Our Story
Athey's Moor Airfield in Longframlington has a rich and storied history that spans back over 20 years. The airfield was first established in 2001 by our founder, Ed McCallum, an avid aviation enthusiast who wanted to share his passion with the local community.
At the time, the airfield was little more than a grassy field, but it quickly became a hub of activity for local pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Over the years, the family worked tirelessly to expand and improve the airfield, adding new facilities and upgrading the infrastructure to keep up with the growing demand.
As the airfield grew in popularity, it became known as a premier destination for microlight training, and Ed quickly became renowned for his expertise and dedication to aviation, and the airfield soon became a hub of activity for pilots from all over the region. Throughout the early 2000s, Athey's Moor Airfield continued to thrive, attracting more and more pilots and aviation enthusiasts from all over the world.
In recent years, Athey's Moor Airfield has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the aviation industry. The airfield became a registered flying school and embraced new technologies and innovations, while still maintaining the traditions and values that have made it such a beloved institution for so many years.
Today, Athey's Moor Airfield is a thriving hub of aviation activity, with a bustling community of pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and students.
Our Founder
Edward ‘Ed’ McCallum is an accomplished microlight pilot who dedicated his life to the thrill of flight. Born in Gateshead in 1956, Ed quickly developed a love for the natural beauty of his home region. As a profession, Ed worked as a joiner, but he later found out his true passion was aviation.
In the early 2000s, Ed decided to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot and enrolled in a microlight training program. Despite being a novice, he quickly demonstrated a natural talent for flying and impressed his instructors with his skill and dedication.
After completing his training, Ed purchased his own microlight aircraft and began regularly flying in the North East. He quickly became known as one of the most skilled and respected microlight pilots in the region, and his passion for aviation inspired many others to take up flying as well.
Over the years, Ed honed his skills as a pilot, and he became a fixture in the local aviation community. He would often take to the skies in his microlight, soaring high above the rolling hills and stunning landscapes of the region. He has traveled all over the world and has received multiple honors for his daring feats.
Ed made headlines in 2014 when he flew his microlight aircraft from Northumberland, England, to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in the United States. The flight covered a distance of over 4,000 miles and took 33 days to complete.
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. He meticulously planned his route, which took him from Athey's Moor Airfield in Longframlington to Wick Airport in Scotland. From there, he flew across the North Atlantic to Greenland, then to Canada, and finally to the United States.
The journey was not without its challenges. Ed faced strong headwinds, freezing temperatures, and technical difficulties with his aircraft. However, he persevered and successfully completed his historical journey, becoming the first person to fly a microlight aircraft from the UK to the United States. Following his successful transatlantic flight, Ed continues to be an active member of the aviation community in Britain.
Despite his many accomplishments as a pilot, Ed remained humble and grounded. He was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others, and he never lost his passion for flying, even after decades in the air.
In addition to his love of flying, Ed was also an avid conservationist and worked tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty of Northumberland. He was a member of several local environmental organizations and worked closely with other activists to protect the region's flora and fauna.