• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Monday September 2 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Historic flying school grounded after 100 years

A historic flying school in Bristol is to cease trading after almost 100 years.

Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club, which was founded in 1927, offers flying lessons to people interested in obtaining a pilot’s licence for personal or commercial activities.

The club also owns a number of aircraft for hire, including a four-seater, single-engine Cessna 172 and 182 and a Piper Warrior PA28. There is a flight simulator and flight lounge café on site.

Since 2009 the club has been operated by former Royal Navy seaman Barry Bailey, who was bitten by the aviation bug after being stationed on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.

Barry said: “I’ve truly had so much fun and look back with very fond memories of helping all of our former students.

“I’ve seen so many of them leave newly qualified and then arrive years later as Captains and First Officers, responsible for taking people safely on their holidays.

“Bristol Airport has been nothing but welcoming and supportive over the years. More recently I’ve been splitting my time between Bristol and London, but the time is now right to focus on my business interests in London.”

Rupert Lawrie, commercial director at Bristol Airport, said: “Having Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club here at Bristol Airport has been a real string to our bow.

“I’ve personally enjoyed looking out the window and watching all of the various aircraft over the years. We wish Barry every success in the future.”

The club started life in Filton before relocating to Whitchurch in 1930 when Bristol City Council purchased farmland for a municipal airport. In 1957 the club moved to the ex-RAF Airfield at Lulsgate – now Bristol Airport – where it has been based ever since.

The flight school is still operating until the end of February 2025, after which time students can find training at Gloucestershire Airport, Cotswold Airport and Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon.

Bristol Airport offers general and business aviation facilities for private jets and helicopters at the airport.