After 15 years, Head of Training at the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club, Barry Bailey (pictured), has decided the time is right to concentrate on his other business interests.
The multi-engine aircraft instructor has owned the club since 2009 and has been supported by many first-class professional instructors over the years and taught hundreds of pilots how to fly aeroplanes. 
The club offers flight training for anyone wishing to obtain their private pilot licence (PPL), which includes night rating, instrument rating, multi-engine and solo flying instruction and qualifications.
It also provides the foundations for those wishing to go on and obtain their commercial license. There is a host of aircraft available to hire for solo flying including the four-seater, single-engine Cessna 172 and 182 and the Piper Warrior PA28. There is a flight simulator and flight lounge café on site.
The flight school will operate until the end of February 2025, after which time students will be able to find training at Gloucestershire Airport, Cotswold Airport and Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon.
Bristol Airport offers general and business aviation facilities for private jets and helicopters on the south side of the airport.
Rupert Lawrie, Commercial Director, Bristol Airport, said: “Having Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club here at Bristol Airport has been a real string to our bow. I’ve personally enjoyed looking out the window and watching all of the various aircraft over the years. We wish Barry ever success in the future.”
Barry said: “Bristol Airport has been nothing but welcoming and supportive over the years. More recently I’ve been splitting my time between Bristol and London, but the time is now right to focus on my business interests in London.”
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