In this guide, we will look at what a versatile aircraft fleet looks like, the best types of aircraft for flying, and the aircraft available at Sherburn Aero Club.
When it comes to aero clubs, having a top fleet is not only necessary but it is also important for providing versatility to club members. In the aviation industry, there are primarily two types of aircraft for private pilots that dominate the market: flex-wings and fixed-wings.
Both aircraft are excellent ways to experience the skies, but they fundamentally differ in how they operate. The fixed wing, for example, is the default choice for pilots who want to learn how to fly. These aircraft provide flexibility and versatility since they are equipped with a capable engine and a range of onboard instruments.
On the other hand, the flex-wing aircraft is for people who want to experience the thrills of aviation. These aircraft are smaller than fixed wings and feature an open-cockpit design where the pilot gets to experience all the elements while in the air.
In this guide, we will look at what a versatile aircraft fleet looks like, the best types of aircraft for flying, and the aircraft available at Sherburn Aero Club.
WHAT IS A LIGHT AIRCRAFT?
You might already be familiar with larger commercial aircraft that carry cargo and passengers. These planes are heavy-duty, as you can imagine, and require a highly capable pilot behind the spoke. However, these larger aircraft evolved from light aircraft that dominated the industry for decades since the first manned flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903.
As mentioned above, both flex-wings and fixed-wings are extensively used for training purposes. Fixed wings offer better range due to a higher capacity fuel tank, better handling, more complex manoeuvring and cockpit space. These aircraft have a higher Take-Off Weight (TOW) and are ideal for long-distance flights.
Flex wings are shorter, trike-style aircraft with a flexible wing system made from a sturdy fabric composite that allows the material to “flex” in the air, hence the name. This design of the aircraft allows the pilot to “feel” the air as the plane glides. Furthermore, flex-wings are lighter, have space for just one or two people, and have limited range. However, due to their open-cockpit design, pilots can enjoy a thrilling ride! In fact, many commercial pilots will agree that the fixed-wing and particularly the flex-wing are the best choice for recreational flying because they provide such a unique flying experience.
This is why flight clubs must offer a versatile fleet where the club can cater to multiple types of pilots and their appetite for flying.
Meet the Fleet: Aircraft Available at Sherburn Aero Club
Sherburn Aero Club proudly operates a versatile fleet tailored for both beginners and experienced pilots. Here's a closer look at the aircraft available, their key features, and how they support various stages of pilot training.
Piper PA-28 Warrior II / III
Let’s start with the crown jewel of the fleet. The Piper PA-28 is a mainstay in the aviation community. This iconic aircraft has been around for a very long time and has been touted as one of the best aircraft to fly recreationally and for training.
It’s a single-engine aircraft and a low-wing trainer which makes it an excellent aircraft for manoeuvring and learning complex manoeuvres. Piper-28 can seat up to 4 people and have room for a bit of cargo. The engine is where this aircraft shines. With a Lycoming O-320, 160 horsepower beast of an engine, this plane is no joke when it comes to performance. It has a cruise speed of 105 knots and a range of about 500 NM.
Beginners find this aircraft to also provide the best features since it has dual controls for instruction, simple handling characteristics, all-metal construction for durability, and basic to advanced avionics, based on the specific sub-type of the aircraft.
Whether it is PPL training, hour building, or cross-country navigation exercises, the Piper-28 is your best bet!
Robin DR400
The Robin DR400 is another classic that has been around the aviation community for a long time. Like the Piper-28, the Robin DR400 has a single engine and features four seats. Where this aircraft shines is in its speed and range. The DR400 features a 180 horsepower Lycoming engine with a cruise speed of about 120 knots and a range of 650NM.
The Robin DR400 has a bubble canopy which is a type of canopy design that allows for excellent visibility. It has a wooden construction making it a bit lighter and affording it excellent aerodynamics.
The cabin layout is extremely comfortable, and you get a great glide ratio and highly responsive controls, making it one of the best aircraft to train on.
If you are looking for a suitable plane for PPL and advanced training, then this is it! You can also use the Robin DR400 for sightseeing flights and touring purposes as well.
Cessna 152
Known as one of the classics, the Cessna 152 is a single-engine high-wing trainer that allows for greater manoeuvrability and handling. Unlike the Robin DR400 and Piper-28, this aircraft only seats two people with some room for personal cargo. The aircraft has a 110-horsepower engine with a cruise speed of 95 knots and a range of about 430Nm. While this aircraft may seem slower on paper, it is an excellent plane to train and learn advanced manoeuvres.
Due to its relatively low-spec design, the Cessna 152 is an economical choice for students. Since it is a high-wing aircraft, it is ideal for observation and provides very forgiving handling.
The aircraft also features basic instrumentation making it perfect for learning purposes. If you are looking for a good aircraft for your first flight, then the Cessna 152 is the way to go. It is excellent for circuit work or solo flying and is highly suitable for the early stages of PPL training.
Piper PA-28 Arrow (Retractable Gear)
The Piper-28 Arrow is another default choice for a lot of beginners as well as advanced pilots. This is a single-engine, complex aircraft that features retractable gear, which makes it ideal for CPL training.
It seats four people and features a whopping 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine. This engine can provide a cruise speed of about 140 knots and a range of around 600NM. These specs make it the perfect aircraft for commercial pilot candidates!
The Piper-28 Arrow features a retractable landing gear and a constant speed propeller. It also has IFR-capable avionics making it ideal for night training. Overall, the Piper-28 Arrow is an ideal step-up aircraft before you begin multi-engine training.
TRAINING PROGRESSION AT SHERBURN AERO CLUB
If you are confused about where to start, then there is a simple progression chart that most beginners follow at Sherburn Aero Club.
Here is a typical training progression and the types of aircraft that you will use throughout your training.
- Beginners: Start with the Cessna 152 or Piper PA-28 Warrior
- Intermediate: Build hours and navigate using the PA-28 Warrior or Robin DR400
- Advanced: Transition to complex aircraft like the PA-28 Arrow
- CPL/IR Training: Use IFR-ready aircraft with retractable gear and advanced systems
WHAT LICENCE DO YOU NEED?
Now that you know all about a typical fleet that you can find at any bespoke aero club, like Sherburn Aero Club, let's take a look at what you will need to operate these aircraft.
For learning how to fly aircraft, you will need to enrol in a suitable flight programme. For example, Private Pilots go for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL).
These licences are for hobbyists who want to fly without committing to a career in aviation. Since this licence is for general-purpose flying, you will not be able to commercialise your hobby or fly for money.
However, if you wish to pursue an aviation career and monetise your skills, the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the way to go.
Here is a breakdown of both licences:
PPL
The PPL requires the applicant to be at least 17 years of age and proficient in nine subjects, all of which are tested in theoretical exams. In addition to the exams, the applicant is required to provide proof of training, with at least 45 hours of flight time with an instructor. 10 hours out of the 45 must be of solo flight to be eligible for a PPL licence.
For the exams, applicants must score at least 75% marks in the theoretical exams. The PPL is also a great option for people who want a licence that isn’t UK-specific, like the restrictive National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL), which only allows pilots to fly in UK airspace.
LAPL
If you are looking for a bare-bones licence that offers you the ability to fly aircraft in the quickest way possible then a LAPL is the way to go. This licence is perfect for those who wish to operate a light aircraft like the three-axis or light sport aircraft.
Of course, the main caveat of this licence is that it is way more restrictive than the PPL since the types of aircraft that can be operated are limited. So, in other words, you will have access to some of the aircraft in the fleet.
However, if you are a hobbyist who does not wish to upgrade to a commercial licence or is interested in flying bigger aircraft, the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) should suffice.
The LAPL is divided into 4 categories:
- LAPL (A) for aeroplane operation,
- LAPL (B) for flying balloons,
- LAPL (H) for helicopters, and finally,
- LAPL (S) for sailplanes.
To be eligible for a LAPL, applicants must have a total flight time of 12 hours. That’s right, instead of up to 50 hours, you only need 12 for this licence which makes it much easier to obtain as compared to the more stringent requirements of the PPL – but again, the restrictions placed on when and what you can fly may make it frustrating for some ambitious pilots.
The good news is that you can upgrade your licence at any time and take on additional training or certifications to slowly build your skills.
CPL
A Commercial Pilot Licence is for people who want to make a career in aviation. These pilots are the ones that operate larger aircraft that carry people and cargo. Since the stakes are high for these aircraft, pilots are expected to be nothing less than masters at their craft.
The CPL is designed to be one of the toughest licences in the aviation industry – and for good reason! According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), CPL pilots need to be a different breed, capable of being highly cognisant and skilled while flying.
A CPL programme has even more theoretical subjects. You not only have to cover PPL subjects but additional training modules as well. Even the PPL subjects are taught in more detail!
CPL pilots are also expected to train on simulators, however, not every flight school offers this benefit. Luckily, Sherburn Aero Club is suited for both PPL and CPL training with a vast fleet and training facilities suited for CPL candidates.
You may be thinking why would someone go for a CPL and not just settle for a PPL? The truth is that CPL pilots go on to become highly successful in the aviation industry, especially if they are very capable. They are paid handsomely, have awesome benefits, and are internationally recognised and celebrated.
In the context of fleet access, CPL pilots can fly any type of aircraft they choose. While they may need additional certification for aerobatics, they have virtually full access to the entire fleet at a flight club.
This alone makes the CPL an excellent choice for pilots looking to reach their full potential in aviation. If you are a PPL candidate, then there is good news! You can upgrade your licence and take on CPL modules to become even more capable.
This is why we recommend that people start with a LAPL or PPL. Once you get into the aviation scene, you can choose how you want to progress by either taking on additional certifications to bolster your PPL or beginning CPL training.
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 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.
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.
Photo by Jean-Luc Picard on Unsplash
