Galway Flying Club Celebrates 75 years
2021 is an exciting year in the history of Irish aviation as Galway Flying Club celebrates 75 years. The club is the longest-operating flying club in the country, founded in 1946 and originally based in Oranmore. In 1974 they were invited to move to Galway Airport at Carnmore by the then-owners, and has been operating there ever since.
Galway Flying Club is made up of around 100 members from all walks of life who share a common bond in their love of aviation. GFC operate two modern 4-seater Cessna aircraft. They are not a professional flight school, but rather a flying club with an incredible voluntary ethos and is blessed with enthusiastic members from Galway and surrounding counties who commit much to the Club and to supporting the local community.

Behind the scenes, there is much that goes on, all on a voluntary basis. The Club provides training up to Private Pilot Licence level; more recently it was awarded ATO (Approved Training Organisation) status by the IAA allowing it to train pilots to the level of Flight Instructor.
Galway Flying Club’s status as an ATO – one of just a few in the country – is testament to the quality of the Club’s instructors and the systems and procedures they implement. The success of the Club is recognised on a national platform, having twice been awarded the General & Sport Aviation Award by the aviation industry. Most recently, RTE’s Nationwide has completed filming the story of Galway Flying Club, which is due to air early next year.
Due to the present Covid situation, the Club are unable to celebrate this achievement as they would like. However, they hope to be in a position to mark the occasion at a more suitable time in the coming months. For more information, check out the Club website, www.galwayflyingclub.org , or email secretary@galwayflyingclub.org .
