St. Michael’s Airfield
Welcome to St Michael’s Airfield in Lancashire. Positioned between Preston and Lancaster on the Fylde Coast we operate on a 40 acre flat field where we are one of the longest established microlight airfields in the country, with flying from the field being established in 1985.
You are spoilt for choice as to where to fly, we are roughly 10 miles by air from Blackpool where you have the opportunity to fly along the coastline and even land on Piling Sands, or you can head to the hills of Beacon Fell and Parlick just 5 miles away. There is also the spectacular scenery of the Lake District and all of this is yours with a bird’s eye view when flying a microlight from St Michael’s Airfield.
Prior to the airfield starting at St Michael’s the field was commonly known by locals as ‘The Yokels’ which for many decades was a place where local people could grow vegetables.
About St. Michaels's Airfield Podcast
St. Michael’s Airfield
Welcome to St Michael’s Airfield in Lancashire. Positioned between Preston and Lancaster on the Fylde Coast we operate on a 40 acre flat field where we are one of the longest established microlight airfields in the country, with flying from the field being established in 1985.
You are spoilt for choice as to where to fly, we are roughly 10 miles by air from Blackpool where you have the opportunity to fly along the coastline and even land on Piling Sands, or you can head to the hills of Beacon Fell and Parlick just 5 miles away. There is also the spectacular scenery of the Lake District and all of this is yours with a bird’s eye view when flying a microlight from St Michael’s Airfield.
Prior to the airfield starting at St Michael’s the field was commonly known by locals as ‘The Yokels’ which for many decades was a place where local people could grow vegetables.
What are microlights?
- Flex Wing Aircraft
Single seater or two-seater open cockpit aircraft these ‘flex wing’ microlights are controlled in a similar way to a hang glider, using weight-shift control – the pilot controls the direction and airspeed of the aircraft using a control bar. A flex wing is more open to the elements, flies like a hang glider, and offers an unsurpassable experience.
- Fixed Wing (3 Axis) Aircraft
Fixed wing microlights tend to look and feel more like a traditional plane and come in a variety of designs which include single seaters, bi-planes, high wing and low wing microlights. With the new 600kg weight limit designed aircraft we are sure you will find something that suits you.
- Sub 70 Aircraft
These single seat aircraft are not officially Microlights, they do not require a license to be flown and are becoming increasingly popular.
Although no license is required, it is strongly advise that pilots have some instruction working through the NPPL syllabus up to the solo stage. This ensures pilots have the skills and knowledge required to fly safely and fit in with other airfield users.
northern microlight school
- Experienced Flight Instructors
St Michael’s Airfield is proud to be the home of the Northern Microlight School, which is run by CFI Graham Hobson. - Graham has been established as a leading Pilot and Flight Instructor for over 40 years.
- He is one of the few pilots that can teach instuctors as well as novices, so learning to fly with him or one of his instuctors means you could not be in safer hands.
- In 2022 Mark Atkinson joined the Northern Microlight School as a Flight Instructor. Mark comes with many years experience as a pilot and has been a Flight Instructor since 2007
- START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY!!
- BMAA Wings Award Scheme
The BMAA have introduced the Wings Awards Scheme for both new and existing pilots to develop and gain confidence and experience in their skills. - The aim is to help new pilots and encouraging existing pilots to maintain currency, explore new skills and to find extra fun in their sport.
- Areas Covered are NAVIGATION : SAFETY : FLIGHT SKILLS : EDUCATION
- Northern Microlight School is a BMAA Wings Award Scheme Provider.
Pilot Skill Fade
- Fit 2 Fly
At St Michaels Airfield we want to encourage a Safety Culture, to this end the flight instructors of Northern Microlight School have asked pilots based at St Michaels Airfield to speak to a Duty Instructor if they haven’t flown for 6 weeks or more before taking to the air. - Learning to fly is a skill of mental and physical dexterity, these skills are difficult to master and need constant practice to maintain or you will experience Skill Fade.
- As well as the actual skill of taking off, flying and landing an aircraft, you also have to contend with external elements such as turbulance that is unseen and unpredictable as well as other aircraft using the same airspace that you are flying in.
- Experienced Instructors
We are lucky to have some very experienced Flight Instructors at St Michaels Airfield, we strongly encourage all pilots to take advantage of these instructors skills and knowledge and if recommended have a Duty Instructor join you on a Check Flight to ensure you are Fit 2 Fly.
We are also home to North West Microlight Aircraft Club (NWMAC) run by the airfield pilots for the benefit of local pilots. It is one of the longest established clubs in the country with a dynamic committee with a friendly and growing membership.
- Student Pilots get 6 months free membership
- Pilots Membership is £35 per year
- Social Membership (for non-pilots) is £15 per year
NWMAC – if open then you can buy Tea / Coffee / Snacks
Toilets are available on site.
NWMAC have a new Facebook page where news of what the club is up to will be posted on a regular basis.
Please contact members via the St Michaels Airfield Facebook page or direct by email nwmacmembers@gmail.com
RECENT EVENTS
Wings & Wheels Fly-In 2023 took place in mid June
- During 2022 we raised over £800.00 and so far in 2023 we have raised over £1200.00 for North West Air Ambulance.
- Experience Flights continue to be available during the summer months
(Weather Permitting) to register your interest please email NWMAC directly with your name and mobile telephone number. You will be contacted should weather conditions look favourable and Club Pilots are available to undertake the flights which will mainly take place at weekends and possibly week day evenings. - Email the NWMAC directly on nwmacmembers@gmail.com
- Donations of £40.00 for up to 25 minutes flight time.
- As these experienced pilots and not instructors you will not be permitted to take the controls of the aircraft.
- If you would like to take control of the aircraft you can book a lesson with Northern Microlights Flight School based at St Michaels Airfield.
NWMAC CLOTHING
- New NWMAC Clothing Line
Ideal gifts for Birthdays / Fathers Day / Christmas
- Sizes:- Small / Med / L / XL / XXL / 3XL / 4XL
- Colours:- Red / Blue / Bottle Green / Royal Blue / Navy Blue / Black
- Soft Shell Jackets – £30.00 each
- Sweatshirts – £25.00 each
- Hoodie – £25.00 each
- Gilet – £20.00 each
- Polo Shirts £16.00 (Cotton/Polyester 50/50 mix) or £17.00 (100% Cotton)
- T Shirts – £15.00 each
- Baseball Caps – £12.00 each
*Prices are subject to change as prices have increased recently*
Notes:- G-Info can be put on the arms or back of Baseball Caps.
St Michaels Airfield is written on the back of all clothing.
Package & Postage is extra.
Contact us by email regarding your orders for NWMAC Merchandise stating Garment required, Size, Colour and Quantity, also include contact details and delivery address.
nwmacmembers@gmail.com
