Just 15 minutes up the A689 from Carlisle city centre, in the heart of Cumbria, Carlisle Airport is one of the newest venues on our books at FlyDays, having now fully opened following an extensive, ten year long regeneration programme that was completed in the summer of 2019.
The site was first opened back in the 1930s by the local council, when it was known as Kingstown Municipal Airport. It had only been open for civil aviation for a few years when World War II broke out in 1939, and RAF Kingstown - as it was now known - had too small a runway at that time to accommodate bomber planes.
The Royal Air Force thus developed a new airstrip just a few minutes drive away at Crosby-on-Eden, which then became RAF Crosby-on-Eden, on the old Stanegate Roman road. It was a day training centre for Hurricane Hawker pilots initially, but also went onto be a training base for Bristol Beaufort and Bristol Beaufighter pilots.
With the end of WWII in 1945, military operations gradually wound down at both sites, with the Municipal Airport returning to civil flights in 1947. The purchase of the old Kingstown site in 1960 by Cumbernauld County Council saw it change name to what we know it as today.
The site continued to expand for pilot training purposes as well as commercial flights to London, the Channel Islands, Belfast and the Isle of Man. Many of its original RAF structures still stand today, along with the Solway Aviation Museum, which is also on site and remains a popular tourist attraction for flying enthusiasts in the Lake District.
Flying the Lakes at Carlisle
You think of the Lake District, and you think of the stunning beauty of its lakes and mountains. While one way to enjoy them is to take a boat trip, another more exciting way is to head skywards from Carlisle Airport with FlyDays.
However, you’ll be spellbound within minutes of take-off as you view the lakes in all their glory, plus there’s also the chance to take in the picturesque landscape of southern Scotland.
Novice Flyers
If you can manage to take your eyes off the gorgeous scenery, then you can also enjoy a 30 minute flying lesson in a two-seater aeroplane. It’s a great introduction to the magical world of aviation and provides a hands-on taste of what it’s actually like to fly an aeroplane and be a pilot.
The experience, which can count towards gaining a Private Pilot Licence, also includes a short pre-flight briefing from a qualified instructor. You’ll also receive a signed certificate from your instructor in recognition of your time flying an aeroplane.
Flying Lessons at Carlisle Airport
FlyDays.co.uk also has a 60 minute flying lesson for budding pilots wanting a bit longer in the air. Once again, it offers a first hand glimpse of what it takes to fly an aeroplane, as you take the controls with an expert instructor by your side.
As part of the pre-flight briefing, you’ll learn how an aeroplane flies, including the effects of the aeroplane controls. It’s a great way to head skywards, either as a one off experience or to see if flying could be a future pastime for you to enjoy.
Booking to Fly at Carlisle Airport
Booking a flying experience at Carlisle Airport, either as a treat for yourself or as a magical gift for someone else, is as easy as 1-2-3.
Simply choose the experience, book onto an available date with our events calendar, or opt for an open gift voucher to use when the time is right.