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Leics Aero Club secure, implements upgrades

Leics Aero Club

A package of upgrades is taking place at Leicestershire Aero Club amid talks to secure the airfield lease for the next twenty years.

The 98-year-old aero club is owned by its members and elected a new committee and chairman, Ivan Court, in May. Rob Biddles was appointed airport manager in May.

“The previous Chairman, John Ainsworth, had held the position for some twelve years,” said Ivan Court. “During his tenure, John secured the club’s financial position and the new committee inherited a healthy bank balance.”

“The following has been discussed by the committee and implemented:

  • Front of house (reception): new telephone system ordered with call recording for training, direct dialing for all services, and a VOIP system that will allow call forwarding to mobile phones
  • Additional member of staff appointed to reception to give a better service to visitors and members.
  • Improved internet connection for visitors and members use
  • A new online booking system is undergoing trials
  • A new website
  • 8.33khz radios and navcomms ordered for the club fleet of six aircraft
  • Club PA28 Archer: complete strip and re-spray
  • Club PA28 Cadet: complete strip, re-spray and new interior upholstery
  • Sub-committee formed to improve marketing, in-house communications and events
  • Suggestion box for visitors and members.

“We are in negotiation with our landlord to secure a new twenty-year lease,” continued Ivan. “Discussions are well advanced with exciting development of the airfield and surrounding area. It is good to be talking of airfield development and not closure as some of other great GA airfields are facing.

“My own membership of the Leicestershire Aero Club stretches back some thirty-plus years. I love the place and always will, but fully understand that sometimes you don’t see the wood for the trees and it takes a kick up the backside to see how others view the club. This we have done and we know that will be judged by our actions!”

Leicestershire Aero Club

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3 comments

  • Having been a member since the mid 1980’s and the CFI there for four years previously I welcome the dynamic new style of the Club’s management. My so and I base our Skybolt there and it really is the best location for it with three hard runways and good hangarage. On a very personal level I would commend the absolutely superb soups prepared at the weekends by the resident chef. She is worthy of a Michelin star.

  • Bruce Hutton says:

    Like Barry T. , I am also a long time member and follower of LAC since my first flight with Oscar Maidment in his Auster, as a kid back in 1953….yes, 64 years ago ! My mother nearly went spare when I told her what I’d been up to !
    I also did some instructing there after leaving the Fleet Air Arm and before going, first, to instruct at Oxford and then to British Midland.
    I actually taught Peter Green to fly !!
    The traumas with the lease have been continuous over the years so it is so good to see the Club in a sound financial state and with the recent threats to it’s existence removed for the present.
    By the way, I am still flying ! Good luck, guys.

  • Muhammad saleem Qureshi says:

    helo,
    this is saleem from pakistan i have done comercial pilot licence please send me detail of flight instructor course i am intrusted in flight instructor course and also detail conversion of licence and cost of fees i am waiting your reply.
    thanks.
    saleem.

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