Microlighting in County Durham – an irresistible combination of wonderful sights to see from the air a private airfield that’s never too busy and a wonderful little aircraft to fly in! Whether it’s your first time ever in small plane and you fancy a taster or you want to indulge in an extended experience we’ve got the lesson for you.
This microlighting school is based at Shotton Airfield. The farm airstrip is a true hidden gem for aviators in County Durham. It’s easily accessible from all over Tyneside and Teesside being just 10 miles east of Durham city centre. Despite it’s central location it’s unrestricted air space around Shotton so it’s a great place to get airborne with very little other aerial traffic.
Shotton has served as a drop zone for a local parachute school since 1987 and this microlight school is a welcome addition to the flying community here in this quiet corner of County Durham and this operator flies microlights from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.
So now you know a little bit more about this air strip between Durham and Hartlepool what about the microlights? This centre uses the funky little Flight Design CT – a popular trainer and touring microlight that looks just like your usual light aircraft except that being so light means you can cover 500 miles or more with one tank of fuel.
They are also incredibly easy to fly. Our Co Durham crew has most definitely put safety first as well by investing in onboard systems such as the digital avionics system (a modern alternative to dials and gauges) the large screen colour GPS transponders and even a Ballistic Recovery System which is basically a parachute for the whole aircraft!
Whilst this all makes it sound quite high-tech none of it takes away from the pilot experience. This closed-cockpit style microlight is still highly interactive intuitive and a real pleasure to fly. No wonder the National Private Pilot’s Licence with microlight class rating is the most popular form of licence not just in Co Durham but the whole of the UK.
We have several ways to go microlighting over County Durham. Dip your toe in the fascinating world of general aviation with a 30 minute trial lesson take a longer flight path with a 60 or 90 minute flight or head way beyond Durham with a flyway experience that sees you touch down at a friendly airport with time for a break before heading back to base at Shotton Airfield.
