We hope you find the information contained in this web-site useful and that you will come and join us at one of our events and become a member. We look forward to seeing you there and always provide an opportunity for non-members to join the VAC at our events. Keep an eye on our calendar which is updated regularly.
Anne Hughes (VAC Chair)
Welcome to our web-site.
The aim of the Vintage Aircraft Club is to provide a focal body for owners, pilots and enthusiasts of vintage and classic light aircraft by arranging fly-ins and other events and publishing a magazine for the benefit of its members. If you would like to find out more about the history of the club, and the volunteers who run it, including our Chairman, Anne Hughes, visit the "About VAC" page.
Aims of the club.
The Vintage Aircraft Club
Now into our 61st year, the VAC extends a welcome to all who share our enthusiasm for vintage aircraft. Our members’ ‘fleet’ consists of over 200 aircraft with some, like the Dragonfly owned by Shipping and Airlines, reaching the age of 90 years old. The 1911 Waterbird floatplane replica is a unique aircraft recalling the earliest days of aviation while the Optica represents a more ‘modern’ era. Others may not be from the earliest days but are always a delight to see on the flight-line at our events ranging from many taildragger types to more classic aircraft, like the Prototype Beagle Pup.
Our members too represent light aircraft and professional airline pilots, aircraft builders and restorers, spotters and enthusiasts with hundreds of hours of flying experience between them. With a ‘family’ atmosphere, the club has something to offer everyone with our fly-ins, ground events, Dinner and Awards Evening, our winter Zoom presentation evenings and regular magazines.
We look forward to seeing you!.
Anne Hughes VAC Chair
Optica and Vintage Line up at Old Warden © Lee Mullins
Vintage Aircraft Club's President
Air Chief Marshal Sir John Allison KCB CBE is the Club's President and has been involved with the VAC over many years taking on the role to replace the late David Ogilvy OBE FRAeS. John, who has held a PPL since just after his 17th birthday, says he is honoured to have been invited to become the President of the VAC. Having trained as an RAF pilot and graduating from Cranwell in 1964 he won the prize for best pilot in his entry, and also the aerobatic trophy. His subsequent career took him from front line pilot, flying Lightnings, ultimately to be Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command. In parallel, he flew recreationally, notably as an air display pilot, which gave him access to many interesting cockpits. By the time he retired from flying earlier this year he had 116 distinct types, all flown as captain, in his logbook. He has owned and operated a number of vintage aircraft, including an Auster, Luton Minor, Bucker Jungmann, Yak 50, Miles Gemini and a Beechcraft Bonanza. Both his sons, James and David, share his passion for flying.
Anne Hughes (VAC Chair)
General Data Protection Regulation.
Membership:
Membership of the club costs just £25 per year. For your membership you get a copy of the magazine four times a year, discounted landing fees at our events and access to exclusive members only events.
Events
The club organises both Fly In events, and Non Fly In (access by ground travel only) events. Most of these are open to all who are interested in Vintage and Classic Aircraft, whether members of the club or not, but some events are exclusivley for members.
Magazine
The Journal of the Vintage Aircraft Club, called Vintage and Classic, is published four times per year. Some back issues are available in pdf format online here.
Facebook Page
The club also maintains a Facebook Page here.
