World Parkinson’s Day – ‘Light Up Blue’ Event

Thursday 11th April 2024

CREATURE CREATURE FILMING

14th January 2024

Brighton-based alt-rock/alt-punk band Creature Creature filmed the video for their new single, The Noise, in our Municipal Hangar.

The single is now released and the video can be viewed on YouTube (Warning: the video contains offensive language):

The Noise – Creature Creature (Feat. Billy Lunn) (youtube.com)

Brighton Girls School Visit

6th December 2023

GCSE Design and Innovation pupils at Brighton Girls visited Brighton City Airport, with their prototype designs for preventing what is known in the aviation industry as a ‘bird strike’ and costs millions of pounds in delayed flights, compensation claims and engine repair.

The pupils received the brief from newly-appointed D&I teacher Kris Pointer back in September as part of a revamped curriculum that will see pupils tackling real-world problems and challenged to find design solutions.

During the visit, the airport’s chief executive Rob Cooke said: “Like all airports, we do a lot to mitigate the issue of bird strike but it is still a problem. Here in Shoreham we are close to the sea, close to the River Adur and we have a lot of standing water from nearby building works. On top of that there has been a lot of wet weather and all of this means the presence of gulls in great numbers. While we do everything from playing recorded bird distress signals from a loud speaker to using pyrotechnics to maintaining long grass which birds don’t like, we still have had 14 bird strikes this year and – like every airport in the world – we would love a solution.”

The pupils have created a variety of designs to block and repel birds and are now working to refine their ideas after having discussed them with Mr Cooke.

Mr Pointer said: “I think the girls have really enjoyed working on something that has real world implications. It makes sense that children will enjoy a real-life challenge – where they can experiment and play and come up with solutions – more than a theoretical one. Design and Innovation technology is our new DT offering and we are changing the culture of the subject in terms of how pupils experience it, making it future-focussed and about innovation in design.  We are essentially breathing new life into a subject that nationally has seen low take up at GCSE – despite the country’s great need for people skilled in areas related to design, technology and engineering.

One Year 10 pupil added: “It’s been such a great experience to come and talk about the problem we have been working on, see how the airport works and understand how bird strike affects operations”

The pupils will now return to the classroom to hone their inventions. Watch this space.

Weston Aviation Adds Brighton City Airport to The Collection Portfolio

30th October 2023

Weston Aviation, the UK and Ireland based Private and Business Aviation company has added Brighton City Airport to its portfolio of network locations. This further addition joins London Southend Airport and Cambridge City Airport as The Collection continues to grow. The Collection, was created as the new alliance which enables Weston Aviation to further expand its network by working closely and collaboratively with other airport owners and independent FBO operators to champion the use of these regional airports and increase audience reach.

“We are delighted to add Brighton City Airport to The Collection and we look forward to working closely with Rob and the team to assist them in further developing their business aviation activity at the airport and offer our support and experience in the regional airport FBO market”, said Nick Weston, CEO and Founder of Weston Aviation.

Rob Cooke, Managing Director of Brighton City Airport said “We are very pleased to be joining Weston Aviation’s UK and Ireland network of locations, which comes at a perfect time for us as we look to relaunch our FBO services with a new facility and direction”.

Weston Aviation operates five FBO and business aviation facilities in the UK and Ireland at Gloucestershire Airport, Cornwall Airport Newquay, Humberside Airport, Manchester Airport and Cork Airport. Formed in 1995, Weston Aviation is the second largest FBO network in the UK and Ireland.

Brighton City Airport is the oldest continuously licensed airport in the UK and one of the busiest in general aviation (in terms of movements). The airport has a diverse client base, including the military, law enforcement, air ambulance, corporate jets, helicopters, flight training schools, private charter companies and the Coastguard’

The Sand Project Visit

27th September 2023

We were visited, once again, by another group of wonderful trainees from The Sand Project – a fantastic local charity which provides supportive and accessible learning to young adults with an EHCP. At SAND they build enterprises to create real life work related learning, giving opportunities for research, development, production and any element of business that interests their trainees. Their goal is to ensure their trainees are motivated and engaged and leave with the self-esteem and confidence they need to pursue a career path they are excited about and ready to face the world independently. 

Here’s what they said about their visit:

Exploring the Skies and Beyond: A Day at Brighton City Airport with Leah and Bridget

Brighton City Airport, with its charming blend of aviation history and modern luxury, recently opened its gates to a group of eager trainees led by the dynamic duo, Leah and Bridget. The day unfolded like a perfectly orchestrated flight, taking us through the various facets of the airport, from the delightful Hummingbird Cafe to the heart-pounding action at the fire department.

Our morning kicked off in style at the Hummingbird Cafe, a beautiful art deco haven where aviation enthusiasts and casual observers alike gathered for an all-important cake and drink session. Nestled amidst the retro charm of the airport, we indulged in some plane spotting, soaking in the atmosphere of this bustling hub.

The tour then led us to the newly refurbished private jet check-in area, a realm reserved for the fortunate few who bypass the rigors of security checks. These privileged passengers are treated to their own mini fridge stocked with goodies, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience before and after their flights.

One of the highlights of our visit was witnessing the fire department in action, actively deterring birds from the runway. The team’s dedication to ensuring the safety of smaller aircraft was evident, and we were treated to insights into their broader community involvement, including their heroic efforts in battling the recent hotel fire on Brighton seafront. Testing the hoses and learning the inner workings of the fire engines added an adrenaline-fueled thrill to our day.

As we explored the expansive hangars, we engaged with the skilled engineers diligently performing MOTs and cleaning aircraft in preparation for their next journey. The trainees were captivated by the meticulous care and attention these experts bestowed upon the planes.

A stop at the air traffic control tower provided a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of managing airspace. Navigating challenges with arrivals and departures of various aircraft showcased the skill and precision required in this critical role.

Brighton City Airport isn’t just a bustling transport hub; it’s also a place where dreams take flight. Many aspiring pilots begin their journey here, honing their skills against the backdrop of an airport with a rich history. The art deco building, standing as a testament to the golden age of aviation, adds a touch of nostalgia to this vibrant location.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Leah and Bridget, who guided us through this incredible day, sharing their passion and knowledge. Special appreciation is extended to the remarkable firefighting team, whose dedication goes beyond the runway to serve the community.

In conclusion, our day at Brighton City Airport was not just a tour; it was a journey through the skies, a dive into the history of aviation, and an adventure on the tarmac. As we left, the hum of engines and the distant chatter of air traffic control lingered in our ears, leaving us with memories that soared to new heights.

SUSAN EVANS SKY PAINTINGS

October – December 2024

We are delighted to host Sussex Artist Susan Evans at the Whispering Gallery. Her beautiful and dramatic skyscapes will be on display from now until the end of December. 

Susan Evans is inspired by horizons and the mysteries of distance, skies and cloud patterns. She creates paintings of immense calm, with a spacial and emotional depth. Her work fuses the sensibility of early-nineteenth-century romanticism with American post-war abstraction.

new art exhibition at the whispering gallery

Tuesday 22nd October 2024

We’re excited to announce that local Vintage and Art Deco Artist, Vicky Anne Vaughan, also known as Made by Me by the Sea, will be showcasing her aviation and transport-themed Art Deco-inspired illustrations at the Upstairs Gallery at Brighton City Airport from now until 5th January 2025.

Vicky’s exhibition celebrates vintage and art deco aviation, travel and architecture and highlights include:

• The iconic Brough Superior motorbike set against Brighton City Airport’s Art Deco façade
• Brighton City Airport featuring a Chipmunk Plane
• Lancaster Bomber Plane in flight (from 1st November)
• A stunning portrayal of London Underground Tube Stations
• A striking Art Deco-inspired illustration of Croydon Airport, capturing the elegance of early aviation history with bold geometric designs
• A vintage illustration of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• Plus some local coastal and floral gems

In addition to the gallery exhibition, Vicky will be hosting pop-up art stalls near the check-in desk (by the Hummingbird Restaurant) on the following dates:

• Saturday, October 26th (1-4pm)

• Sunday, November 10th (1-5pm)

• Saturday, December 14th (1-4pm)

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the artist, view her latest creations, and purchase a piece of timeless design!

Adventure 001 Helicopter Experience Flights

Sunday 13th October 2024

Adventure 001 operates helicopter tours at over 50 venues throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The City of Brighton & Hove has now been added to the list and experience flights commenced on Saturday 4th May, from Brighton City Airport.

The team of professional and enthusiastic pilots and crew are expertly trained and fully qualified to ensure you have the most unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience with memories you will keep forever.

Nothing compares to the sensation of soaring through the sky in a sleek Jet Powered Helicopter, capturing historic sites, amazing scenery and hidden gems from a bird’s eye view. All flights offer breath-taking, panoramic views of the Sussex coast, the South Downs National Park and Brighton & Hove.

Personalised gift vouchers are available for all experiences and to suit any budget. Treat your nearest and dearest to a unique day out and collect exciting memories. Vouchers can be sent digitally to an inbox of your choice or as a presentation pack that can be posted in time for the special occasion.

Booking is open for flights on the following dates:

Sunday 13th October

Please click here if you wish to book a flight.

The Sunbeam MotorCycle Club’s Pioneer Run 2024

Sunday 6th October 2024

Please note that the airfield, The Hummingbird Restaurant and Cafe No. 8 will be OPEN as usual.

Brighton City Airport Features in Peter James’ New Novel

24th September 2024

One of Us Is Dead: Roy Grace returns in this pulse-pounding crime thriller; the 20th in the series, from the multimillion-copy bestselling author, Peter James. The book features an exciting storyline based at Brighton City Airport which, those familiar with the airport, are sure to enjoy. 

Available in all good bookshops (and online) now!

National Coastwatch 30th Anniversary Event

25th July 2024

National Coastwatch is a charity staffed and managed by volunteers who assist in saving life at sea and along the coastline of England and Wales.  NCI watchkeepers at our 60 stations provide eyes and ears along the coast, looking out for potential incidents and providing a listening watch in poor visibility using VHF radios.  If people find themselves in trouble, our volunteers are there to alert HM Coastguard, who will direct appropriate emergency/rescue services to the casualty.

Each National Coastwatch lookout station is manned by a team of fully trained and dedicated volunteers who keep a daylight watch – 365 days a year.

For more details please visit  www.nci.org.uk

The year 2024 marks the 30^th anniversary of the founding of the organisation, and to celebrate a specially-created flag is being flown at each station in turn, starting at NCI Fleetwood and ending at NCI Filey.  Each station is challenged to find an ‘interesting’ way to transport the flag to the next station, and also publicise the event as much as possible.

On the 25^th of July the flag is due to be transferred from NCI Bembridge to NCI Shoreham, and we hope to use a light aircraft to fly it from Bembridge airfield to Brighton City Airport, (weather permitting), taking photos to record the handover on the apron at Brighton City Airport.  These photos will generally be published on the station’s social media, our central social media, and may be submitted to the local press.

You can find out more about the NCI 30th anniversary celebrations here:

NCI FLIES THE FLAG FOR 30thANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS    – National Coastwatch

July Landing Fee Discount!

8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th July 2024

Receive 1/3rd off your landing fee if you’re a visiting aircraft, landing on a Monday or Tuesday!

Offer ends 30th July 2024

Don’t miss out, PPR now!

Any questions, contact ATC on +44 01273 467377 / 467378

Beagle Pup & Bulldog Club – Annual Social Event

Thursday 20th June 2024

Beagle Aircraft Limited was formed in 1962, as the result of a merger of British Executive & General Aviation Limited with Beagle-Auster and Beagle-Miles. The main objective was to build light aircraft in the UK that were at least as good and generally much better than the American designs that dominated the world at the time. The main manufacturing and design plant was at Shoreham Airport.

Beagle Aircraft produced a range of superb light aircraft, including the twin engine B206 (Basset), the single engine trainer B121 (Pup) and a prototype military trainer, the B125 (Bulldog). The company ceased trading in 1970. The production of the Bulldog was eventually transferred to Scottish Aviation at Prestwick, which went on to provide aircraft for a great many air forces around the globe. Excellent record of Beagle history can be found in Tom Wenham’s book, “False Dawn – The Beagle Aircraft Story”.

Around 1983, a group of enthusiastic owners and pilots of the now much-admired Beagle Pup formed a club with the intention of preserving the aircraft in flying condition for as long as possible. This club was originally called The Beagle Pup Club but later, when the RAF sold its Bulldogs, the club was renamed The Beagle Pup and Bulldog Club, to include owners and pilots of the marque, and retains this name to the present day. The club has members as far afield as Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and America, as well as few European countries. The club has sought to expand its membership to include as many as possible of the original employees of the Beagle company, so as to provide an ongoing social club for both old and new members of the Beagle fraternity. This element of the club is known as the Originals and in addition to receiving all of the information about the activities of the pilots and aircraft they built, members also meet from time to time for a social get together.

The Club is keen to make contact with any employees of the old Beagle Aircraft company with a view to maintaining an ongoing social environment for the mutual benefit of all. Membership of the club is free for any of the Originals.

More information and membership applications can be obtained by contacting Mr Eric Spencer via email [email protected].

Or, if you’d like to join the Club on the event day, please register by Monday the 17th June by emailing: [email protected]

Adur Art Trail

Saturday 8th – Sunday 23rd June 2024

For three weekends in June, from the 8th to the 23rd, we are delighted to be one of 22 venues in Shoreham-by-Sea and Southwick, participating in the Adur Art Trail.

Come to see the Salt Lines art exhibition, on display in our wonderful Whispering Gallery, on the first floor of our historical art-deco Terminal Building  – a feast of artworks from the following three Sussex artists:

Gemma Hawkes

Amy Frankie Smith

Heather Curwen

Ruth Mulvie – AOH 2024 May Festival

Saturday 4th – Sunday 26th May 2024

We are delighted to be a part of the Artists Open Houses event this year.

Artists Open Houses (aoh.org.uk)

Join Ruth Mulvie as she showcases a fresh collection of paintings and prints in our Whispering Gallery (1st floor of the Terminal Building), a cherished piece of aviation history.

Ruth’s new artworks pay homage to the airport’s legacy, blending aviation and Art Deco themes in her usual colourful and joyful way.

The exhibition will last throughout the month of May, and Ruth will be at the airport in person, on Saturdays and Sundays.

Visit Ruth’s website for more inforation about her work:  Ruth Mulvie

World Parkinson’s Day – Light up Blue

11th April 2024

CREATURE CREATURE FILMING

14th January 2024

Brighton-based alt-rock/alt-punk band Creature Creature filmed the video for their new single, The Noise, in our Municipal Hangar.

The single is now released and the video can be viewed on YouTube (Warning: the video contains offensive language):

The Noise – Creature Creature (Feat. Billy Lunn) (youtube.com)

Brighton Girls School Visit

6th December 2023

GCSE Design and Innovation pupils at Brighton Girls visited Brighton City Airport, with their prototype designs for preventing what is known in the aviation industry as a ‘bird strike’ and costs millions of pounds in delayed flights, compensation claims and engine repair.

The pupils received the brief from newly-appointed D&I teacher Kris Pointer back in September as part of a revamped curriculum that will see pupils tackling real-world problems and challenged to find design solutions.

During the visit, the airport’s chief executive Rob Cooke said: “Like all airports, we do a lot to mitigate the issue of bird strike but it is still a problem. Here in Shoreham we are close to the sea, close to the River Adur and we have a lot of standing water from nearby building works. On top of that there has been a lot of wet weather and all of this means the presence of gulls in great numbers. While we do everything from playing recorded bird distress signals from a loud speaker to using pyrotechnics to maintaining long grass which birds don’t like, we still have had 14 bird strikes this year and – like every airport in the world – we would love a solution.”

The pupils have created a variety of designs to block and repel birds and are now working to refine their ideas after having discussed them with Mr Cooke.

Mr Pointer said: “I think the girls have really enjoyed working on something that has real world implications. It makes sense that children will enjoy a real-life challenge – where they can experiment and play and come up with solutions – more than a theoretical one. Design and Innovation technology is our new DT offering and we are changing the culture of the subject in terms of how pupils experience it, making it future-focussed and about innovation in design.  We are essentially breathing new life into a subject that nationally has seen low take up at GCSE – despite the country’s great need for people skilled in areas related to design, technology and engineering.

One Year 10 pupil added: “It’s been such a great experience to come and talk about the problem we have been working on, see how the airport works and understand how bird strike affects operations”

The pupils will now return to the classroom to hone their inventions. Watch this space.

Weston Aviation Adds Brighton City Airport to The Collection Portfolio

30th October 2023

Weston Aviation, the UK and Ireland based Private and Business Aviation company has added Brighton City Airport to its portfolio of network locations. This further addition joins London Southend Airport and Cambridge City Airport as The Collection continues to grow. The Collection, was created as the new alliance which enables Weston Aviation to further expand its network by working closely and collaboratively with other airport owners and independent FBO operators to champion the use of these regional airports and increase audience reach.

“We are delighted to add Brighton City Airport to The Collection and we look forward to working closely with Rob and the team to assist them in further developing their business aviation activity at the airport and offer our support and experience in the regional airport FBO market”, said Nick Weston, CEO and Founder of Weston Aviation.

Rob Cooke, Managing Director of Brighton City Airport said “We are very pleased to be joining Weston Aviation’s UK and Ireland network of locations, which comes at a perfect time for us as we look to relaunch our FBO services with a new facility and direction”.

Weston Aviation operates five FBO and business aviation facilities in the UK and Ireland at Gloucestershire Airport, Cornwall Airport Newquay, Humberside Airport, Manchester Airport and Cork Airport. Formed in 1995, Weston Aviation is the second largest FBO network in the UK and Ireland.

Brighton City Airport is the oldest continuously licensed airport in the UK and one of the busiest in general aviation (in terms of movements). The airport has a diverse client base, including the military, law enforcement, air ambulance, corporate jets, helicopters, flight training schools, private charter companies and the Coastguard’

The Sand Project Visit

27th September 2023

We were visited, once again, by another group of wonderful trainees from The Sand Project – a fantastic local charity which provides supportive and accessible learning to young adults with an EHCP. At SAND they build enterprises to create real life work related learning, giving opportunities for research, development, production and any element of business that interests their trainees. Their goal is to ensure their trainees are motivated and engaged and leave with the self-esteem and confidence they need to pursue a career path they are excited about and ready to face the world independently. 

Here’s what they said about their visit:

Exploring the Skies and Beyond: A Day at Brighton City Airport with Leah and Bridget

Brighton City Airport, with its charming blend of aviation history and modern luxury, recently opened its gates to a group of eager trainees led by the dynamic duo, Leah and Bridget. The day unfolded like a perfectly orchestrated flight, taking us through the various facets of the airport, from the delightful Hummingbird Cafe to the heart-pounding action at the fire department.

Our morning kicked off in style at the Hummingbird Cafe, a beautiful art deco haven where aviation enthusiasts and casual observers alike gathered for an all-important cake and drink session. Nestled amidst the retro charm of the airport, we indulged in some plane spotting, soaking in the atmosphere of this bustling hub.

The tour then led us to the newly refurbished private jet check-in area, a realm reserved for the fortunate few who bypass the rigors of security checks. These privileged passengers are treated to their own mini fridge stocked with goodies, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience before and after their flights.

One of the highlights of our visit was witnessing the fire department in action, actively deterring birds from the runway. The team’s dedication to ensuring the safety of smaller aircraft was evident, and we were treated to insights into their broader community involvement, including their heroic efforts in battling the recent hotel fire on Brighton seafront. Testing the hoses and learning the inner workings of the fire engines added an adrenaline-fueled thrill to our day.

As we explored the expansive hangars, we engaged with the skilled engineers diligently performing MOTs and cleaning aircraft in preparation for their next journey. The trainees were captivated by the meticulous care and attention these experts bestowed upon the planes.

A stop at the air traffic control tower provided a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of managing airspace. Navigating challenges with arrivals and departures of various aircraft showcased the skill and precision required in this critical role.

Brighton City Airport isn’t just a bustling transport hub; it’s also a place where dreams take flight. Many aspiring pilots begin their journey here, honing their skills against the backdrop of an airport with a rich history. The art deco building, standing as a testament to the golden age of aviation, adds a touch of nostalgia to this vibrant location.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Leah and Bridget, who guided us through this incredible day, sharing their passion and knowledge. Special appreciation is extended to the remarkable firefighting team, whose dedication goes beyond the runway to serve the community.

In conclusion, our day at Brighton City Airport was not just a tour; it was a journey through the skies, a dive into the history of aviation, and an adventure on the tarmac. As we left, the hum of engines and the distant chatter of air traffic control lingered in our ears, leaving us with memories that soared to new heights.