Read below to learn more about how to plan a trip to Merseyside, which aircraft to take, and a list of the best aero clubs in the county.
Home to Liverpool and a range of manmade and natural structures, Merseyside is an excellent place for private pilots to visit from Sherburn.
Located under 240 miles from Sherburn, Merseyside has a diverse range of aero clubs and a bustling private pilot community that regularly hosts air events. If you have been planning to visit this beautiful county, then this guide is just for you!
Read below to learn more about how to plan a trip to Merseyside, which aircraft to take, and a list of the best aero clubs in the county.
How to Plan a Cross-County Trip
Flying to a different county may seem like a daunting task, especially for new pilots. However, if you plan the trip methodically, you can easily travel anywhere with a foolproof itinerary.
Here is how you can plan the perfect trip:
Choose the Right Aircraft
The best type of aircraft for your trip will depend on several factors. Here are some of the most chosen light aircraft for private pilots.
Flex-Wing Aircraft
Flex-wing aircraft are one of the oldest and most frequently chosen light aircraft because of their unique flying experience. In fact, even seasoned aircraft pilots who regularly fly larger aircraft choose this type of aircraft since it provides a fun and thrilling ride.
A Flex-wing has a lightweight fabric wrapped around a rigid wing. The fabric flexes in the air, thus making the aircraft very responsive.
Flex-wings have been the gold standard for private pilots for decades. Unlike regular aircraft, these aircraft usually feature a cockpit-less design. Instead of an enclosed cabin, the pilot and up to one passenger sit in the open, exposed to the elements!
The only thing separating the pilot from the outside environment is a thick gauge windshield that sits in the front of the aircraft. This design provides a truly unique flying experience where the pilot can “feel” the air and experience the skies using all their senses.
A flex-wing uses a trike-based three-wheel layout and is considerably lighter than regular fixed-wing aircraft (more on this below). These aircraft may not provide the top speeds found in larger planes, but they are very fun to fly!
Flex wings are also the top choice for pilots who want an aircraft that can allow them to experience an unobstructed view. For example, flex-wings are the de facto choice for aerial photography, aerial surveys, and or just casual sightseeing.
While flex-wings have a lower fuel capacity, their compact and optimised engine is usually enough for both short and medium-distance flights. We highly recommend this type of aircraft for people who want a casual and thrilling flying experience over everything else.
The only downside to a flex-wing is that they usually don’t have a detailed instrument cluster onboard. This means that you can only fly the aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). However, if you plan to fly on a sunny day with perfect weather conditions, then we highly recommend you take a flex-wing.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
A fixed-wing aircraft is perhaps the most iconic aircraft design in aviation. This aircraft is frequently chosen for longer-distance flights and is the top choice for every type of pilot.
Since it has a traditional design with an enclosed cabin, you can use this larger aircraft for transporting up to six people and even cargo. So, if you plan a longer trip with more people, then this is the aircraft to go for!
Fixed-wing aircraft are available in many varieties and almost every aero club features one or two fixed-wing aircraft in their fleet.
The biggest benefit of using a fixed-wing aircraft is that it provides a smoother and more precise flying experience. Not only does it have a higher capacity engine that is capable of higher top speeds than flex-wings, but it also has a larger fuel tank which means that you can easily take longer trips in this aircraft.
Another benefit of a fixed-wing is its versatility. This aircraft features extensive onboard instruments such as advanced radar hardware, communication hardware, and navigation hardware.
This allows the pilot to operate the aircraft in various flying conditions. For example, if you have a Night Rating (NR) and Instrument Rating (IR) then you can fly a fixed-wing aircraft after dark and even in certain weather conditions.
We highly recommend this type of aircraft for pilots who are looking for a more traditional and foolproof flying experience, especially if the weather forecast for your travelling dates is uncertain.
Helicopters
Helicopters are another fantastic light aircraft that private pilots can take for sightseeing purposes.
Helicopters provide lateral and vertical movement which makes them an excellent option for pilots who want to explore the natural features of the county.
Historically, helicopters have been the default choice for commercial activities and emergency services. Since they provide a very precise flying experience, pilots can navigate this aircraft however they want.
For example, helicopters are frequently used for emergency services. Whether it is people trapped on top of a building, or an inaccessible area with limited landing space, helicopters are truly versatile flying machines that can cater to multiple flying scenarios.
Helicopters also provide ample mileage and enough power to provide a thrilling flying experience. Furthermore, since this aircraft has a range of instruments on board, you can similarly use helicopters to fly outside of Visual Flight Rules.
Perhaps the only downside to this type of aircraft is its lack of availability. Not every aero club will have helicopters in their fleet! Only comprehensive aero clubs, like Sherburn Aero Club, offer a dedicated fleet of helicopters through Hields Aviation located inside Sherburn Airfield.
If you wish to take your time in experiencing every nook and cranny of Merseyside, then taking a helicopter will be the natural choice.
Flight Planning
Flight planning involves planning for every aspect of a flight. This includes details about the terrain, fuel calculations, budgeting, weather forecasts, and any other aspect of the trip that may impact the flight.
A great flight plan always leads to a trouble-free flight! One of the ways the aviation industry has been able to significantly bring down (and even eliminate) some types of risks associated with flight is by implementing flight plans as a mandatory procedure for all pilots.
Using a flight plan, a pilot can easily navigate the skies by focusing on the only two things that matter: the aircraft and navigation.
If you look back in history, most of the accidents that have occurred in aviation have been due to human error – sometimes partially caused by an incomplete flight plan. This is why the Civil Aviation Authority has mandated that all pilots submit their flight plans ahead of their trip.
Flight planning may seem like a difficult document to prepare; however, newer pilots can get help from experienced pilots or instructors. Most pilots like to use existing flight plans to build their own version.
This method is excellent for newbies who want to learn how to make a foolproof flight plan without missing out on any details that may jeopardise their flight.
Fuel Calculations and Route Planning
Fuel calculations and route planning are part of flight planning, but they need to be highlighted separately because they are very easy to mess up by newer pilots. Fuel calculations are an incredibly important part of any trip.
Whether you are taking a short trip or a medium-distance tour, you must account for fuel in every way possible. For example, most pilots like to keep some headway for fuel calculations so that even if they run into problems, they have enough fuel to make it back to their aero club without problems.
This cautious approach is always recommended because keeping fuel calculations on the higher side is statistically better, especially if you run into unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
Similarly, route planning is another important aspect of flight planning. While most pilots are likely to follow their primary route, sometimes pilots may experience emergency restricted airspace.
In this scenario, the pilot must quickly adjust their course and take a different route around the area to avoid penalties. An excellent way to do this is by planning several alternative routes.
This way, even if you run into problems, you can quickly refer to your flight plan and pick a secondary route. This is where the extra headway in fuel calculations may also come in handy, especially if the secondary route is farther.
Check Aero Club Availability
This may seem like a basic task, but you would be surprised by how some inexperienced pilots can overlook prebooking their arrival.
Visiting an aero club is just like visiting any other establishment; you must make sure that the business has availability and can accommodate you and your needs accordingly.
Most inexperienced pilots make the mistake of making partial inquiries. For example, a pilot may only book their spot and ask for specific landing policies but fail to ask about the amenities available at the aero club.
So, when they reach the club and find out that the club doesn’t offer a common hall, or if the café is closed for renovations, then they might not get the most out of the trip.
This is why we recommend that you make a list of all the questions that you want to ask the aero club management beforehand. You can also refer to the website of the club since most clubs also provide a form for visitors along with information about the club, its amenities, and its policies.
Please keep in mind that once you leave your home aero club, you will become its ambassador, which means that you will need to be on your best behaviour and be highly professional to leave a lasting (and good) impression of yourself and your club!
Best Aero Clubs in Merseyside to Fly to from Sherburn
Here are some of the best aero clubs in Merseyside that you can visit from Sherburn:
Ravenair
Located in the Business Aviation Centre, Viscount Drive, Ravenair is a premier aero club in Merseyside that is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and high-class amenities.
The aero club is ideally located in Merseyside and provides access to jaw-dropping horizons. We highly recommend that you visit Ravenair if you want a “full” aero club experience.
The club is also home to a thriving private pilot community that is passionate and competitive when it comes to flying aircraft. Thrill seekers are sure to find their fill of fun flying experiences here!
Lomac Aviators Limited
Located in GA Area, Viscount Drive, Lomac Aviators Limited is another example of an excellent aero club that offers all the services that an aspiring private pilot might ask for.
Not only does this club offer excellent training services, but they also have one of the lowest rates in the county. This means that you are likely to find aviators from all walks of life at the aero club.
Lomac Aviators also has a fleet of light aircraft and since it is ideally located in an area with near-perfect weather conditions, you can easily experience the best of Merseyside without worrying about weather-related interruptions.
Liverpool Flying School Ltd
Liverpool Flying School is perhaps the largest and most well-established flying school in the county. Located in Hale, Viscount Dr, this aero club is an excellent place for not just private pilots, but also aerobatic pilots who love adrenaline-rushing flying experiences.
The aero club has all the amenities that visiting pilots could ask for, and since the club is located in a large area, you are likely to find a great spot for your aircraft when visiting here.
Merseyflight
Looking for a fun, challenging, and engaging flight club? Then Merseyflight is your best bet! This aero club has been around for a long time and has produced one of the finest pilots in the UK.
Its welcoming staff and engaging atmosphere are sure to attract visiting pilots! Not only do they provide bespoke training services, but the aero club is also surrounded by aviation history. The club is home to once-wartime airfields and even grass runways.
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 Andrew Hall on Unsplash
