Known officially as Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Robin Hood Airport is actually a little further north of Nottingham, despite once being covered by that region geographically. It is closer to Worksop than the home of the famous hero depicted in English folklore, so its name is now a bit of a misnomer.
But it is undoubtedly all part of the history that this venue has built and developed over the years, as a fine place to enjoy flying days and experiences at in South Yorkshire through us here at FlyDays.
The airport’s roots emanate from military operation, opening as Finningley Airfield during World War I in 1915. Back then, it was primarily a base for the Royal Flying Corps, who intercepted German Zeppelins that were targeting the North of England’s then prominent industrial powerhouses.
It also served a function during World War II, although this was arguably less significant, as it was solely utilised for training, namely as a finishing school for new crews of the Bomber Command.
It continued to be a training base thereafter however, particularly during the Cold War, when it was utilised for nuclear armed Vulcan bombers, before it was decommissioned in 1995 with the end of that war and the dissolution of the Soviet Union four years previously.
Ten years later however, in 2005, with the impending closure of nearby Sheffield City Airport, the former airfield gained its new lease of life, and thus Robin Hood Airport as we know it today began operations, with scheduled commercial flights starting from there in the spring of that year.
Within the space of its first two years, the airport quickly became one of the area’s busiest airports, with over a million passengers passing through it each year. Robin Hood Airport offers a superb Asphalt runway, measuring 2893 x 60 metres.
As well as that, the site also offers hangarage, maintenance and refuelling facilities, and an excellent selection of local flying clubs such as Yorkshire Aero Club and Hummingbird Helicopters.
Helicopters and History
Given its previous heritage in wartime use, it should be no surprise to learn that Robin Hood Airport offers the chance to take to the skies and retrace the flight path of some other well known national heroes of the air.
Available for one or two people to book onto is our Extended Dambusters Helicopter Tour packages. You’ll take off and fly west of the airport, towards the stunning landscapes of the Peak District National Park.
From there, you’ll fly across the Lady Bower reservoir and Derwent Valley, the place where the RAF famously trained up their Dambuster pilots for Operation Chastise during World War II. It’s definitely a package for those with an interest in this period of the war to appreciate and reflect on the heroic efforts of the past.
Future Flying Fanatics
If the idea of getting airborne and piloting your own aircraft appeals to you, then our range of flying lessons that are run from Robin Hood Airport will give you your first taste of the excitement that can be had up in the air.
And as our sessions - which can be booked for either 30 minute or 60 minute slots - are run and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, it also means that the experience and skills in plane handling and mastering the controls you gain here means you can start gaining the experience you need towards obtaining your Private Pilot’s Licence.
You’ll also be under the guidance of a qualified, expert CAA instructor, whichever length of flying lesson you opt for, so you can also be assured that you are learning from the very best in aviation.
Booking to Fly at Robin Hood Airport
An exciting flying day or experience at Robin Hood Airport couldn’t be simpler to book with FlyDays. All you need to do is book onto an available date for any of the packages you see listed below using the dates calendar, or why not purchase an open gift voucher?
They make a unique gift idea for you or the flying enthusiast in your life, and can be used at a time or experience to suit your needs. So all that remains is to get excited about getting airborne in South Yorkshire!