In this guide, we will cover the dos and don’ts of travelling from one county to another and list the best aero clubs in South Yorkshire that you can fly to from Sherburn.
South Yorkshire is known for its rich history and its budding aviation culture. If you have been planning to travel outside of your aero club to visit other students, then South Yorkshire should be on your top three destinations list!
Not only does South Yorkshire have a diverse range of aero clubs, but the county is also home to one of the most stunning sunsets, terrain, and natural geographical features in the country. In this guide, we will cover the dos and don’ts of travelling from one county to another and list the best aero clubs in South Yorkshire that you can fly to from Sherburn.
The Pilot Community
Just like any other practical field, aviation is also centred around community building. However, what sets aviation apart from other fields is that it usually attracts a wide range of people instead of just a niche population. Anyone can learn how to fly and thanks to the accessibility of aviation, you will typically meet pilots from all walks of life at a flight school.
This is one of the reasons why aviation is such a diverse field! Pilot training also has a profound impact on life and can bring about several positive changes. Perhaps the best way to find out what we mean would be to either meet a real-life pilot or check out one of the several interviews of pilots on the internet.
Pilots are just built differently. They have a calm demeanour and are usually highly professional. Their personality is also showcased off the tarmac as well which is why being a pilot is such an honour and is a revered profession all over the world.
Even private pilots who operate smaller aircraft showcase these same characteristics. The reason for this is simple: pilot training not only requires mental prowess, but it also demands a certain type of demeanour. This is why many parents of young children often seek to enrol their kids in a beginner’s flight programme!
That’s right, even if your kid isn’t the legal age to operate an aircraft, which is 17 for a Private Pilot License and 18 for a Commercial Pilot License, you can have your kids start early. In fact, some flight schools, like Sherburn, even offer incentives to parents who enrol their kids early.
The biggest benefit of starting early is that you get a head start in aviation. Before the legal age, kids can begin their theoretical and basic training and then move on to practical training once they reach the legal age. Starting early can also result in less expenses over time since most people who begin training early usually get hired as soon as they obtain their Commercial Pilot License.
Apart from these benefits, pilots also get to be a part of a lively community that is active all around the world. Even if you visit a foreign country, you might not understand the language, but you will surely understand the passion for aviation in every corner of the world. Aviators have an unwritten code that they abide by and, wherever you go, you are bound to be comfortable among fellow pilots!
Planning Trips to Other Flight Schools
Planning a short or long-distance flight isn’t as straightforward as many beginner pilots may think. In order to get the most out of your trip, there are a few best practices that pilots need to keep in mind. These best practices can not only help in making your trip worthwhile, but they can also help you manage expenses and even deal with unforeseen circumstances.
Here are some of the top tips to practice when planning a trip to another flight school from Sherburn:
Build a Solid Flight Plan
A well-designed flight plan is a pilot’s best friend. Flight plans are an incredibly important tool that can help pilots plan their trip to the tee. A typical flight plan includes various information related to your flight. For example, you can start with something as basic as the weather forecast for the day that you want to travel.
Please keep in mind that weather forecasts can be fickle and while modern meteorology has significantly increased our accuracy in predicting weather patterns, ultimately, we are all at the hands of Mother Nature. This is why pilots are urged to begin with the weather in mind! For the best experience, we recommend using any of the many available (and free) weather forecast resources. You can either use METeorological Aerodrome Reports (METARs), or virtually any accurate weather application that is specifically built for pilots.
Once you have figured out the weather, you will need to move on to the characteristics of the place that you want to visit. This is where you describe the terrain and figure out the correct altitude limit for your flight. Pilots need to mention if they are planning to visit mountainous regions because that type of terrain may require you to alter your flight plan accordingly.
The terrain and weather conditions, for example, can have a significant impact on the fuel consumption of your aircraft. This is why pilots also need to outline fuel calculations for their trips!
Pick the right Aircraft
The aircraft of choice for any private pilot is a light aircraft. However, there are two primary types of light aircraft. The first one is a flex-wing aircraft. These aircraft are known to provide one of the most thrilling flying experiences due to their design. Instead of having a rigid wing system, these planes use a flexible material (usually fabric) that flexes in the air. This makes the aircraft much lighter and more responsive in the air.
Another reason why many pilots pick this type of aircraft is due to its unique design which it doesn’t have a traditional cockpit. Instead of an enclosed cabin, these aircraft have an “open cockpit” design that essentially puts the pilot and at most one passenger in the open!
These planes are quite compact and can seat just one or two people at a time. The benefit of the open cockpit design is that you get an unobstructed view of the surroundings. This makes flex-wings an excellent choice for aerial photography or aerial surveys.
Since South Yorkshire is known for its geographical features, you may want to go with a flex-wing since it will offer the best views from the air! However, if you want to go with a more traditional aircraft, then a fixed wing should be your primary choice.
Fixed-wing aircraft can be thought of as a miniature version of larger aircraft. These aircraft have an enclosed cockpit, several instruments, and usually feature a more powerful engine. These aircraft are the default choice for private pilots who want to learn how to fly. The benefit of going with this type of aircraft is its mileage, seating capacity, and convenience.
Fixed-wing aircraft are known to be efficient and can travel longer distances. They can also seat up to six passengers at a time, and since these planes have a higher TOW (Take Off Weight) you can also take light cargo along.
Fixed wings are also essential for pilots who want to fly outside of Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Visual Flight Rules essentially highlight the weather conditions that are ideal for flying. For example, during daytime with a clear blue sky. However, since fixed-wing aircraft usually have a broad instrument panel, you can even use them to fly at night – if you have an Instrument Rating (IR).
Always Check Availability
As mentioned above, aviation is a highly professional field, so it demands some necessary etiquette. Once you begin building your flight plan, it is essential that you finalise the dates for when you need to travel. The reason for this is simple: flight schools can be busy depending on the time of day and even during certain days in a week. When flight schools are operating at capacity, they might not be able to provide you with a parking space which is why it is important that you plan and book your arrival beforehand.
Check the website of the flight school that you want to visit. Most flight schools outline their visitor policies on their website, but if they are not listed or if the website doesn’t have a booking form, then you should always contact the flight school in person and book your arrival.
It is also a good idea to ask about any specific policies! Every flight school operates differently, some flight schools may even have special noise mitigation policies or restricted airspaces. This is why we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the policies of the school and avoid incurring any penalty.
Finally, it is extremely important that you travel with a great attitude. As soon as you leave your flight school, you will become its ambassador. This means that your actions and demeanour will directly reflect the ethos of your flight school, so you must be as friendly and welcoming as the people you meet!
Best Aero Clubs in South Yorkshire to Fly to From Sherburn
South Yorkshire is located within 92 miles of Sherburn, which makes it an excellent option for people who don’t want to travel far to find great flight schools. Here are some of the most well-established flight schools in South Yorkshire:
Sandtoft Airfield
Located on the border of South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, Sandtoft Airfield is one of the most recognised and popular airfields in South Yorkshire. The airfield is known for its majestic aerial views and agreeable weather that remains almost constant during most of the year.
This airfield covers a large area and is even home to some highly capable flight schools. The airfield offers a list of amenities ranging from a common area for pilots to hang out to even a café. We highly recommend that you keep this airfield in mind since it is also one of the closest airfields outside of Sherburn!
Sheffield Airport
Sheffield Airport is known to be one of the busiest airports in South Yorkshire. This airport is built to be state-of-the-art and can accommodate the needs of both beginners and professional pilots.
The staff is also known for their hospitality and friendly nature. If you truly want to get exposed to a diverse community of pilots, then we suggest that you keep this airport at the top of your list. Please make sure that you pre-book your arrival so that you can avoid penalties! This airport is usually busy so you will have to plan your flight around its availability.
Yorkshire Aero Club
Yorkshire Aero Club has quickly expanded its operations since its inception and is frequently known as one of the best flight schools in South Yorkshire. Yorkshire Aero Club (YAC) offers diverse pilot training that ranges from typical private pilot training to more demanding programmes like commercial pilot training! Pilots can access various amenities and since this is a large flight school, you are bound to find like-minded individuals who share the same passion for aviation as you!
Yorkshire Aviation Academy
If you are looking for an all-rounder flight school, then look no further than Yorkshire Aviation Academy (YAC). This academy has been around for decades and is one of the leading ground schools in the region.
Known for its diverse fleet of light aircraft and highly experienced flight instructors, this flight school is a must-visit location for any private pilot who wants to meet other professional pilots. The flight school offers various amenities and is beloved for its wonderful and friendly staff!
Please check out the availability of this flight school before planning your trip. Since this is one of the busiest schools in the region, you might have to be proactive if you want to book an earlier slot for your visit.
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 Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash
