In this guide we will go over the basics of aviation, the features of a flight school, and a list of all the best aero clubs in Nottinghamshire to fly to from Sherburn.
Not only is Nottinghamshire within 100 miles of Sherburn, Elmet, but it is also one of the best places for private pilots to meet and fly. Home to several high-class aero clubs, this county is surely going to be an exhilarating short-distance flight for both flex-wing and fixed-wing pilots.
In this guide we will go over the basics of aviation, the features of a flight school, and a list of all the best aero clubs in Nottinghamshire to fly to from Sherburn.
The Birth of Aviation and Aero Clubs
Aero clubs are the bridge between the public and the aviation industry. These clubs, more frequently known as flight schools, are the one-stop place for regular people to learn how to fly.
Aero clubs have been around since the advent of flight back in the late 1800s. That’s right, even before the iconic flight by the Wright brothers, aero clubs existed in rudimentary form across the world. However, instead of these clubs being filled with pilots, they were usually populated by engineers.
The truth is, everyone knew that aviation was possible since there was a lot of progress made in the field, but a successful manned flight was still elusive. In other words, engineers had already developed several prototypes that could get airborne, but keeping them in the air, controlling them, and more importantly, landing them back safely were the chief challenges at the time.
The problem of flight remained elusive throughout the early 1800s, but serious progress started to happen around the end of the 1880s. This was when a collection of technology became available for engineers.
The first was the combustible engine.
Everything before the breakthrough of combustible engines worked on steam – but the problem with steam engines was that they were too bulky, heavy, and required constant fuel, i.e., coal. This was obviously an unviable source of power for aircraft.
However, after the invention of the combustible engine, things started to quickly progress in the right direction. The last piece of the puzzle was the 3-axis control system which was pioneered by the Wright brothers.
The 3-axis control system was seen as a revolutionary invention that allowed aircraft to not only navigate up and down but to also roll and turn in the air. These inventions, coupled with a lightweight flex-wing design allowed the fateful flight in 1903 where the Wright brothers successfully attempted the first manned flight in the history of mankind.
Once engineers around the world had the blueprints for a successful flight, everyone started to focus on building better and cheaper aircraft to push the industry forward. After all, the industry needed pilots, and it was extremely capital-intensive to own aviation infrastructure for teaching purposes.
It was only when the military took notice of the industry during both World Wars that the aviation industry truly made its hold in our society. The innovations and surplus production that took place because of military interest in aviation allowed people to build cheaper and better planes. For example, after each war, there was a surplus of scrap material that enthusiasts would frequently buy at a fraction of the cost.
This helped them build their own aircraft and believe it or not, this was primarily how independent engineers and pilots were able to establish their own aero clubs!
By the end of the 1900s, we already had a bustling aviation industry with aero clubs located in every region around the globe. Today, pilots are in even more demand than ever before – and luckily, there are also enough aero clubs to meet that demand.
What are Aero Clubs?
Aero clubs provide a space for budding pilots to develop the right skills and mindset to become private and commercial pilots.
Aero clubs are also essential for establishing a community of pilots in the region. For example, almost every city in every country of the world has an aero club where students can learn how to fly, and experienced private pilots can pursue their hobby of flying using the infrastructure of the school.
Whether you are someone who wants to learn how to fly over the weekends or someone who is looking to make an aviation career, flight clubs are the best place to begin your journey!
Here are some of the important features of every aero club:
Provides a Space for Learning
Pilots require incredibly specialised training. From practical to theoretical knowledge, pilots need to learn the ins and outs of aviation so that they can apply their knowledge when flying aircraft.
Pilots have strict training requirements because of the risks involved with flying. Even though aviation is considered to be the safest transportation industry in the world, it is still riddled with inherent risks – but don’t be alarmed. Thanks to the strict regulations around aviation, mankind has been able to completely conquer the skies which is why there are hundreds of successful flights every hour around the world.
One of the biggest ways we were able to conquer flight was to completely standardise training for pilots. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is a regulatory body that oversees all aviation-related activities in a particular geographic area. For example, In the UK, the CAA sets the primary rules and regulations for every aero club and aviation-related facility in the country.
Aero clubs use the training modules designed under the supervision of the CAA to teach pilots according to their license requirements.
There are two popular types of licenses:
- Private Pilot License
- Commercial Pilot License
Private pilots form the community of aviation. These pilots fly for fun and don’t usually pursue aviation as a career. Private pilots make up a big part of the crowd in any aero club since the pilots regularly use the facilities of the club to fulfil their flying needs.
Private pilot training is less intense than commercial pilot training and is considered to be a fast-track method for getting into the cockpit. Make no mistake, though! Private pilots are put through strict training requirements that need to be fulfilled according to the standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Private pilots have the luxury to choose their path in aviation. Once you become a private pilot, you will get a taste of what the world of aviation has to offer. You can then either continue being a private pilot and fly for fun, or you can further your training at the aero club and take up commercial pilot training!
Commercial pilots, on the other hand, are the backbone of the modern aviation industry. Commercial pilots have monetised the industry and made modern transportation possible.
These pilots are just built differently! Commercial pilots have much stricter training requirements and are required to be both physically and mentally fit to not just carry cargo but also people from one destination to the other.
Of course, commercial pilots are paid handsomely and have great job benefits. The best part is that commercial pilot license holders get to fly not just larger aircraft as part of their job, but they can also enjoy leisure flights in light aircraft at aero clubs.
Makes Aviation Training Affordable
The biggest benefit of joining an aero club is that you get access to flight equipment that would otherwise be out of reach of any regular Joe. As mentioned above, aviation infrastructure costs a lot, even with modern equipment that is designed to be cheaper, the total cost of running an aero club is considerable.
However, a great way that aero clubs make aviation economically feasible for the public is by passing down and dividing the costs among a large number of students. Aero clubs work in the same way as any other academic establishment – but the difference is that flight training will always be more expensive than traditional education.
Aero clubs allow students and private pilots to train on state-of-the-art equipment at a fraction of the cost. This means that even someone with fewer resources can still get a chance to train and even earn from their passion for aviation.
Commercial flight training is more affordable than ever thanks to scholarships, discounts, and multiple monetary incentives provided by aero clubs around the year. Furthermore, aero clubs also provide several types of pilot licenses aimed at making aviation even more affordable.
For example, for people who want even more relaxed training requirements and less training costs, there is the Light Aircraft Pilot License.
This license is specifically designed to cater to the needs of people who need flexible training hours, and a lower price tag than private pilot licenses. The drawback here is that you will only get very basic training that will allow you to fly certain smaller aircraft – but the benefit here is that you can experience flight and also have the opportunity to expand your training later on.
Connects Pilots to a Network
The pilot network is a real thing! No matter where you go, pilots are revered in almost every culture in the world. Not only that, but you automatically get immediate help from other pilots when you visit other aero clubs.
Aero clubs always work on establishing a community for pilots where they can connect, relax, and learn from each other. It is truly one of the most fascinating aspects of aviation! These small communities not only benefit pilots, but they also work on giving back to society. For example, aero clubs regularly host air events that are centred around community issues.
This way, aero clubs directly raise awareness for issues and can even host fundraisers where pilots from the community can participate in exciting air events and raise money for the community.
Best Aero Clubs in Nottinghamshire to Fly to from Sherburn
Now that you know everything about aero clubs and how they operate, here is a list of all the best aero clubs in Nottinghamshire that you can visit from Sherburn:
Nottingham Aero Club
Located in Gamston Airport, Nottingham Aero Club (NAC) is one of the most iconic aero clubs in the county. Known for its friendly staff and passionate students, Nottingham Aero Club produces one of the top pilots in the entire country.
Not only does this aero club provide access to clear blue skies, but you can also visit some notable manmade and natural geographical landmarks when visiting this aero club from Sherburn!
Gamston Flying School
Gamston Flying School is a comprehensive and premier flying school in Nottinghamshire. The Aero Club is known for its commercial and private pilot training. It provides all the amenities that you can expect from a top-tier school – and since it is ideally located inside Gamston Airport, you can get to meet other students from flying clubs within the airport.
Please note that Gamston Flying School is known to be a busy aero club which means that you will need to make sure that the school can accommodate your visit according to your schedule. We highly recommend that you visit their site or call in advance to book your visit!
Sherwood Flying Club
Sherwood Flying Club is one of the oldest and most successful flight schools in Nottinghamshire. The school is known for its EASA PPL & LAPL Ground School training which produces the finest pilots in aviation.
Ideally located inside Nottingham Airport, this flight school has all the amenities that you can wish for. Not only that, but the school also regularly provides discounts, deals, and offers for people who can’t afford training.
If you don’t want to train to become a pilot, then the Aero Club also offers trial flights where you can experience what it is like to be a pilot and soar through the skies with a trained professional. Given the location of this flight school, we think that it provides one of the best experience flights for everyday folks!
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 Jack Plant on Unsplash
