A Brief History of RAF Flying Clubs……

Since 1918 members of the RAF have flown civil registered aircraft in their spare time for sporting and recreational pleasure. In the early days this was mostly an individual activity until the Cranwell Light Aircraft Club (CLAC) was formed in 1924 and shortly after the Halton Aero Club (HAC) was formed in 1925.  The Royal Air Force Flying Club was formed in 1933 but stood down over the war years until standing up again in 1946. Various RAF Station and Squadron-based Flying Clubs were also formed in the post-War years. In 1958, with a total of seven RAF flying clubs in operation, plans were made for the formation of an RAF Flying Club Association (RAFFCA). This would follow the example of the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association (RAFGSA), which caters for gliding and soaring enthusiasts in the Service. However, with the volatile nature of the Squadron Flying Clubs constantly forming and then disbanding the RAFFCA failed to be formed. On 1 April 2001, the RAFFCA was finally formed with the express aim:

“…to promote air mindedness throughout the RAF by affording Servicemen and women, regardless of rank or trade, the opportunity of learning to fly at the lowest cost.”

On 1 January 2020, RAFFCA became Royal Air Force Sport Aircraft (RAFSA), which as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) still holds the above aim but refreshes the original aims for the modern world, the legal challenges and the increased safety assurance required in the 21^st Century.