Sherburn Airfield Guide

Part of the Emirates Group
Safe & Secure, ATOL Protected
Over 30 Years in Business
Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
  1. Home
  2. Sherburn Airfield Guide | Netflights.com

Sherburn Airfield

You’ll find Sherburn Airfield – also known as Sherburn-in-Elmet Airfield – in North Yorkshire, just 5.5 nautical miles west of Selby and 16 nautical miles south east of Leeds Bradford Airport.

Today, the airfield is used as a base for Sherburn Aero Club, which has been running since 1964. Members and visitors alike are welcome at Sherburn Airfield. Flying lessons are available from the Flight Training School, where the fleet includes three Piper Cadets, three Piper Warriors, three Aero AT-3s and one Robin 2160. Or, if you’d prefer to sit back and let someone else take the reins, why not book an experience flight instead?

Sherburn Airfield has a fascinating history, dating back as far as World War One. Accounts of history at Sherburn Airfield suggest that it was commandeered during World War One – thought to be used as an aircraft acceptance park for Blackburn aircraft.

In 1924, The Yorkshire Aeroplane Club was reformed and found its home at Sherburn Airfield. The club was essentially set up for those wanting to learn how to fly aircraft, as well as learning about the construction, maintenance and repair of aircraft. The opening ceremony was conducted on the 20th of January 1926, with a membership of around 240. Between 1927 and 1929, the aircraft used at Sherburn Airfield included several Bluebird II and one Bluebird III. The club moved away from Sherburn in 1931 to Yeadon.

From November 1931, The York County Aviation Club started to fly from Sherburn Airfield. The club used aircraft including a Blackburn Bluebird, G-AAOI and a de Havilland 60 Gipsy Moth, G-AAEE.

Upon World War Two being declared, flying for civilians stopped and the aircraft were impressed for military use. During this time, the airfield was used by No. 73 Squadron of Mk.1 Hurricanes, Mk I Hurricanes of No. 46 Squadron, No.2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, No.7 Ferry Pool of the Air Transport Auxiliary and The Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment.

Due to its convenient location between the north and south of Great Britain, Sherburn Airfield was used during World War Two for aircraft to land when the weather made flying difficult – sometimes up to 100 aircraft would be grounded there. The airfield was also a location for the Blackburn Aircraft Company once World War Two began. Starting with repairing aircraft, the company built a new factory by December 1940 with the purpose of producing the Fairey Swordfish aircraft.

After World War Two, the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club re-formed and located at Sherburn Airfield, with the inaugural meeting being held on 7th July 1946. Eventually the club decided to move to Yeadon. The Leeds University Air Squadron also used the airfield after World War Two – flying de Havilland Chipmunks. In 1956 another club used the airfield, as The Yorkshire Gliding Club set up a training section there.

The Sherburn Aero Club was formed in 1964, based at Sherburn Airfield. One of the main motivators for this was to create cheap flying for members. By 1976, the club had grown well to around 300 members.

Sherburn Airfield Runway

Sherburn Airfield has three grass runways and one tarmac runway. You don’t need prior permission to land here, but there is a PPR booking form available if you’d prefer to give the airfield a heads-up – or you can email [email protected]. Pilots must avoid overflying nearby villages at all times, including Sherburn, South Milford, Hambleton, Little Fenton and Monk Fryston. And all aircraft must remain clear of Leeds East Airport.

Once you’ve landed, you’ll find all sorts of facilities on the ground. Pilots can fill up with fuel – Avgas 100LL, Avgas UL91 and Jet A1 are all available – and there’s a parking area for aircraft.

Pilots and visitors alike can enjoy the airfield’s café, lounge and licensed bar. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and a play area for children. Sherburn Aero Club is open every day between 9am and 7pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax after your time in the sky.

Please remember that this is just a simple guide to Sherburn Airfield. If you’re planning to land here, you must conduct thorough research and get permission beforehand. Any pilot or passengers flying to Sherburn Airfield do so at their own risk.

Context Id: 3219f947-2591-4f34-a2ac-92504e20d9fc