Flying at Sherburn

Sherburn's Airfield History

Sherburn has been the scene of flying since 1908 and is one of the few airfields to have seen action in both world wars.

Sherburn was the home of the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club which formed in 1909, but did not have a suitable airfield until it was established here on the 10th of January 1926.

Sherburn Aero Club, as it is now, is the largest flying club in the North of England, with over 700 members and a continuous throughput of students.

The club was opened in its present form in 1964 by a handful of enthusiasts whose aim was to bring flying within the reach of people from all walks of life. This policy has been maintained by running the club on a non-profit basis enabling flying costs to be kept to a minimum. Our flying fees are therefore low and are usually amongst the lowest in the country.

In 2002, a new tarmac runway was constructed: parallel to, and to the south of the existing grass runway 11/29. The new runway is 830m long, with a displaced threshold at one end, and is equipped with runway lighting, and APAPI approach indicators.

Sherburn Aero Club – The Early Days.
by Peter Ellway

1963
Frank Morgan ex CFI of the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club persuaded Digby Lamb that they should try to form a new flying Club as Sherburn.

A Meeting was held at The Swan at South Milford where about twenty prospective members attended. After deliberations and consideration it was decided that, subject to the appropriate authorisation they would go ahead with this formation.

1964
Sherburn Aero Club Was Formed.

Work started to convert the wartime building at Sherburn ( Digby Lambs grain store ) into a clubhouse. This work was carried out by the Clubs members. Digby erected a hangar and laid down Runway 29 – 11. The Airfield was not licensed at that time so for the time being the Club operated as a PFA group under the name of “Curzon Flying Group”. This name was chosen in honour of Mario Curzon a former Lancaster pilot who was the prime instigator in the purchase of a Tiger Moth G-APCU at a cost of £600. Mario was sadly fatally injured on his way to Sherburn to see the Aircraft on the day of its arrival. Shares were put up for sale at £25. Flying charges were about £3/hour. Flying Instructors were not allowed to charge for their services, as PFA flying had to be non-profit making. Frank Morgan became CFI on a part time basis while continuing to do aerial photography.

One grass Runway was available at that time approximately 400 yds long therefore crosswind landings had to be mastered at an early stage!.

Tiger Moth G-APCU

Mount adjacent to Sherburn Aero Club 1964

Power 120 hp Gypsey Major 1C
Climb 65 kts
Cruise 76 kts
Stall 42 kts
Approach 60 kts
Ceiling 12000 ft
Fuel 19 Imp-Galls
Consumption 6 Galls/Hour

1965
Auster J 1N G-AJUO

This aircraft was purchased by the Club Secretary Peter Ewbank and loaned to the Club. It gave better protection from the elements than the Tiger Moth as well as side seating. It cost a little more than the Tiger to hire. Spin training still had to be carried out in the Tiger Moth.

Stall I.A.S 31 mph
Climb 70 mph
Max Perm 160 mph
Cruise 1900 rpm

Auster J 1N G-ARRL

Another Aircraft bought by Peter Ewbank and loaned to the Club at no cost. (Peter was re-paid many years later after the Club had weathered many financial crises.)
G-ARRL was fitted with a long-range belly fuel tank and was the Aircraft of choice for cross-country flying.

Both Austers were powered by DE-Havilland Gypsy Major engines producing 130 hp.

N.B None of the aircraft operated by the Club had radio equipment fitted.

1965
Miles Messenger 3A
Two privately owned at Sherburn.

G-AKEZ

G-AJOE

Moth Minor A-AFNI

An early group Aircraft operating from Sherburn ..

Good in the air … A pig on the ground.

1967

Rollanson Condor

These wood and fabric Aircraft were hired from Rollanson and doubt was expressed about their ability to stand up to use as trainers operating from very bumpy strips. They proved to be very durable giving years of good service to the Club.

Power was provided by the 0200A Continental engine producing 100 hp. Some of the condors were fitted with communications radios. The clubs first Aircraft to be so fitted.

1967
Sherburn Aero Club became a Limited Company.
Club Membership stood at about 150.

Tiger Moth G-AGOS

Tony Locker in front.. Keith Hill in the rear.

( Note the old flight centre with red roof )

1967
White Rose Flying Group.

With an increasing number of PPL’s competing for the use of Club Aircraft and priority being given to Students, The White Rose Group was formed to provide extra Aircraft for Members. Group membership was £10/month. This standing charge covered all Aircraft costs except fuel. The group operated three Aircraft.

G-AFRV Tipsy Trainer

Powered by a 62 hp Walter Micron.
Two seat side by side with open cockpit.

G-AKBO Miles Messinger 3 A

Power 155hp Blackburn Cirrus.
A four seat Aircraft with S.T.O.L capability.
Performance similar to a Cessna 172.
This was the ex Blackburn Kings Cup winning aircraft, bought for £600 owned by The White Rose Group.
Cost to fly £3 /hr

G-ARBP Tipsy Nipper 2

Climb 53 mph
Cruise 95 mph
Stall power off 35 mph
Stall power on 28 mph

This Aircraft was purchased for £600 and was owned by the White Rose Group. ( Were all Aircraft £600 in those days ? ) The engine powering this Aircraft was tired to say the least and pilots over 8 st had to wait for the wind to be favourable before launching. Once off the ground however it was a very responsive easy to fly and land Aircraft.

Cost to fly £1.5s (£1.25p) /hr

Neville Browning
ZLIM at Sherburn after performing at the SSAFA Air display church Fenton June 1967.

1968

Ted Dawson’s F8L Super Falco.

Out of Sherburn, Re-fuelling at Antwerp en-route to the German grand prix.

1970

Peter Ellway & Tony Clarke.
Up from Sherburn in a Piel Emeraude CP301 B July 1970.

1972
Cessna 150 G-BAGW In order to supplement the Condor’s this Aircraft was added to the fleet.

The Club started to take responsibility from Digby for the maintenance of the Buildings, Hangars and Runways.

Without Digby’s help and support the Club would not have survived these formative years

Blackburn B2 Bluebird at Sherburn in August 1999.

This type of Aircraft was operated by “The Yorkshire Aeroplane Club” 1927 – 1930.

1988

Piper PA28 Cadets at Sherburn August 1988.

A familiar sight known to all members, many of whom learned to fly and gain their PPL,s. Purchased in 1988 ( Brand New! ).

1989

Tony (TAFF) Smith

Arrives back at Sherburn after his solo flight from Darwin Austrailia. The flight took 21 Days

1996
Fairy Swordfish MK II LS 326

Returned home.

She was built at Sherburn 1943 – 1944.