31 March 2026
The FLYER Club has confirmed our latest batch of free landing voucher destinations for April 2026, offering members access to four UK airfields spanning England and Scotland.
The selected airfields for this month are Isle of Skye (Broadford/Ashaig), Manchester Barton, Audley End and Balado, continuing the scheme’s aim of encouraging general aviation pilots to explore a diverse mix of destinations.
The total value of April’s vouchers is listed at £56.41, bringing the year-to-date total for 2026 to £223.81.
Isle of Skye Airfield
Among the most geographically striking inclusions is the Isle of Skye Airfield, also known as Broadford Airfield. The small, unlicensed aerodrome features a single asphalt runway of approximately 771 metres and operates on a prior permission required (PPR) basis. PPR from the Highland Council here.
Primarily used for private flying and emergency medical flights, the airfield has no air traffic control or fire service and operates from sunrise to sunset. It has historic roots dating back to 1972, when it was constructed by the Royal Engineers, and is currently being considered for redevelopment to support regional connectivity and tourism.
Skye Flying Club is based on the airfield.
The Club House cafe/restaurant at Barton
Closer to home for many pilots, Manchester Barton Aerodrome represents one of the UK’s most established general aviation centres. Opened in 1930, it was the country’s first municipal airfield licensed by the Air Ministry and remains active today with a wide range of fixed-wing and rotary operations.
The site retains its historic control tower and hangar, both Grade II listed, while continuing to support a busy GA community, including air ambulance and police aviation units.
The Club House at Barton is the on-site cafe/restaurant, run by a local farming family. The airfield is approximately 20 minutes from Manchester city centre by car. The airport offers free car parking to users.
Audley End Airfield
Audley End Airfield, near Saffron Walden, offers a more traditional grass-strip experience – in this case, an 800-metre grass runway. It’s operated by Vintage Fabrics, which is based there.
Audley End House is a 10 to 15-minute walk from the airfield, and the historic market town of Saffron Walden is about a 20 to 30-minute walk away. Or you could picnic on site!
Pilots are advised to note local procedures, including circuit directions, terrain considerations such as a downward slope on runway 36, and the need to avoid nearby residential areas.
Because the airfield is near Stansted, please note the following arrival procedures:
Balado Airfield is often visited by military aircraft as well as being a burgeoning centre for light aviation
Rounding out the April selection is Balado Airfield in Kinross, Scotland. With a history stretching back over a century, including its wartime role as RAF Balado Bridge, the site has evolved into a modern sport aviation centre. In fact, the operators have just won a BMAA award.
Now home to flight training, microlight operations, and upgraded facilities, Balado continues to attract pilots while maintaining its reputation as a versatile venue that has hosted everything from aviation activities to major music festivals.
