High hopes for Skye Flying Club

Issued on behalf of Skye Flying Club

The Skye Flying Club appreciates the support given by The Highland Council in the past and welcomes the signing of a new 2 year agreement which will allow the club to continue their activities at Ashaig aerodrome Broadford, encouraging more people to experience the thrill of flying in this particularly beautiful area of Scotland.

Whilst, in the longer term, the club is looking to purchase another plane the club have, in the meantime, been given the option to use a Bulldog, an aircraft type that has been used by the RAF for flight training.  With the agreement of Highland Council the club is intending to construct a new taxiway from their hangar to the main apron to allow the plane to be based full-time at Broadford.

This particular 2 seater trainer was previously used by Aerobility,a registered charity that offers disabled people the opportunity to fly an aeroplane. It is the club's aim that, with Aerobility's agreement, they become a northern outpost of Aerobility, bringing flying to all.

The club intends to hold promotional events in due course.

 

Anita Larson Skye Flying Club Press Officer said: “It's an exciting time for anyone wishing to spread their wings, and see our island, from a different perspective.”

Councillor Drew Millar, Chair of Highland Council’s Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee said: "The two year agreement now in place with Skye Flying Club will allow club members the opportunity to gain valuable take-off and landing experience as well as essential flying hours.

“Highland Council is seeking to secure chartered flights to Skye and Council Officers and project partners HITRANS and HIE have met with HIAL to discuss all of the complex technical aspects concerned with new air services and licensing the Aerodrome. Over the next 2 years Skye Flying Club will be able to use the unlicensed Aerodrome with an opportunity to renew the agreement in 2019.”

Cllr Hamish Fraser and Cllr Drew Millar