John Bacon
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A thoughtful way to learn to fly
Make the sky
your next step.
Professional, personal flight training at Shobdon Aerodrome. Build confidence, skill and sound judgement with experienced instructors and a modern Diamond fleet.
Based at Shobdon Aerodrome · Herefordshire · EGBS
The school
High standards.
A genuinely personal approach.
Shobdon Flying School (SFS) is the flying school of Herefordshire Aero Club (HAC). The club operates from Shobdon Aerodrome, bringing together the airfield, its aviation community and the flight training operation.
Whether you are taking your first flight or working towards a licence or rating, our aim is to make every lesson purposeful, supportive and professionally delivered.
Visit Herefordshire Aero ClubLearn with SFS
Training shaped around you
Every student progresses at their own pace. Our instructors will help you understand the aircraft, develop sound decision-making and build the skills needed to fly safely and confidently.
- Four instructors
- Three Diamond DA40-D aircraft
- Based at an active Herefordshire airfield
Your instructors
Experience, guidance and encouragement.
Meet the SFS instructor team.
John McLaughlin
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Shaun Wilson
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David Barrow
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The fleet
Three Diamond DA40-Ds.
One rewarding way to fly.
SFS operates three Diamond DA40-D aircraft, including G-CEZR. The DA40 is a refined, modern single-engine aircraft with a comfortable cockpit and excellent visibility—qualities that make each flight a pleasure and support clear, engaging instruction.
Its responsive handling and well-organised cockpit make it a lovely aircraft to fly and a rewarding aircraft in which to learn. You can focus on building good habits and becoming a capable, confident pilot.
£280Solo hire · per hour
£330Dual hire · per hour
Rates are all-inclusive. Landing fees are extra.
At Shobdon today
Airfield conditions
A live weather snapshot for Shobdon, alongside the HAC webcam page. Always use official aviation weather and NOTAM sources for flight planning.
Shobdon · EGBS
Current weather
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Shobdon Aerodrome
Shobdon Aerodrome
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Weather data provided by Open-Meteo. Not for operational flight planning.
Live view
HAC airfield webcam
The club’s webcam and weather information are hosted on the HAC site. If the embedded page is unavailable, open it directly.
Training pathways
Choose your next qualification.
These are general summaries of standard UK routes. Your instructor can explain eligibility, credits, aircraft suitability and the current CAA application process for your circumstances.
UK PPL(A)
The Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) is a broad private licence route. It requires a minimum age of 17 for issue and a UK Part-MED Class 2 medical.
- Train with an appropriately approved ATO or DTO, completing ground theory and practical flight instruction.
- Pass the required theoretical knowledge examinations.
- Complete at least 40 hours of flight instruction; some approved course routes may reduce the minimum to 35 hours.
- Include at least 10 hours supervised solo, including 5 hours solo cross-country; the qualifying cross-country is at least 150 NM (270 km) with full-stop landings at two aerodromes other than the departure aerodrome.
- Pass the PPL skill test with an authorised examiner.
UK NPPL(A) — SEP
The National Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) is a UK national licence for private flying, with the appropriate class rating and privileges. The standard SEP route has a minimum age of 17 for licence issue.
- Complete at least 32 hours of flight time as pilot, excluding the skill test, through an ATO, DTO or with an independent flight instructor.
- Complete at least 10 hours of supervised solo time, including at least 4 hours solo cross-country.
- Complete a solo cross-country of at least 80 NM (150 km), with a full-stop landing at an aerodrome other than the departure point.
- Pass the applicable NPPL or credited theoretical examinations and the skill test.
- Meet the applicable medical requirements. Medical privileges and limitations differ from the Part-FCL PPL route.
NPPL privileges are subject to national licence restrictions; permission may be needed to fly outside the UK.
IMC rating
The UK IMC rating (formerly known as IR(R) on Part-FCL licences) provides restricted instrument privileges in accordance with UK rules. It is not a full Instrument Rating.
- Hold a UK-issued FRTOL and a PPL(A) or NPPL(A) with the relevant privileges.
- Have at least 25 hours’ aeroplane experience after licence issue, including 10 hours PIC and 5 hours PIC cross-country.
- Complete the required theoretical knowledge and instrument-flight training with a suitably qualified instructor. The standard course includes at least 15 hours of dual instrument training, subject to eligible credits.
- Pass the theoretical knowledge examination and an IMC rating flight test with an authorised examiner.
Privileges are restricted geographically and depend on the licence and rating conditions. Check current CAA guidance for details.
Night rating
A night rating allows VFR flying at night, subject to the privileges of the underlying licence. IFR flight at night requires the appropriate instrument privileges too.
- Complete the required course with an ATO or DTO, including theoretical knowledge instruction.
- Complete at least 5 hours of night flight time, including at least 3 hours dual instruction.
- Complete at least 1 hour of dual cross-country navigation, including a qualifying dual cross-country flight of at least 27 NM (50 km).
- Complete 5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings at night.
The CAA states that the course must be completed within six months. Medical and licence requirements apply.
Training minima are regulatory minimums, not a promise of the number of hours an individual will need. Requirements, credits and privileges can vary by licence, experience and current rules. Confirm your route with an authorised instructor and the UK CAA before relying on this summary.
Start your journey
Ready to take the first step?
Get in touch with Herefordshire Aero Club to ask about flight training, aircraft availability, trial flights and the next steps for your licence.
Contact HAC