About Us

The RAE Aero Club was formed in October 1922, and has the distinction of being the first British light aeroplane club to design, build and fly its own aircraft. The first aircraft, the Zephyr, a single seat, twin boom, pusher biplane first flew on 6 September 1923, whilst the second aircraft, called the Hurricane, a small cantilever monoplane with a triangular section fuselage, was flown unsuccessfully in the 1923 Lympne trials. However, after modification it did go on to achieve success, and a £100 prize, when entered in the 1925 Lympne trials.

During the early years the club operated a variety of interesting aircraft, including a Hawker Cygnet (one of only two produced, this was the first aircraft designed by Sydney Camm) and a number of DH53 Hummingbirds. Later the mainstay of the Club was the Avro Avian, until the outbreak of the Second World War, when the two Club aircraft were impressed into service with the RAF.      

In common with all private aviation in Britain, the club was dormant during the period of the Second World War. However, during 1949/50 the Treasury agreed to the use of research establishment and service airfield facilities by Service and Civil Service private flying clubs which paved the way to the Club’s resurrection in 1950/1.

Since then, the Club has enjoyed the privilege of flying from Farnborough, helped by the management and staff of both the establishment and airfield.

The Club currently operates a Piper Cherokee Challenger (PA28-180) operated on a Public Transport Certificate of Airworthiness.