Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club ‘is hanging up its wings’

Head of training, Barry Bailey, has owned Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club since 2009, and after 15 wonderful years said the time is right for to concentrate on other business interests.

The club, however, will be operating until the end of February 2025.A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said: “We have no further information at this point about the use of the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club from March 2025 onwards.

“The flying club will still be operating until the end of February 2025.”

For Barry there has been many stand out moments over the years, including organising a flight for a local man celebrating his 100th birthday and the Red Arrows flying by, as well as parking overnight on many occasions, whilst attending local air displays.

He said: “I’ve truly had so much fun and look back with very fond memories of helping all of our former students.

“I’ve seen so many of them leave newly qualified and then arrive years later as Captains and First Officers, responsible for taking people safely on their holidays. Bristol Airport has been nothing but welcoming and supportive over the years.

“More recently I’ve been splitting my time between Bristol and London, but the time is now right to focus on my business interests in London.

“I would like to say a special thank you to operations director, Gary Thomas, and his team, who have supported the business seven days a week.”

The multi-engine aircraft instructor has been supported by many first-class professional instructors over the years and taught hundreds of pilots how to fly aeroplanes.

Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club offers flight training for anyone wishing to obtain their private pilot license (PPL), which includes night rating, instrument rating, multi-engine and solo flying instruction and qualifications.

It also provides the foundations for those wishing to go on and obtain their commercial license.

There is a host of aircraft available to hire for solo flying including the four-seater, single-engine Cessna 172 and 182 and the Piper Warrior PA28.

There is a flight simulator and flight lounge café on site.

Ex Royal Navy seaman Barry’s first passion was the sea, but while he worked on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal he fell in love with flying.

Rupert Lawrie, commercial director, Bristol Airport said: “Having Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club here at Bristol Airport has been a real string to our bow.

“I’ve personally enjoyed looking out the window and watching all of the various aircraft over the years. We wish Barry ever success in the future.”

The flight school is still operating until the end of February 2025, after which time students can find training at Gloucestershire Airport, Cotswold Airport and Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon.

Bristol Airport offers general and business aviation facilities for private jets and helicopters on the south side of the Airport.

Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club was founded in 1927 at a temporary base in Filton.

It then relocated to Whitchurch in 1930 when Bristol City Council purchased farmland for a municipal airport and in 1957 moved to the ex-RAF Airfield at Lulsgate where it has been based ever since.