Bristol Aero Club forced to move to Kemble following closure of Filton Airfield (From Gazette Series)

Bristol Aero Club forced to move to Kemble following closure of Filton Airfield

11:28am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News By Marion Sauvebois

A BRISTOL aviation group has defected to Gloucestershire following the closure of Filton’s iconic airfield.

The Bristol Aero Club (BAC), which had been based at the recently shut airfield for the past two decades, has now relocated to Kemble.

In a statement the non-profit organisation said it was determined to make the most of the move and explore new opportunities.

"The club has now moved 30 miles north east to Cotswold Airport where it will continue to offer its members the opportunity to learn to fly and hire aircraft on a non-profit making basis," the club said.

"The members are determined to see the closure of Filton not as a setback but an opportunity to promote an interest in flying as a social activity in the Cotswold area."

Bristol Aero Club is run by volunteers, many of whom work in or have retired from the aviation industry. Two of the BAC's planes were among the last to depart from Filton Airfield before its closure at the end of December last year.

"At approximately 12.10pm on the December 21, 2012 many employees and former employees of the historic Filton airfield and aviation industries were close to tears as they witnessed for the last time aircraft taking off from runway 27, " the statement went on.

"Privileged to be among the last aircraft to depart were two aircraft operated by Bristol Aero Club - G-BBXW and G-BASJ. Among those gathered to witness this emotional event was the founder of the club, who launched the not for profit Club in 1994 to enable employees of the various aviation companies based at the Filton site the opportunity to learn to fly."

Over the years the club has welcomed students awarded flying scholarships by Airbus as well as disabled members.

To find out more about Bristol Aero Club visit www.bristolaeroclub.co.uk