For recreational pilots, travelling within the United Kingdom is very easy, given that they have the required certifications and ratings. Read below for more information.
If you are someone who enjoys flying, chances are you also love to travel to different places. Travel and flight go hand-in-hand, and many pilots need to know where exactly it is they can fly with what type of licence.
For recreational pilots, travelling within the United Kingdom is very easy, given that they have the required certifications and ratings. Travelling outside of the UK’s borders is a bit more complicated since international travel requirements are different from the domestic sort and require additional certification. However, there is so much to explore within the UK that many pilots will be satisfied planning adventures domestically.
Flying an aeroplane isn’t as simple as driving a car, though. This is mainly because while cars can simply be driven anywhere and parked, aeroplanes require dedicated landing areas as well as hangar space for storage.
For this reason, it is always a good idea to fly from one aero club to another. Several aviation clubs within the UK can be flown to from Sherburn Aero Club in Elmet, Leeds. The United Kingdom has a strong community of pilots and aviation lovers all across the country who are looking to socialise with and learn from pilots of other backgrounds and experience levels.
Housed at various aero clubs all over the country, pilots usually fly from one club to another due to the convenience of an airfield and maintenance services available at the aero clubs. There are certain steps you must take when flying from Sherburn Aero Club to any other aviation club in the country, such as alerting the club of your arrival beforehand and making sure you are in touch with air traffic control in order to maintain a safe flow of traffic.
You can easily fly from Sherburn to anywhere in the UK and park your aeroplane at your destination club while you go explore the area through other means.
This is a safe and convenient way of storing your aircraft while not in use, and you can rest assured that your aeroplane will be in safe hands while you go about having an adventure! If you are planning a domestic trip and are trying to figure out what your aero club options are to fly to from Sherburn, as well as the preparation and costs that will be involved, read on!
WHERE CAN I FLY WITH A PPL?
The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is a recreational licence that can only be used for hobby-related purposes. This is the licence of choice for most private pilots given its diverse nature and the ability to upgrade it. The PPL cannot be used if you are hoping to be employed as a pilot since private pilots are not legally allowed to demand monetary compensation for their flying services.
The Private Pilot Licence is also a national licence, which means it is only valid within the borders of the United Kingdom. This licence cannot be used for international travel without the necessary upgrades and certifications.
With a PPL, you have the freedom to fly all over the United Kingdom with ease. All you will need to carry with you is your valid pilot licence and you should be good to go. PPL training involves a single-engine aircraft such as the Cessna Skyhawk or the Piper PA 28, and if you wish to fly a heavier, multi-engine aeroplane, you can get additional training and apply for the necessary certification.
PPL holders can also fly microlights. However, these aeroplanes are not suited for long-distance travel and are best for short trips for recreational purposes. If a pilot wishes to fly from one aero club to another, it is recommended that they opt for a standard light aircraft, since these are more reliable when it comes to longer flights.
CAN I FLY OUTSIDE OF THE UK?
Flying outside of the UK on a PPL is entirely possible. However, it must be kept in mind that such travel would require additional certification. Due to Brexit, which has led to the UK exiting the European Union, the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK and EASA are now separate bodies with their own distinct sets of rules and regulations.
A CAA-approved licence does not guarantee EASA approval or vice versa. So, while you would have been able to travel into EU territory before Brexit, since the split, you will need additional EASA certification. However, obtaining this certification is not at all difficult. All a UK PPL holder must do is apply for a Part-FCL rating on top of their existing licence.
This rating certifies that the pilot is authorised to fly an EASA-approved aircraft. Once you have this rating, you can easily fly into the EU. Nonetheless, since the UK is now considered a third country when talking about the EU, visa regulations now apply to UK citizens and pilot licence holders as well.
Getting a Part-FCL rating is a wonderful addition to your existing PPL since it can open doors for a pilot who wants to explore further. However, for those pilots who do not wish to travel to Europe or other areas, there is much to see in the UK and a wide range of world-class aviation clubs that they can fly to.
This article lists down some of the best aero clubs in the UK, including those that you can fly to from Sherburn Aero Club in Leeds.
BEST AERO CLUBS NORTH OF ENGLAND
Sherburn Aero Club
On top of the list of some of the best aero clubs in the UK, particularly in the north of the country, is Sherburn Aero Club. Launched in 1964, the club is located in the Aerodrome in Elmet, Leeds. Sherburn is a wonderful option for both beginner pilots as well who belong to the more seasoned variety.
The diverse learning environment provides members with a host of opportunities and experiences, allowing the pilots to learn from each other, as well as the trained CFIs available at the club. The club is home to a fleet of well-maintained aircraft, including industry standards such as the Piper PA-28, as well as other light aircraft such as the Robin 2160, which is best suited to those interested in aerobatics.
Apart from this, the club also has a marketplace where aircraft can be purchased, either on a shared basis or privately. The maintenance and engineering facilities at the club ensure that the aircraft you are purchasing is in good condition and that you are getting an aircraft that is worth the stated price.
For those who like to socialise with other like-minded individuals interested in aviation, the club also has a dedicated restaurant and bar, which allows for an opportunity to mingle with fellow pilots and aeroplane lovers.
Sherburn is also home to a simulator club, which is great for learning from and with other pilots interested in honing their aviation skills.
Northeast Flying Club
The Northeast Flying Club is located in Durham, and it serves as a wonderful launchpad for pilots thanks to its central northeast location. This makes it a great club to fly to from Sherburn Aero Club, with Northeast Flying Club priding itself on its stellar training program for pilots who are either new to aviation or are hoping to sharpen their flying skills.
The club has a variety of training programs to offer depending on the aviation needs and financial constraints of the pilot. This makes it a great training facility given the diversity of options it offers in the way of training.
For those who are completely new to aviation and wish to find out what exactly flying is all about, single-day sessions are also available. This is a great way to test the waters before committing to a longer and more intense training course.
Hull Aero Club
The Hull Aero Club is located in the scenic Yorkshire countryside, making it an ideal location for a weekend getaway. The club is easily reachable from Sherburn Aero Club, and it is a great place to unwind and relax. The amazing views and the beauty of the countryside are sure to be a pill to any blues you might be facing.
Another aspect of the club that makes it so attractive to beginner pilots is that it is located in the Beverly Airfield. This airspace is free of any controlled airspace regulations, which makes it an ideal place for a pilot to learn the art of flying while feeling free and at ease.
BEST AERO CLUBS SOUTH OF ENGLAND
Enstone Flying Club
For those flying to the South of the county, Enstone Flying Club is a great option. Located in Oxford, not only does the club offer a great training program, but its scenic location makes it an ideal place for film and photography enthusiasts.
The club also offers a pay-as-you-go facility which means trainee pilots can pay according to milestones as opposed to paying the entire amount for a full course upfront. This makes it a convenient option for those who are on a tight budget.
Go Fly UK
Go Fly UK has historic significance since the airfield it is located in has existed since World War I. This makes it a great place to fly to for history buffs who are interested in the history of warfare and aviation. The airfield is credited as one of the most well-maintained of its time, attracting many visitors throughout the year. Also on offer are PPL and LAPL training for those who wish to sharpen their aviation skills.
Allouette Flying Club
The Allouette Flying Club is located perfectly within reach of Essex, Kent, London, Surrey, and Sussex, and can also be flown to from Sherburn Aero Club in the North of the UK as well. This convenient location makes it a great place to fly to from Sherburn.
With a well-maintained airfield and a focus on community building, this flying club is the ideal option for pilots looking to meet with and learn from a diverse community of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
PREPARING TO FLY TO ANOTHER AERO CLUB
There are certain steps that you must always take when planning a flight to another destination, even locally. Here is a checklist for you to keep in mind next time you are thinking about flying out of Sherburn.
Weather check
Weather forecasts and webcams are every pilot’s best friend when it comes to planning a flight. Be sure to check whether the weather is safe and suitable for a flight before taking off. Light aircraft are especially susceptible to weather-related damage due to their small size and their tendency to experience greater turbulence during periods of strong winds.
Always carry your pilot licence
Always have your pilot licence on hand in case of any emergency or if you are faced with any kind of checkpoint. The licence is your ticket to fly, serving as a mode of identification for pilots the world over.
Call ahead
Make sure to alert the airfield that you plan to fly into in order to avoid any traffic-related mishap. The airspace can sometimes be as busy as a motorway and it is necessary to understand that flying in an aeroplane doesn’t guarantee that there will be no traffic.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LAND?
Different airfields have different prices when it comes to landing and hangar fees. In order to get an accurate estimate of how much a trip to a different aero club will cost, it is best to either check the destination club’s website or call ahead and ask about their updated price list.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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 on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on flying to other aero clubs from Sherburn Aero Club.
Photo by Saj Shafique on Unsplash
