In this guide, we will cover the basics of how to plan the perfect short-distance flight and a list of the best aero clubs in the county of Shropshire.
Shropshire has deep roots in aviation and has played an important role in developing the aviation culture in the UK. Known for its vast green fields and amazing sunsets, this county has got to be one of the best places to fly to from Sherburn.
Located just under 150 miles from Elmet, we think that this county and its aero clubs make it the best short-distance flight for private pilots.
In this guide, we will cover the basics of how to plan the perfect short-distance flight and a list of the best aero clubs in the county.
Planning a Foolproof Flight to Shropshire
When it comes to cross-county flights, there are a few key things that every pilot needs to keep in mind. Here are some of the top best practices to adopt if you want to make the most out of your trip:
Making a Flight Plan
Start by making a comprehensive flight plan. Your flight plan will be the only guide that you will need to rely on during your flight. The plan must include several details about the particulars of your journey. This includes details about the weather conditions, fuel calculations, terrain type, altitude limits, alternative routes, information about restricted airspace, and more.
The idea behind creating a comprehensive flight plan is simple: if you ever run into problems during your flight, you can always refer to your flight plan and make the necessary changes to your route without sacrificing your travel plans.
The only way to make a foolproof flight plan is to plan. This includes contacting the places that you want to land in advance. Please keep in mind that aero clubs are typically busy places and are usually swamped with visitors, pilots, trainers, and other personnel. This means that you will need to book your spot way in advance to avoid any problems.
Call the places that you intend to visit on your journey and see if they have specific policies for visitors. Some aero clubs may have very specific landing and approach policies for visitors that are required to be followed by all pilots. Similarly, the club may also be situated around restricted airspace, in which case you will need to plan your route accordingly.
Planning Around the Weather
There is one variable that remains incredibly fickle in aviation: weather. There was a time when pilots were purely at the mercy of the weather conditions. If it were raining, snowing, or particularly windy, then pilots would face severe challenges while flying.
However, as technology and our understanding of weather patterns increased, we began developing aircraft that could combat weather conditions, and advanced tools that could help pilots predict the weather with considerable accuracy.
Today, weather conditions pose close to no risk to aviators. If your aircraft is rated for all types of weather conditions, and if you have the certification to fly outside of VFR (Visual Flight Rules), then you can easily navigate an aircraft in virtually any type of weather condition.
However, most light aircraft pilots who don’t have an instrument rating will always need to plan their journey around the weather. For example, if you plan to fly at the end of the week, then there are several tools that you can use to carefully monitor the weather predictions for the day that you want to travel.
Tools like the Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR) and other weather tracking tools available at aero clubs can be used by private pilots to monitor the weather conditions in real-time. This data is incredibly valuable as it can allow pilots to alter their flight plans as needed. So, even if you run into bad weather conditions on a particular day, you may be able to easily switch to an alternative day as per your flight plan.
Choosing the Right Aircraft
Private pilots have the luxury of travelling in multiple aircraft. The two most commonly chosen aircraft are fixed-wing and flex-wing aircraft.
These aircraft have been around since the first successful flight in 1903 and have been a mainstay for the aviation community. The humble flex-wing is based on the original design by the Wright brothers. This aircraft uses a tightly wrapped lightweight fabric over a rigid wing system.
The fabric subtly flexes with the air giving the aircraft a superior “feel” while flying. These aircraft are very lightweight and can carry up to two people at a time. Some designs may only accommodate the pilot!
However, the reason why flex-wings are so beloved in the aviation community is because of their unique flying experience. These aircraft put the pilot in the open thanks to its open-cockpit design.
This means that you get an unobstructed view of your surroundings and a unique flying experience where you can feel the air around you and engage all your senses while flying the aircraft.
Flex wings are frequented by aerial photographers, surveyors, and people who like to fly for leisure or sightseeing purposes.
Fixed-wing aircraft, on the other hand, offer a very traditional flying experience when compared to flex-wings.
For starters, these aircraft have a traditional design with an enclosed cockpit. However, the benefit of this design is that you get a slightly larger plane with a higher Take-Off Weight (TOW) and a more powerful engine.
A fixed-wing aircraft can carry up to six people at a time and is also the best aircraft to transport lightweight cargo. Fixed wings are the default choice for both students and flight instructors due to their superior manoeuvrability and control.
Fixed-wing aircraft are also much more fuel efficient, making them an excellent choice for pilots who plan on visiting multiple destinations during their journey. They are also the ideal choice for people who love air sports. This is why you will commonly find fixed-wing aircraft at the heart of aerobatic events and air races.
Your choice for the aircraft must be based on your needs. If you plan on travelling alone or with a partner for leisure purposes, then we recommend going with a flex-wing. However, if you want to take more people with you, or visit multiple places and require a traditional flying experience, then a fixed wing will be your best bet.
Making Accurate Calculations
When it comes to flight planning, calculations are almost always the top priority as they can highlight the feasibility of your trip. There are two primary calculations that you need to focus on: the first is the fuel calculation for your trip, and the second is the budget calculation.
Fuel calculations are very straightforward, and you can use a dedicated fuel calculator at your aero club to figure out the exact fuel requirements for the aircraft that you want to travel in. Fuel calculations have to be accurate and need to be vetted by experienced pilots or flight instructors. If you get the calculations wrong, then you can very easily jeopardise your trip!
Similarly, budget calculations are also extremely important. Budgeting is one area that some pilots neglect. Just keeping loose cash in your wallet isn’t enough! If you want to make the most out of your trip, you should always come up with a solid budgeting plan.
Begin by assessing the costs associated with your destination. For example, if you plan to visit one or multiple aero clubs, then you will have to account for various fees like landing fees, accommodation fees, food and drink costs, etc.
For the best experience we recommend that you keep the calculations on the higher side – this way, if you run into unforeseen circumstances, you will at least have extra cash on you.
Keeping Documents Up-to-Date and Aircraft Preflight Checks
Just like you would require updated documents when travelling by road, you will need to be extra careful about keeping your documents in check when travelling to other aero clubs. This means that pilots are expected to present their license and aircraft documentation on demand.
Failure to travel with updated documents can result in serious issues during your journey. In severe cases, you may also face suspension! This is why it is always important to keep this very basic but extremely important practice in mind.
Furthermore, you will also need to make sure that your aircraft is up to date! Every aircraft has a dedicated maintenance schedule that needs to be followed for the aircraft to be deemed safe for travel. If your aircraft has a pending maintenance activity, then we highly recommend that you plan around the maintenance of your aircraft.
Preflight checks are similarly very important. Before you even take off, every pilot is required to run mandatory preflight checks which include an inspection of the aircraft. Inspecting the exterior and interior of the aircraft can reveal problems that can otherwise jeopardise your travel plans.
If you notice a mechanical or electrical issue in your aircraft, you are required to report the issue to the ground team so that they can assess the urgency and severity of the problem. Of course, if the aircraft requires serious repairs, and if there is no other aircraft available, then you will have to reschedule your flight – this is why we recommend getting these basic things out of the way beforehand!
Being on your Best Behaviour
This is an optional but highly recommended best practice for pilots who want to travel to other aero clubs. The truth is, being a pilot isn’t just about flying planes, it is an entire lifestyle. In other words, when you become a pilot, you are automatically expected to act a certain way.
Pilots are revered for their demeanour around the world. No matter where you go, pilots are universally beloved and looked up to because of their character. Furthermore, when you travel to other aero clubs, you instantly become an ambassador for your club.
This means that your actions will directly represent the ethos of your aero club. This is why we highly recommend that every pilot should strive to be at their best behaviour and be a good ambassador for their aero club!
Best Aeroclubs in Shropshire to Fly to from Sherburn
Here is a list of the best aero clubs in Shropshire that you can visit from Sherburn:
Shropshire Aero Club
If you are travelling to Shropshire for the first time, then we highly recommend that you make Shropshire Aero Club a priority visit! This aero club has been active since the 1950s and is one of the premier aero clubs in Shropshire.
Known for its extremely capable flight staff, instructors, and enthusiastic pilot community, this aero club offers the very best aspects of aviation in one place! Not only do you get a list of amenities, which includes an on-campus café that is open all week, but you also get access to one of the best geographical features of Shropshire.
Sleap Aerodrome
Sleap Aerodrome was previously an RAF-operated aerodrome that served a pivotal role during World War II. This aerodrome was then decommissioned and then repurposed for general aviation.
Known for its expansive real estate and state-of-the-art architecture, this aerodrome is the biggest and most significant airfield in all of Shropshire. It is also home to the Shropshire Aero Club and the base for the Gyro Copter Head Quarters (GCHQ).
If you want to experience the best of Shropshire aviation, then we highly recommend that you visit this airfield!
Shropshire Soaring
If you enjoy gliders, then this is the place to be! Shropshire Soaring is located inside Sleap Aerodrome and is the premier place for all types of glider pilots.
Not only can you experience incredible flights from this aero club, but you can also meet other experienced and thrill-seeking glider pilots. It is surely the best place for adrenaline seekers to meet and fly the skies of Shropshire together!
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 Shaun Morris on Unsplash
