East of Scotland Microlights

Operated by Gordon Douglas, Chief Flying Instructor with over 25 years’ experience of flying microlights, and is the longest established school and club in Scotland, located at East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian.

The school

The school has two full time instructors, Gordon Douglas himself and George Kerr, and is run with help from Gordon’s wife, Jill, who takes bookings etc.

Gordon started flying microlights in 1980 and set up the school at East Fortune in 1990.  He has a wealth of experience of all aspects of microlighting and has taken part in various national competitions over the years.  As well as being an instructor, he is an examiner, engineer, aircraft inspector and check pilot.

George started flying in 1993 as a student with the school, and has been instructing with us since 1998.  George is also a check pilot and tends to do many of the engine overhauls required by members.  Both instructors love what they do and hope to pass that enthusiasm on to those who train or have air experience flights with them.  The school operates all year, generally seven days a week, from 10am until 6pm (last lesson 4pm), light permitting.

The club

The club has around 100 members, a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and plenty of flying activities including fly-outs, fly-ins and competitions, as well as social events.  Weather permitting, members try to go somewhere most weekends, for a pub lunch in Bute, or just a hop down to the Borders.  Weekends away are planned every so often too, the island of Gigha on the west coast being a firm favourite, together with Plockton and Mull.

The school and club are situated just off the A1, about 20 miles east of Edinburgh.