Different Ways to Take to the Air in Devon

Devon has a rich history in aviation, with several airfields dotted across the county. If you’ve often looked up to the skies and wondered what it’s like up there, the following are some of the most interesting ways to take to the air in Devon.

Flight Experiences

Exeter International Airport gives residents easy access to flights that head to various destinations across Europe each week, but not everyone is aware that it’s also possible to arrange flight instruction classes here or enjoy a one-on-one flying experience in a light aircraft. This is a spectacular way of seeing the West Country from a completely new angle.

This ties in with the current popularity of TV series based on flying, although many such as Apple TV+’s Hijack starring Idris Elba are based on dramatic situations. A more laid-back flying experience comes when you play the Aviator Game at Paddy Power. This is a simple casino game where you place a bet and then see the potential win increase as a plane climbs into the sky. With online slots becoming so popular, this alternative offers an even easier-to-understand format.

Start a New Career

Taking classes from companies such as Aviation South West or Devon and Somerset Flight Training is one of the best ways of learning to control an aeroplane as a new hobby. Having said that, if you want to turn it into a career then the skies here are relatively clear of traffic, so it’s an ideal spot for building up the first flight miles in the 1500 or so that are generally needed to gain a pilot’s license.

An interesting alternative can be found in the recent job advertisement run on behalf of WonderDays. The UK’s large hot air balloon operator has over 20 sites in the South West of England, including five in Devon, and is currently looking for new pilots. They point out that gaining a commercial pilot’s licence can be expensive but that it provides entry to a rewarding career.

Enjoy an Air Show

Another option involves watching others do the flying while you enjoy an air show at ground level. The clear skies over Devon and generally good weather are perfect for hosting air shows such as the English Riviera Airshow that’s held in Paignton each summer. The 2023 event was organized by Torbay Council and provided an excellent opportunity for letting the rest of the world get a glimpse of the English Riviera.

Other air shows held in Devon include those at Teignmouth and Sidmouth. These offer us a chance to watch the Red Arrows and other aerobatic display teams carry out impressive formations and manoeuvres in the skies above us. The 2023 show in Teignmouth begins with the Red Arrows, followed by Rich Goodwin and other acts. Their final performer is the daring AeroSuperbatics Wing Walker

These different ways of taking to the sky in Devon offer us a variety of fascinating experiences and suggest that the aviation industry is going to remain important in this region in the years to come.