In this guide, we will highlight the best aeroclubs to visit in Northumberland and how you can make the most of your trip.
Northumberland is known for its beautiful coastline, geographical structures, and breathtaking views. If you are looking for the best aero clubs in Northumberland to fly to from Sherburn, then this guide is just for you.
There are several conveniently located aeroclubs in the county and pilots who like to make relatively short-distance trips will find it extremely worthwhile to visit Northumberland, especially from Sherburn in Elmet, which offers a number of its own breathtaking views.
In this guide, we will highlight the best aeroclubs to visit in Northumberland and how you can make the most of your trip by following a few basic best practices.
Northumberland: What to Expect
Apart from its assortment of one of the best aero clubs, Northumberland is also known for its natural beauty.
Northumberland is located within 100 miles of Sherburn, Elmet, which makes it a fantastic option for private pilots who want to explore coastlines and other beautiful geographical features without going overboard with their fuel expenditure.
There are several reasons why Northumberland is one of the go-to places for aerial views, here are some of them:
A Breathtaking Coastline
If you are into coastlines, then Northumberland may just be the best place for you. Not only does this county have the quintessential features of a coastline, but it also offers jaw-dropping views, especially during sunsets. Located along the North Sea, the coastline is famous for its rugged cliffs, beautiful bays, and sandy beaches. What makes the coast even more alluring is the fact that it also hosts Bamburgh Castle, which is situated on the coast and is clearly visible from above.
Cheviot Hills
Enjoy hills and other elevated geographical features? Then you must visit Cheviot Hills which consist of a combination of rolling hills and moorland. These hills are an excellent spot for hikers, and they provide a picturesque view of the terrain from the sky. You can expect other private planes around this area, especially during the wee hours of the morning.
Northumberland National Park
Northumberland National Park has to be one of the most impressive features of the county. It provides stunning aerial views and is considered to be England’s most remote park that covers a huge area comprised of moorlands, forests, and hills.
Hadrian’s Wall
Deemed as a heritage site by UNESCO, Hadrian’s Wall is a famous historical landmark that has ancient Roman origins. It’s a rare feat of ancient architecture and is one of the most prominent features of the county that is clearly visible from the sky.
Various Islands
If you venture off the coast of Northumberland, you will discover a series of islands, each with its unique geographical features. The islands of this county alone are one of the biggest attractions for private pilots.
How to Plan your Trip
Before we dive into the numerous best aeroclubs in Northumberland, let’s first take a look at the best practices for private pilots for travelling from one county to another.
Here is everything that you need to keep in mind when visiting Northumberland from Sherburn:
Plan your Flight
Start with the basics! Make an in-depth flight plan for your trip and include all of the details of your flight, including the particulars about the weather on the date that you want to travel, the places you intend to visit, where you intend to land, and the fuel requirements.
You may also want to double-check your documentation and make sure that they are up to date. If you are an inexperienced pilot, then we highly recommend that you consult with your flight instructor or other experienced pilots to improve your flight plan.
Another key thing to keep in mind is availability. Before finalising your flight route, you will have to first confirm the availability of the aeroclubs that you plan to visit. Aeroclubs can be particularly busy during different times of the day or week, so you will have to make sure that the airfield can accommodate your aircraft during your flight time.
Maintenance Tasks
Even though Northumberland is within 100 miles of Elmet, you will still need to make sure that you fulfil all pending maintenance tasks on your aircraft before taking off. Ensuring flight safety should be your number one priority! Remember, the point of this trip is to make it enjoyable, so it's better to avoid mishaps. Always carry out a pre-flight inspection or have an experienced aircraft engineer inspect your aircraft for you.
Keeping up with regulations
If you intend to visit other aeroclubs, we highly recommend that you keep up with all the regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Some aeroclubs may require special clearance before landing which is why it would be a smart idea to double-check the requirements of the aeroclub that you want to visit. This is where flight planning comes in handy, so make sure that you include all of these details in your plan before even stepping into the cockpit.
Navigation
Once you have finalised your primary flight route, you will also have to come up with secondary or backup routes to make your trip as efficient as possible. Emergency airspace restrictions or weather conditions can force pilots to alter their route mid-flight, which is where these alternative routes play a big role. We recommend keeping all relevant aeronautical charts and tools for navigation for a smooth flying experience.
Budgeting and Fuel Planning
Plan your fuel requirements comprehensively. This means that you will have to set up a ceiling value for your budget and then figure out the most economical and efficient way to make your trip. When estimating fuel requirements, we recommend that you keep emergencies and alternative routes in mind.
Please also keep in mind that your trip may also include several other expenditures like landing or parking fees. Contact the aeroclubs that you want to visit beforehand to make sure that you confirm the fee and add them to your budget.
Pick the Right Aircraft
Picking the right aircraft would depend on the nature of your trip. If you wish to visit Northumberland for its beautiful geographical features, then we would recommend that you go with a flex-wing aircraft which would provide an unimpeded view of your surroundings. A flex-wing can also provide a great opportunity for aerial photography, especially if you intend to travel with a partner.
If you want to travel for leisure or general purposes, then you can also go for a fixed-wing aircraft. These aircraft provide a smooth flying experience and are a great option for pilots who want to take multiple passengers on their trip. A fixed-wing may also be beneficial for experienced pilots who want to explore Northumberland after sunset or in low-visibility conditions. Since these aircraft are fitted with advanced instrumentation, they allow for several flying scenarios.
Check for Amenities
Not all aeroclubs are built the same. Some may provide a list of amenities for its pilots and visitors while others are designed to be small but well-maintained airfields. Aeroclubs are an excellent place for pilots from various parts of the country to meet and network.
If you seek to expand your personal network, then you will have to pick aeroclubs that are optimised for social interactions. For example, some aeroclubs feature a café or dedicated seating area for visiting pilots.
Please keep in mind that some aeroclubs in Northumberland are located in remote areas that have limited access to urban facilities, like shops or cafes, so if you intend to meet other pilots, then we recommend sticking with aeroclubs that usually have a lot of air traffic.
Best Aero Clubs in Northumberland to Fly to From Sherburn
Just like Sherburn, Northumberland is a charming county with several aero clubs and airfields. Here are some of the best aero clubs that you can visit:
Newcastle International Airport
Newcastle International Airport may be a large and major commercial airport, but it also happens to host local and general aviation traffic as well. One of the key reasons why this airport is a great place to land from Sherburn is its location and its buzzing airspace. Pilots can get an aerial view of some of the important geographical features of the county and land here to explore even further.
Eshott Airfield
Located near Morpeth, Eshott Airfield is one of the best places for private pilots to visit. It’s a popular location known for its busy airspace. The airfield is home to one of the most active aeroclubs in the county and is a great place for pilots to meet and converse. The airfield features a café and other amenities that pilots can take advantage of before embarking on their next journey. One of the best things about this aeroclub is that it is located around a breathtaking rural setting, which makes it a great spot for people who love nature.
Kirkley Hall Airfield
Situated in Ponteland, Northumberland, Kirkley Hall Airfield is a small but very well-maintained airfield that is located in a rural setting. The airfield is known for its tight and friendly community of pilots. While the airfield doesn’t provide a long list of amenities, it is a great place for pilots who want a relatively secluded area to land and relax. The best feature of this airfield is that it provides access to jaw-dropping aerial views of stunning geographical features.
Athey's Moor Flying School
Situated in the picturesque heart of Northumberland, this flight school is known to offer more than just regular flight lessons! If you are looking for a picture-perfect place to fly, then we highly recommend that you visit Athey’s Moor Flying School. The flight school offers a view of one of the best geographical features of Northumberland, including its coast, its majestic castles, and even the majestic Cheviot Hills. Its perfect location is one of the reasons why this flight club doesn’t just pride in its services, but also the unforgettable experience that it provides.
Northumbria Glider Club
Traveling in a flex-wing? Then we recommend that you keep Northumbria Glider Club in your itinerary. It is one of the primary spots for glider flying and is an excellent place for private pilots to meet and network. The club offers various glider-based flying experiences and is home to beautiful scenic views as well.
Borders Gliding Club
Borders Gliding Club is a flourishing flight club that has been around since 1968! This flight school is known to provide one of the best gliding experiences in the county. If you are fascinated by light aircraft and love to fly over jaw-dropping terrain, then we highly recommend that you visit here. The good news is that they also provide club accommodation, so you can enjoy an extended stay!
If you plan to fly from Elmet, then please keep in mind that you will have to make a formal booking and obtain all the necessary permissions before visiting. As explained in our guide above, it would be a good idea to keep yourself up to date with all the regulations and your documentation before embarking on your trip.
Prestwick Aircraft Engineering and Flying Club
If you enjoy a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere, then we recommend that you visit the Prestwick Aircraft Engineering and Flying Club. Located in Bellingham, the club offers various flight training and is home to one of the most capable pilots in the county. The best part is that this aeroclub is also located near Northumberland National Park, which automatically makes it a great go-to place for pilots who enjoy scenic aerial views.
Percywood Golf and Flying Club
Love golf and aviation? Then we have the perfect spot for you! Located in Morpeth, this aeroclub offers a rare combination of two extremely fun activities. Pilots who usually visit this airfield are also golf enthusiasts. Even if you don’t fancy the sport, you can just visit to enjoy the scenic views and relax.
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 Bruce Edwards on Unsplash
