Effective 2 January, Cambridge Aero Club will take over all the handling of most private General Aviation and helicopters at Cambridge Airport.

The move follows the arrival of ExecuJet Europe, which takes over the Marshall Business Aviation FBO in an exclusive arrangement from 1 January to take responsibility for all arriving and departing business jets.

The Aero Club is preparing for the responsibility with a recent refurbishment of the existing flying school facilities said Luke Hall, Chief Flying Instructor, Examiner and Aero Club Manager. Cambridge Airport has always offered a full handling service even though this is not compulsory for general aviation aircraft under four metric tonnes. Also new for 2012, the Aero Club will have a direct report to Cambridge Airport and Managing Director Archie Garden.

“These are exciting times for the airport and we look forward to providing an attractive environment for both regular Club users and valued GA customers,” said Luke Hall. He also noted that during the time of the Olympics, private flyer students will not be affected by the slot restrictions, being three miles north of the restricted zone.

Cambridge Aero Club is one of the longest established flight training schools in the world and it has been training pilots for more than 80 years. Currently it has more than 150 members, approximately half of which hold flying licences. The Club runs four Cessna 172 SP touring aircraft and an Extra EA200/300 high performance aerobatic aircraft. The school is also unique in offering full tail wheel and aerobatic flying on high performance aircraft, which it pioneered in the UK five years ago. “Our highly experienced instructor team has an infectious enthusiasm for flying and teaching. Between them, they have amassed an unrivalled level of instructing expertise and have become renowned for delivering expert basic flight instruction to advanced aerobatics,” said Hall.

GA flying is permissible between 0700 and 2100 Monday to Friday and 0800 to 1900 at weekends. Movements at other times can be arranged.