expensive training programme. This type of training requires pilots to fully invest their time and focus on flight training, compared to other programmes where you can pick your training times according to your schedule.
Light Aircraft Pilot Training
Light aircraft pilot training is an ingenious way for the aviation industry to make aviation even more accessible to the public. This training programme allows pilots to earn a Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL).
Using this license, pilots can fly certain light aircraft, like flex-wings. LAPL is a lightweight version of a private pilot programme with even more relaxed training requirements.
Even though there are a lot of restrictions, most thrill-seeking pilots can get their fill of aviation with the help of this license.
Best Aero Clubs in Leicestershire to Fly to from Sherburn
Here are our picks for the best aeroclubs in Leicestershire:
Leicestershire Aero Club
Operating since 1909, Leicestershire Aero Club (LAC) is perhaps one of the oldest and most popular aero clubs in the county. Located inside Leicestershire airport, this aero club offers private pilot training along with extensive pilot services, including experience flights.
If you are someone who wants to explore the skies casually, then this flight club is designed just for you.
Not only do they have a panel of expert flight trainers, but the aero club also has a range of facilities that you won’t find in many aero clubs around the area. This makes Leicestershire Aero Club one of the best clubs for private pilots to visit from other counties!
Note: Leicestershire has a strict Noise Abatement policy! If you wish to visit here, then we suggest that you go through their Community Relations Policy to learn more about restricted airspaces around the aero club, how to book your visit, and other policies to keep in mind.
Helicentre Aviation
Love helicopters? Then we have the perfect aero club for you. Helicentre Aviation is located inside Leicestershire airport and is the best place for pilots who want a different kind of flying experience.
The airport provides access to lush sceneries and jaw-dropping horizons which means that you can experience the best that the county has to offer in a thrilling helicopter ride.
Leicester Airport
Want a traditional experience? If yes, we highly recommend that you visit Leicester Airport. Since this is a well-established airport that has been operational for decades, it has all the amenities that you could ask for.
Not only is this an excellent spot for private pilots to meet up, but it also hosts aero clubs inside the airport making it an ideal place to meet pilots and learn how to fly.
If you are planning to visit Leicestershire aero clubs, we suggest that you book your visit in advance. Since this airport is usually busy, you will have to schedule your visit beforehand to avoid problems.
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.
