Yorkshire / Sherburn Aero Club

Program – Sherburn Airfield

Get ready for an exciting week of aviation, engineering, investigation, and flying at Sherburn Airfield. This immersive 5-day holiday club is designed for students who want to experience what it’s really like to think, problem-solve, and operate like real aviation professionals.

Based at a live airfield environment, students will explore everything from airline flying and aircraft engineering to accident investigation, test piloting, and air traffic control through hands-on activities, simulator flying, and exciting aviation challenges.

Throughout the week, students will step into the shoes of pilots, engineers, investigators, and controllers while learning how aircraft are tested, flown, maintained, and operated safely.

Throughout the week, students will take part in a range of exciting themed days, including:

🧑‍✈️ Test Pilot Day

Discover what it takes to become a test pilot and learn how aircraft are evaluated for performance, handling, stability, and operational capability. Students will explore how pilots assess aircraft in different flying conditions and take part in practical simulator-based test exercises.

🕵️ Aircraft Accident Investigation Day

Become an aviation investigator and discover how incidents are analysed to improve aviation safety. Students will explore the principles of aircraft accident investigation, learn about organisations such as the AAIB, and work on a real-world investigation challenge before comparing their findings to the official report.

✈️ Airline Pilot Day – Airbus A320 Experience

Step into the world of commercial aviation and discover what it’s like to fly a modern airliner. Students will explore the Airbus A320, learning about cockpit systems, take-offs, navigation, approaches, and landings while flying a realistic simulator route.

⚙️ Aircraft Engineering & RC Flying Lab

Discover how aircraft are maintained, engineered, and inspected to operate safely. Students will learn about aircraft structures, aerodynamics, engines, and flight systems before taking part in exciting RC flying activities. Students may also have the opportunity to explore Sherburn’s engineering hangars.

🎧 Air Traffic Control Day

Step into the world of air traffic control and discover how controllers safely manage aircraft both on the ground and in the air. Students will take part in practical ATC and pilot communication exercises using walkie-talkies and simulated airfield operations while seeing real ATC in action.

Alongside the themed activities, students will enjoy:

• Hands-on simulator flying

• Aviation teamwork challenges

• Aircraft engineering and maintenance insight

• RC aircraft experiences

• Real-world aviation knowledge

• Opportunities to experience a live operational airfield

As Sherburn is a live operational airfield, activities, aircraft access, and engineering experiences may vary depending on operational requirements and weather conditions — helping make every week unique.

📍 Location

Sherburn Airfield — a vibrant and active aviation environment where students can experience real flying culture and discover the many different pathways into aviation.