With a huge range of locations across the country to choose from, it might seem overwhelming at first to know where to start when you're looking to book a Flying Lesson, Helicopter Ride, or other experience. So let's break it down a little.
Depending on what experience you are doing, you're likely to either be flying from an airfield, airport or aerodrome. But what exactly, is the difference?
Flying from an Airfield
Whether you are deep in the Welsh countryside and taking off from the little airfield of Llantisllio in Wrexham, Wales, or flying from Beccles Airfield in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, these types of locations are usually run by friendly, local flying schools who are excited to take you under their wing and get you comfortable in the skies.
Airfields are usually smaller locations to fly from as they are not used for commercial flights, and have more basic facilities on offer for flyers and spectators, however, make sure to read the description of the experience to see what's on offer.
Dotted about at various locations and regions across the country, it's probably not long before you bump into an airfield or two, as a lot of them have origins in the RAF or as training facilities used in the World Wars. To see exactly what airfields are nearby, you can filter experiences or airfields by region to find out more information.
Flying from an Aerodrome
In general, an aerodrome can refer to any location which can be used for the take off and landing of an aircraft. It's a broader term which can be applied to airports, airfields, heliports, and seaplane bases which can make it a little confusing to get your head around.
Unlike airfields, aerodromes can apply to locations of all sizes including larger, more commercial airports. As long as it contains a defined area of land or water, including buildings and installations, it can be considered as one.
However, usually, they contain more extensive infrastructures and services like passenger terminals, hangars, and maintenance facilities. To give you an idea of what they look like in the UK, some of our most popular aerodrome destinations include:
Flying from an Airport
If you opt for a Flying Experience at an airport, you're going to be part of the hustle and bustle of the center of commercial flying in the UK. When you're taking a Flying Lesson, or being taught by a commercial pilot during a Simulator Session, it can feel quite awe inspiring to be doing that in a location where it's all happening.
Airports have far more sophisticated facilities on offer including: runways and taxiways, terminals, control towers, sophisticated hangars and maintenance facilities, cargo facilities and parking access. But, it's always better to read the information on the individual package you're looking at to see exactly what's on offer for spectators and participants.
However, it's safe to say, if you fly from an airport you're going to get a real insight into commercial flying.