Best aero clubs to fly to in Cornwall

Read on to find out what you can do in the country after you have landed and learn more about airfields in the area.

Most individuals who pursue aviation, either as a career or as a hobby, very often have one thing in common, which is a love for travel and a desire to explore.

If you fall into this category of pilots with a serious case of wanderlust, you would be pleased to know that while Asia, America, and the rest of Europe should definitely be on your travel bucket list, there is so much to see in the United Kingdom alone!

If you wish to explore new destinations but do not wish to deal with the hassle of flying into an area outside of the United Kingdom (especially after Brexit), then the wonderful county of Cornwall in the South West of England should be your next pick for a fun weekend trip in your aircraft!

For those recreational pilots who hold either a local Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) or a basic Private Pilot Licence (non-Part FCL), then the option of flying out of the country doesn’t really exist, unless you upgrade your licence.

However, the county of Cornwall, with its famous Cornish seaside and historical attractions, has more to offer than you can imagine, and you can fly to the area without having to go through the hassle of an upgrade.

If you are a lover of beaches and rocky seasides, and you have an appreciation of history, then Cornwall will make for a fantastic weekend getaway, or even a day trip if you are hoping to fly back home before dark. There are many aero clubs that you can fly to in Cornwall from Sherburn Aero Club in Leeds, Yorkshire. You and your aircraft will be well taken care of in Cornwall if you decide to make the trip.

Read on to find out what you can do in the county after you have landed and learn more about airfields in the area.

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT CORNWALL?

 If you are looking for reasons to visit Cornwall, know that there any many! It doesn’t matter whether you are a sea-lover or a person who enjoys exploring the culture and history of the places they visit, there is something for everyone in this charming county.

Cornwall is located on the Southern tip of England and it is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations in England. The country has earned this reputation, with its beautiful rocky coastal landscape and its many islands and scenic gardens.

If you are tired of grey skies and cloudy weather, it may be a good time to pack your bags and fly to Cornwall, with its many beaches and abundance of sunshine. The county is also home to many quaint fishing villages as well as glorious castles fit for a king at any age!

There is much to explore in Cornwall with hidden gems littered all over the county, making it the perfect weekend getaway for those who like to set off on their own and explore! For those private pilots flying to Cornwall from other areas of the United Kingdom such as Yorkshire, where Sherburn Aero Club is located, there are many flying clubs and airfields where you can land your aircraft in.

Here are some of our top Cornish aero clubs.

CORNWALL FLYING CLUB

The Cornwall Flying Club (CFC) is located in the Bodmin Airfield, and it is one of the best flying clubs in the county. The airfield was bought by the Cornwall Flying Club in 1975, and one of the club’s main goals is to make aviation accessible.

The club is well-equipped to welcome visiting pilots and offers a host of other amenities as well. CFC is home to a flight school which trains young aspiring pilots towards a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-approved PPL, as well as a LAPL.

PERRANPORTH FLYING CLUB

Perranporth Flying Club is located in the Perranporth Airfield, providing training facilities in both national licences such as the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), as well as EASA-approved licences that allow the pilot to fly into European Union territory.

The club also has a dedicated microlight training facility, perfect for pilots who are looking for a safe, modern and fun way to fly without having to go through the extensive training to fly a standard single-engine aircraft.

The club also offers flight experiences for uninitiated flyers or those who are on the fence about pursuing aviation further. 

RC CORNWALL FLYERS

If you’re looking for a club that’s not too formal and has an exceedingly open and friendly environment, then RC Cornwall Flyers, located in Helston, is a flying club you should consider in Cornwall.

The club focuses on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft but is also open to flying different types of model aeroplanes. Also, if you love to cruise on the roads in addition to flying across the sky, the club welcomes car racing!

If you enjoy adventure and the outdoors, the club also has events that involve camping and caravanning.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER JOINING AN AERO CLUB?

 If you are a pilot who is not a member of a flying club such as Sherburn Aero Club, it may be time to sign up. There are many reasons why aero clubs are a great investment for pilots.

The first and, in many ways, the most important benefit of joining an aero club is access to a community of like-minded individuals. Flying isn’t as common as playing football or going hiking when it comes to hobbies. For this reason, it may be difficult to come across people who share your passion for aviation. Flying clubs bring together pilots from various backgrounds and experience levels, each benefitting from the other’s point of view.

In addition to this, flying clubs are also a great way to reduce the costs associated with flying. If you do not wish to invest in your own aircraft, the club usually has a fleet of standard fixed-wing aircraft available for hire at an hourly rate.

This means you only pay for the aeroplane in accordance with the number of hours you spent flying it.

WHAT LICENCE WILL YOU NEED TO FLY TO CORNWALL?

Due to Britain’s split from the European Union, pilots may face confusion when trying to determine whether their pilot licence is valid for a flight to Cornwall or not. Prior to Brexit, all licences that were deemed “national” were considered valid when flying to areas outside of the United Kingdom within the European Union territories.

These licences included the basic Private Pilot Licence (PPL), as well as the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL). Following the split, these licences are only valid within the borders of the United Kingdom. Fortunately for the lovers of the Cornish seaside, Cornwall is located well within the jurisdiction of the UK, and the Civil Aviation Authority-issued licences will be more than okay when flying to this area.

However, if you plan to fly at night or in conditions of limited visibility, make sure you have your Instrument Rating (IR) and Night Rating.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the licence of choice for many hobbyists due to its wide range of uses. If the pilot wishes to fly outside of the UK, they must simply upgrade to a Part-FCL rating in order to be eligible to fly an EASA-registered aircraft.

An applicant for the PPL must have at least 45 hours of flight time in their log book, with at least 10 hours out of that being of solo flight. The applicant must also clear a series of nine theoretical exams with a score of at least 75%.

A Class 2 medical certificate is also necessary in order to certify that the pilot is fit, both mentally and physically, to fly an aircraft without putting themselves or others at risk.

Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)

 The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) is easier to obtain owing mainly to its lower flight hour requirement. In order to be eligible for a LAPL, the pilot must have at least 12 hours of total flight time, five out of which must be of solo flight.

The LAPL, thanks to its less stringent requirements, makes it the licence of choice for pilots who only wish to fly light aircraft such as microlights recreationally. This licence cannot be used for travel outside of UK borders. If a pilot wishes to fly abroad, they will have to apply for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and then upgrade to Part-FCL status.

THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL

 Once you are sure that you have the right licence and your documentation is in order, it is time to start planning your trip! If you are looking for recommendations regarding what it is you should be doing in Cornwall, here is a list of the top tourist attractions and activities in the county.

Marvel at an indoor rainforest

 The Eden Project, which consists of two giant football-shaped biomes, is a paradise of plants. If you are someone who enjoys looking at unique plants or simply enjoys being surrounded by beautiful greenery, this indoor rainforest is something you must experience!

It doesn’t matter if you can’t take a flight to Mexico to experience the Amazon Rainforest. With the Eden Project, lush tropical greenery may be closer than you think!

Admire the beautiful islands

You can’t talk about Cornwall without talking about the absolutely marvellous beaches and the islands nearby. Take a boat to St Michael’s Mount to experience beautiful historic architecture in the form of a castle and a charming chapel on the island. The island is also filled with lovely gardens that are perfect for a stroll.

Experience a performance at Minack Theatre

 There are few experiences that are as fun as watching a Shakespeare adaptation in an open-air theatre! Catch a play at the Minack Theatre surrounded by the sea and cliffs for the experience of a lifetime. The theatre is carved into the rock and opens into the sea. It’s one of the most attractive open-air theatres in the world for good reason!

Magical lost gardens 

Get lost in your own personal fairy tale in the whimsical Lost Gardens of Heligan. Restored after years of neglect, this lush garden is perfect for those who love to unwind with a walk among the trees. Filled with some magical spots that feel as though they were taken straight out of a children’s book, these gardens are a must-visit for anyone who enjoys leisurely strolls through the lush greenery.

Visit the witchcraft museum

 Not in the mood for fairies and dwarves and wish to experience something a bit on the darker side? Then the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle is a must-visit! This beautiful tourist attraction is devoted to celebrating all things enchanted, charmed, and magical! Perfect for those who would like to experience Cornwall in all of its fantastic beauty.

Go kayaking  

 What’s a seaside location without some boating opportunities? If you don’t feel like walking or taking your bike out to explore the gorgeous Cornish beaches, you may want to consider kayaking! Take a tour of the islands surrounding the area via kayak to get an excellent dose of fresh air and your blood pumping!

GETTING TO CORNWALL FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB

Cornwall is very close to Sherburn Aero Club, which is located in Leeds, Yorkshire. The average direct flight from Yorkshire to Cornwall will take about an hour. Private pilots are in luck when it comes to travelling to Cornwall since there are no direct commercial flights to the area from Yorkshire.

The exact time it will take to reach Cornwall will depend on a number of factors. The most important of these is whether the direction of the wind is favouring the aircraft or not. If the wind is blowing in the opposite direction, then you can expect the travel time to be a bit longer than if it was blowing in the same direction.

Other than this, the skill level of the pilot and the type of aircraft being flown is also important. An aircraft with dual engines will generally be faster than one with a single engine.

WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?

 Sherburn Aero Club opened its doors in 1964 and went on to become one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.

The flying club opened a flight training school in the 1970s which was followed by several major investments including a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse.

Being both a flying club and a flight training school, we are well-positioned to cater to our members and their friends and families, before, during, and after they become qualified pilots.

We aim to give all of our members a fun social environment whilst providing the opportunity to continue to build on their experience and expand their horizons. Whether you are taking to the skies for an experience flight or starting your flying career, Sherburn has it all to offer.

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.

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 licenses, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.

Call us on 01977 682 674​​​, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information about flying to Cornwall and airfields in the area.

Photo by Greg Willson on Unsplash