Lancashire Aero Club

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The Lancashire Aero Club is the oldest established flying school in the United Kingdom, based at Barton Aerodrome, the site of Manchester's original municipal airport.

1 History
2 Flying School
3 Fleet
4 Clubhouse
5 Related Articles
6 External Links

[edit] History

In 1922 John F. Leeming began constructing a glider in the garage next to his home with the help of a group of friends who subsequently formed The Lancashire Aero Club.

The aircraft was based at Alexandra Park Aerodrome just outside Manchester City Centre from early 1924 until 1925 when the group moved to Woodford Aerodrome on invitation from the Avro Aircraft Company.

After many years of indecision, it was decided that Manchester should have it's own municipal airport. The race was on to be the first city in the country to host this facility.

In March 1929, construction of Manchester Airport began at a site called Barton. The facility was operational in 1930 and became the new base for The Lancashire Aero Club.

On 5th of July 1930 the King's Cup Air Race was held with an attendance of 30,000 people.

Despite tough opposition from innumerous famous pilots, flying the very latest aircraft, a Miss Winifred Brown of the Lancashire Aero Club won the event.

The 22nd January 1934 saw the arrival of Captain Ivan Smirnoff, who flew in on behalf of the Royal Dutch Airline KLM in order to assess its potential as a link between Manchester and Amsterdam. Unfortunately the field was considered to be too small. It was this event that instigated research into a larger airport for Manchester's international needs. Thus on 25th June 1938 Ringway was opened to replace Barton as Manchester's main commercial airport.

Since then The Lancashire Aero Club has steadily grown to become one of the largest and friendliest flying clubs in the country and continues to make history around what is one of the North West's most important historic landmarks.

[edit] Flying School

The Lancashire Aero Club Flying School has been teaching people to fly from its very start. They aim to ensure that you get value for money tuition, whilst enjoying the relaxed, friendly and professional atmosphere in which it operates at Barton Aerodrome. In addition, they also offer several courses of further advanced training such as night flying, instruments and aerobatics.

Consider the benefits of using the Lancashire Aero Club Flying School:

Civil Aviation Authority Approved
NPPL and JAA Courses
Close to the Motorway network for easy access
Open 7 days 9am until sunset
Friendly and professional staff and instructors
A large aircraft fleet giving you the most choice and aircraft availability
Situated in open airspace with no distruption to your lessons
No delays due to Commercial Airliners but with large airports nearby for experience

[edit] Fleet

LAC operates a large fleet of aircraft giving a wide variety and availability of aircraft to suit everyone. These aircraft are owned by the club itself, and are available to hire for a fixed fee per hour.

G-AWPU - CESSNA F150J
G-BHRB - REIMS CESSNA F152
G-AVER - CESSNA F150G
G-BOYU - CESSNA A150L AEROBAT
G-BOIL - CESSNA 172N
G-GFMT - CESSNA 172S
G-LACA - PIPER PA-28-161
G-LACB - PIPER PA-28-161
G-LACD - PIPER PA-28-181
G-ISHA - PIPER PA-28-161
G-GOTH - PIPER PA-28-161
G-BOPU* - GROB G-115
G-BOPT* - GROB G-115

*LAC is looking to sell these aircraft, along with spares.

[edit] Clubhouse

The clubhouse is open for use by Lancashire Aero Club members and their guests as well as members of the public accompanying Trial Lessons with the LAC Flying School.

Visiting Pilots may obtain a temporary pass that will enable them to use the clubhouse facilities from BAOL Aerodrome Operations (in the base of the tower)

Clubhouse Contact No. +44(0)161 789 1866

Club House opening times are as follows:

0900 - 1800hrs *Note food available until 1700hrs. Last drinks orders 1730hrs.

Group Meetings

These can be arranged Mondays and Tuesdays only. Please book at least a week in advance with the Clubhouse Manager.

Other Functions

Please contact the Clubhouse Manager at least a week in advance to arrange.