Ulster Flying Club

Ulster Flying Club was founded in 1961 at Newtownards Airfield on the Portaferry Road in County Down. It has grown into one of the largest flying organisations in Ireland. The club also runs the airfield itself, with its own aerodrome manager and fire service.

The club offers everything from trial lessons to PPL training, as well as the Night Rating and the IMC rating. Its training fleet is made up of Cessna 172s, including G-UFCE, G-UFCG and G-UFCI, and the Cessna 152 G-UFCN. It has also added its own Ikarus C42, so it can now offer microlight training and hire.

All instructors are trained to UK Civil Aviation Authority standards, and together they fly more than 2,500 instructional hours a year. The training team is led by a head of training and a deputy, with flight examiners and a large group of flight instructors. The club is run by an elected committee and stresses its safety record and friendly atmosphere.

The club’s news page carries updates for members, including guidance on current UK pilot licensing requirements and notices of pricing changes. Instructors are also available to give advice on licensing questions.

Trial lessons can be bought online, and gift vouchers are available for anyone wanting to give someone their first flight. Enquiries can be sent through the website’s contact form.