Read on below to learn more about private and commercial pilot training, what it takes to be a pilot, and a list of the best aero clubs in Staffordshire.
Located in the West Midland region, Staffordshire is well known for its jaw-dropping scenic views and lush terrain which make it one of the best places for flying! Staffordshire has a strong aviation community with various aero clubs within the region. If you happen to plan to fly to one of them, then this guide is just for you!
Read on below to learn more about private and commercial pilot training, what it takes to be a pilot, and a list of the best aero clubs in Staffordshire.
The Evolution Flight
Private pilot training is the oldest flight programmes in the world – and it is no surprise because, in the beginning of aviation, there weren’t many commercial applications for aircraft. However, after the Wright brothers cracked the code for controlled flight in 1903, engineers around the world began to tirelessly work on improved designs and applications for aircraft that would change the world forever.
The first ever manned aircraft, affectionately called Kitty Hawk, was the result of years of testing and progress. In fact, you can also think of Kitty Hawk as a product of the efforts that stretch back to the Montgolfier brothers in the 18th century! The brothers were one of the first people in the world to achieve a controlled vertical take-off using their at-the-time revolutionary hot air balloon design.
However, experts believe that the concept of flight took place even before that. For example, evidence of thought and theoretical experiments dates back to the Greeks where philosophers would contemplate the mechanics of flight and how one would achieve flight in the most efficient way possible. This theory was further tested across the century in different eras. Leonardo da Vinci even contributed to the design of aircraft by presenting the world's first in-depth blueprint for a helicopter-like aircraft.
It wasn’t until the age of science that we truly started to make important breakthroughs. The first breakthrough was by Daniel Bernoulli during the 18th century. Bernoulli discovered that air acts just like a fluid, therefore, it could be manipulated in different ways to achieve lift or thrust. This discovery led to a new field of study called fluid dynamics which would later transform into aerodynamics.
The 19th and 20th centuries also saw a similar boom in the interest of aviation as more and more people started to invest time and resources in figuring out the right design for flight. It is believed that the precursor to aero clubs also popped up during this time! Enthusiasts gathered to form small communities that were dedicated to cracking the code of flight. The Wright brothers were also part of such a community, and it is because of their passion and the efforts of their predecessors that they were able to give the gift of flight to humanity.
The Beginning of Aero Clubs
Just after 1903, investors who were initially on the fence about investing in aviation suddenly found a compelling reason to push this field forward. Kitty Hawk’s successful flight provided the proof of concept that the world needed. Within half a decade, small aero clubs started to pop up around the world.
Even in the United Kingdom, enthusiasts not only began improving upon the original fixed-wing design, but they also began training future pilots on how to use these aircraft. Thanks to private and eventual government and military funding due to both World Wars, aviation saw a boom that was unlike anything before.
Building aviation technology soon became the top priority of stakeholders around the world because of its wide practical applications. Investors realised that aviation could be used for human transportation, freight, emergency services, leisure activities, and of course, space exploration.
This propelled the technology forward and by the mid-1950s, we had a bustling global aviation community that was fixated on expanding commercial operations. However, in order to aid in the expansion, we had to deal with the issue of pilot training.
This is where aero clubs come in!
The truth is aviation has always been a capital-intensive endeavour that requires quite a lot of real estate and equipment. This means that in order to meet the demand for commercial operations, we had to churn up the supply of pilots.
Private investors and even governments began exploring the many ways to increase the supply of pilots which led them to figure out cost-effective ways to bring down the expenses in aviation. One such way was through the help of aero clubs.
Aero clubs were once very niche and had limited applications, however, as aircraft costs and general aviation-related expenses started to go down, aero clubs started to establish themselves as key players in the aviation industry across different regions because now every day folk could enrol themselves and learn to fly.
Private Pilot Training
In today’s world, pilot training has come a long way. Thanks to regulations and standardisations in aviation across the world, it is now much easier to get quality training and education in aviation than ever before.
There are primary two types of pilot programmes:
- Private Pilot Training
- Commercial Pilot Training
Let’s begin with the most common pilot programme in the world: private pilot training! A private pilot is someone who flies planes as a hobby. With a Private Pilot License (PPL), a pilot can operate various light aircraft and enjoy the thrills of aviation without committing to it as a profession. These pilots are thrill seekers and hobbyists who want to explore the skies on their own or acquire a life-changing skill.
Becoming a private pilot is one of the best ways to get into aviation. It is also considered to be the quickest way for someone to step inside the cockpit. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), there are various requirements that private pilots must fulfil to obtain their license.
The first requirement is the completion of theoretical and practical training. Theoretical training covers various subjects such as meteorology, human limitations, aerodynamics, navigation, and much more. These subjects are geared towards training pilots about the basics of flight and the numerous regulations that pilots need to keep in mind when operating an aircraft.
Theoretical training is also called ground training, where most of the action happens in a classroom. Just like any other school, private pilots are expected to perform well in their theoretical training and are required to pass various exams.
The other part of pilot training is practical training. This is where most of the action happens in an aircraft! Private pilots are required to train on light aircraft. There are multiple types of light aircraft but for training purposes, most pilots train on fixed-wing aircraft.
Private pilots train with qualified, verified, and highly experienced flight instructors who teach them everything there is about flying aircraft. Private pilots are also required to fulfil certain medical requirements that almost guarantee that they can fly airplanes without encountering health-related issues. Once all the basic requirements are fulfilled, private pilots are awarded their Private Pilot License, and they must keep up to date according to the guidelines of the Civil Aviation Authority.
Commercial Pilot Training
Commercial pilots are the ones that you normally find at airports. These pilots are tasked with operating large passenger planes and as you can imagine, their level of training has to be much more in-depth than private pilot training. Being a commercial pilot is almost like a badge of honour and it is a profession that is unanimously celebrated across the globe – no matter where you travel!
Commercial pilot programmes are geared towards people who want to earn a living from their passion for aviation. These pilots follow more or less the same curriculum structure as private pilots; however, the substance of their training is much more in-depth.
For example, commercial pilots require more practical training hours and are usually also required to train for various modules like Instrument Rating, Night Rating, and more. Commercial training programmes are more expensive than private pilot programmes, but since commercial pilots are paid handsomely, have career growth opportunities, and also have various job perks, it makes the investment more than worthwhile.
Commercial pilots also have stricter medical requirements. Due to the nature of their work and their inherent responsibilities for the safekeeping of passengers, these pilots are trained to be better in every way. Commercial pilots must obtain a class 2 medical certificate that needs to be renewed according to the guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Commercial pilots are also subject to stricter regulations and are essentially required to conduct themselves professionally off and on the tarmac. This is partly why these pilots are known to have an alluring and inspiring personality!
Best Aero Clubs in Staffordshire to Fly to From Sherburn
Comprehensive flight schools, like Sherburn, are specially designed to cater to the needs of pilots and have all the necessary facilities to train both commercial and private pilots!
However, if you want to explore more aero clubs to enhance your network or meet other pilots in the region then we recommend these aero clubs in Staffordshire:
Staffordshire Aero Club
Let’s begin with the namesake of the county! Staffordshire Aero Club is a premier flight school that provides comprehensive training services for anyone who wants to become a pilot. This aero club is ideally located near the best geographical features of the county which also makes it one of the best places for leisure flying.
Staffordshire Aero Club is known for its friendly staff and an impressive list of amenities that would prove to be more than enough for any visiting pilot.
Tatenhill Airfield
Want to experience thrilling air events? Then we highly recommend that you visit Tatenhill Airfield. This airfield is known to host various air events, and the best part is that these events are usually done for charity or to raise awareness for a cause! Located near Burton upon Trent, this airfield is home to a high-class flying school and even several aero clubs. If you are an enthusiast who wants to experience the best that aviation has to offer, then we recommend that you start here.
Staffordshire Aerodrome
This aerodrome is the one-stop solution for every aviator. Not only does it offer a fostering environment for aviation enthusiasts, but it is also an excellent place for pilots to meet and expand their network. The aerodrome is known for providing various services like flight training and is also home to flight clubs!
Derby Airfield
Located near Staffordshire, if you want to experience a majestic terrain with inspiring sunsets then we recommend that you visit Derby Airfield. This airfield is known to host air events and is also home to several flight clubs. One of the best reasons to travel to Derby Airfield is its enthusiastic and passionate aviation community. Known for their hospitality and friendliness, we think that any professional or amateur pilot will consider Derby Airfield as their second home.
Please make sure that you book your arrival in advance since this airfield tends to have a busy airspace and you may have to change your itinerary based on the availability of this airfield.
Staffordshire Gliding Club
Love microlights and light aircraft? Then Staffordshire Gliding Club will be an instant hit! This gliding club is one of the oldest and busiest clubs in the county. There is nothing like a thrilling flying experience while in the elements – and you can experience a flight like this at this club! Not only does the club operate out of a beautiful and scenic location, but it is also the best place for meeting other like-minded thrill seekers!
Staffordshire Gliding Club offers affordable experience and flight training options for everyone. Please call in beforehand to book your slot!
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.
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