Read on to find out all the wonderful things the county of Lancashire has to offer, and the airfield in the area where you can land your aircraft in.
The United Kingdom may seem small, but the country has so much to offer with all those pilots who are on the lookout for fun and adventure! When it comes to places you should visit within the UK, Lancashire should definitely be on top of your list!
Following the UK’s split from the European Union and the subsequent halt on unchecked travel outside and into the borders of the country, many private pilots have been faced with roadblocks when trying to make a trip abroad.
This issue mainly comes down to the fact that the national licence, which once granted the pilot access to all the European Union member states, now allows access only to places within the United Kingdom. For those who wish to travel to other European nations such as France, Germany and Austria, an upgraded Part-FCL Private Pilot Licence is required, since the basic PPL and Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) just won’t cut it any longer.
While this may have put a damper on many pilots’ weekend getaway plans to Italy or the Netherlands, you would be pleased to know that there is so much the UK has to offer within its borders as well! The historic country of Lancashire, with its stunning castles and lush forests, should be the next travel destination on your list. There are several top-tier flying clubs that you can travel to from Sherburn Aero Club, which is located in Leeds, Yorkshire.
If you can plan a fun weekend in the area or even take out some time for a day trip, Lancashire will not disappoint! If you are looking for aero clubs in the area that you can fly to, or if you are in the middle of sorting out your holiday itinerary, we’ve got you covered!
Read on to find out all the wonderful things the county of Lancashire has to offer, and the airfield in the area where you can land your aircraft in!
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT LANCASHIRE?
If you are tired of your daily work life and need a break from the monotony of city life, it may be a good time to escape into the tranquillity of the county of Lancashire. It is an amazing place to unwind for a while, owing mainly to its charming towns and abundant natural beauty.
The county offers some gorgeous beaches as well as rolling pastures in farmlands and lush moors that are bound to help you take a breather and calm down after a long week of hectic work. For those who enjoy history, a trip to one of the county’s many charming old towns and markets is a guaranteed way to enjoy, thanks to their beauty and richness of culture.
Lancashire is also a wonderful place for foodies, with some great dining options such as the county’s famous ale, warming and hearty hotpots, as well as flavourful savoury pies. There are a few experiences as thrilling as flying over the county’s beach towns and greenery, which is why private pilots often take their aircraft to Lancashire.
If you are looking to make a trip to the county, you can rest assured that there are a number of great aero clubs in the area with airfields in which you can land your aeroplane. All you’ll have to do is call ahead and make sure you are on schedule, and the clubs will be ready to welcome you into the charming county of Lancashire. If you are confused about where to go, here are our picks of the top aero clubs in the area.
LANCASHIRE AERO CLUB
Based on Kenyon Hill Farm, the Lancashire Aero Club is the premier flying club in the county. Perfect for private pilots as well as those who go on to pursue more commercial aviation endeavours, the Lancashire Aero Club is one of the oldest flying clubs in the region, having been formed in 1922.
The club offers different types of memberships depending on the needs of the patron. There is a special membership option for students at a fraction of the price, a full membership complete with all benefits perfect for pilots ready to make use of them, as well as a social membership for the non-flyers who are not interested in the flying-related features at the club.
There’s a reason Lancashire Aero Club is considered one of the friendliest clubs in the region!
BAY FLYING CLUB
Based in Cockerham in Lancashire, the Bay Flying Club is located on the airfield within the Tarn Farm at Gulf Lane. The Bay Flying Club caters mainly to fixed, as well as flex wing microlights, with the airfield catering to other types of aeroplanes as well.
This makes this club the perfect choice for private pilots who enjoy flying the smaller light aircraft variety. The Bay Flying Club offers different types of memberships, including a social one. The club also organises many trips during the year which allow its members to fly out to different locations with their peers in their own aeroplanes!
WESTAIR
Located in the stunning location of Blackpool, with a microclimate that is ideal for pilots, Westair is a great place for pilots to hone their skills as well as socialise with fellow aviation enthusiasts. Blackpool’s seaside location makes it ideal for pilots hoping to escape the grey skies of most of the United Kingdom and get a breath of fresh air during the weekend.
The club offers training facilities for beginner pilots as well, with the club’s location in the modern Blackpool airport making it the ideal place to learn. Not only does the club offer training for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), but it also offers commercial training opportunities for pilots who wish to pursue aviation in a more professional capacity.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER JOINING A FLYING CLUB?
There are so many benefits that make flying clubs great for pilots, both private as well as commercial. The biggest benefit of joining an aero club is the wonderful social opportunities the membership brings.
Flying is a real hobby, but it is true that it isn’t an altogether common one, due mainly to the level of commitment required, both financially as well as when it comes to time. This makes meeting other aviation enthusiasts a bit difficult. Flying clubs provide the opportunity to mingle with other pilots and learn from their experiences. This shared knowledge is very valuable to a pilot and is bound to help a pilot at any stage of their flying career.
Apart from this, flying clubs also make aviation more accessible, providing aviation enthusiasts with aircraft they would otherwise not necessarily be able to afford or commit to. Aero clubs are also often member-owned, which means the money that you pay in membership fees goes into enriching your own experience at the club, with regular maintenance of the club’s fleet and upkeep of the airfield.
WHAT LICENCE WILL YOU NEED TO FLY TO LANCASHIRE?
With the recent Brexit situation, there has been some confusion about which licence can work where when it comes to aviation.
Following Britain’s split from the European Union, United Kingdom pilots holding a national licence such as the standard Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) can no longer fly outside of the UK’s borders into EU territory. However, thanks to the fact that Lancashire is located well within the jurisdiction of the UK, local pilots holding any type of licence, both private and commercial, can fly to the region.
This includes the PPL, which is the licence of choice for most hobbyists, as well as the LAPL, which is preferred by pilots interested in flying only smaller varieties of aeroplanes. However, pilots should know that while they cannot fly across the border on a LAPL, they will have to upgrade their PPL to Part-FCL in order to be able to fly internationally.
THINGS TO DO IN LANCASHIRE
Great place for cycling
If you want to truly appreciate the gorgeous scenery of the county, then travelling in a car isn’t recommended. Luckily, Lancashire is a wonderful place for cyclists, complete with miles of bike trails running through gorgeous landscapes and the opportunity to rent a bicycle in case you did not bring one with you on your aircraft.
This county is best explored via bike, with cyclists having the opportunity to appreciate the beaches and rolling pastures of Lancashire while they ride.
Lancashire’s historical beauty
If you are a history buff or someone who enjoys the charm of life in the past, then Lancashire offers many opportunities to explore and get lost in historic downtown and quaint little markets.
The town of Chorley experienced a massive uptick in commercial activity during the industrial revolution, which led to it becoming a market hub. You can still experience this on certain days of the week when people sell fresh produce and food out of the old markets of the county.
Fairy-tale forests to get lost in
This one is for the lovers of fairy tales, fantasy, and lush green forests! The forest of Bowland is one of the most famous attractions in the county of Lancashire, thanks to its beauty and fairy tale charm. If you need a break from city life, it may be time to go exploring any one of the many beautiful forests in Lancashire and allow yourself to soak in all of their natural beauty.
Experience coastal spots like Blackpool
If you love the beach, then the sun, sand, and sea of the region of Blackpool may be just what you need! Blackpool is a coastal town and also one of the most famous seaside resorts in the entire United Kingdom, making it perfect for a weekend getaway.
For those looking for a thrill, Blackpool also has an amusement park by the beach where you can scream away your worries on a roller coaster or take a leisurely turn on the Ferris wheel!
Historical sites in Burnley and Chorley
There is so much history to admire in Lancashire, with towns such as Chorley and Burnley, both hubs of industry and commerce during the industrial revolution, providing a peek into the past. Burnley, a popular textile town, and Chorley, famous for its cotton and skyline dotted with chimneys, are both great places where visitors can appreciate the history and culture of the region.
Day trip to Lune Valley
If you are a writer or artist in search of inspiration, a trip to Lune Valley may be on the cards. Famously featured in the works of iconic poet William Wordsworth, who was left enchanted by the valley’s natural beauty, the Lune Valley has served to inspire artists for generations hence.
One of the best ways to explore the valley is on foot, taking your time to admire the region, but cycling across is also a popular choice!
GETTING TO LANCASHIRE FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Those pilots wishing to fly to Lancashire from Leeds, where Sherburn Aero Club is located, should know that a direct flight from Leeds to Blackpool takes less than an hour.
However, the exact time that it will take for a pilot to reach their destination may vary depending on experience level, type of aircraft, the direction of the wind and weather conditions. Bad weather conditions, beginner pilots, smaller aeroplanes and opposite direction of the wind may end up causing the flight to take slightly longer.
When flying out, be sure to alert the airfield you plan to land in so that there are no scheduling conflicts and you can reach your destination with ease. As a good measure, it is always best to check the weather forecast before embarking on a flight so that you are not caught in any unexpected weather.
You won’t need much in the way of documentation when flying to Lancashire, since it is within the UK. However, some documents that you must always have on you when flying are your pilot licence, certificate of airworthiness, as well as your logbook so that it can be checked if the need arises.
It is also a good idea to keep some survival equipment with you, regardless of how short the flight is. In the event of an emergency, you should have food, water, and a tent, as well as first aid in case of any injury or sudden illness.
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 Lancashire and airfields in the area.
Photo by Born & Bred Creative on Unsplash
