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With the historic Roman city of Gloucester to the West, and the Royal town of Cheltenham to the East, Gloucestershire Airport is a centrally positioned flying base for enthusiasts in the West Midlands, offering ample opportunities to enjoy a range of exciting flying lessons and experiences.
Its origins can be traced back to 1931. Back then, it was known under a different name and was at a different location - the nearby village of Down Hatherley. A move to Staverton facilitated another name change, and by the outbreak of World War II, it was now an RAF base, RAF Staverton.
It was also used by the US Army during 1942, namely the Service of Supply, and the pillbox that was installed as part of anti-invasion preparations for WWII that sits opposite the main airport entrance is still there to this day as a reminder of its important role during the war.
After the war ended, it became a test site for new aircraft by the company that is now known as Smiths Group plc. Civil commercial flights to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Dublin commenced from the airport at this time, whilst 1963 saw the opening of the Skyfame Museum, displaying World War II aircraft which is also still on site today.
The change of name to Gloucestershire Airport occurred 30 years later, in 1993, to mark and recognise the importance of the airbase as a business aviation centre for Gloucestershire. It is also the base for the Staverton Flying School, Bristol Aero Club and Cotswold Aero Club, who all host private flying tuition and lessons.
Hands on Flying
FlyDays.co.uk is proud to present the ultimate flying experience at Gloucestershire, which lets you actually fly the aeroplane plus the opportunity to act as navigator. This is as close to the real thing for beginners as you can imagine.
While it’s an action packed aerial adventure, safety is always paramount, and you’ll be in safe hands with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) qualified instructor.
First order of the day is the vital pre-flight briefing, then it’s off down the runway and up into the air. The fact that it can also count towards a Private Pilot’s Licence is the icing on the cake.
Vertical Take Off
As well as aeroplane flying lessons, FlyDays.co.uk is also delighted to present a variety of helicopter flying lessons at Gloucestershire.
These include a tactical helicopter flying lesson for one, an insight into becoming a helicopter pilot for one, plus tactical flying lessons for groups of two or three people.
While the experiences vary in what they offer, they all have one thing in common… the opportunity to take the controls of the chopper and fly the aircraft, providing you with a memory to last a lifetime.
Ultimate Tour
If you’d prefer your time in the air to be a little bit more relaxing, then don’t worry, as FlyDays.co.uk has you covered. Gloucestershire Airport is home to a wide variety of helicopter tours and sightseeing flights.
FlyDays.co.uk has the perfect package for you, whether it’s enjoying the sights high above a city, enjoying a themed helicopter sightseeing tour of the Cotswolds and surrounding areas, or getting an adrenaline rush with an adventure helicopter flight.
Meanwhile, make it truly unforgettable by enjoying a glass of fizz with our blue skies helicopter flight. The high life indeed!
Booking to Fly at Gloucestershire Airport
Flying experiences at Gloucestershire Airport, whether it’s a well deserved treat for yourself or as a present for someone else, are easy to enjoy. Simply find the experience you want, book onto an available date or purchase one of our open gift vouchers (which are a fabulous gift idea) and, not before long, you’ll be airborne.