3 September 2024
After nearly 100 years of training pilots, Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club is to close in early 2025.
The current Head of Training, Barry Bailey, has owned Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club since 2009, and has decided to concentrate on other business interests.
Barry, a former Royal Navy seaman, fell in love with aviation while working on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.
Barry 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.”
Rupert Lawrie, Commercial Director at 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.
