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Skyward Flight Training’s owner talks about ‘frustration’ in trying to find new site




The owner of a Suffolk flight school has spoken of his frustration at trying to secure it a new home, with fears it may have to fold completely in October if a site is not found.

Chris Shepherd-Rose of Skyward Flight Training, was told his business had to leave Rougham Airfield, near Bury St Edmunds, at the end of May this year after its lease was not to be renewed.

Since then, Chris has been actively searching for a place to restart the school, but nearly three months on, there is still no new home.

Owner of Skyward Flight Training, Chris Shepherd-Rose. Picture: Mecha Morton
Owner of Skyward Flight Training, Chris Shepherd-Rose. Picture: Mecha Morton

He said: “We have gone into meetings with owners, having looked at about 24 airfields, had positive talks, but then later told due to issues, mostly around perceived noise that they feel may upset their neighbours, it is not for them.

“Some of the issues I can understand, but it is just frustrating, to go into these with optimism only to be knocked back again and again.”

Even with the setbacks, Chris says his members have stayed loyal and he still receives daily calls for trial flights and people wanting to start flying on a regular basis.

Chris said: “I can not believe our members have stayed with us, and I thank them wholeheartedly for that.

“We tell new inquiries we do not have a proper place yet, but they say they are willing to wait – the continued support is overwhelming and I hope we can pay them back with a new site.”

But as the search for an airfield and even an idea to create a new small general aviation airfield, which has not been done for more than 50 years in England, goes further afield Chris said he is concerned that one may not be found.

And though flying is taking place where his planes are currently being stored, it is only 30 to 40 per cent of their normal flying schedule at this time of the year.

Chris said: “The owner has been very understanding and we have got a couple of our students qualified.

“But these summer months usually give us enough money to get through winter. At this rate and with no new site, if we are in the same way in October, we will have to close.

“For me that is a very sad prospect, having started 12 years ago. The company makes good profit and could do that somewhere else.

“I don’t think I will fly again if I close the school, I just feel I am being forced into retirement and that is just so upsetting.”

If you can help the school, please email c.shepherd.rose@gmail.com