LEEDS EAST - 26th-27th June 2026

As the long days of the British summer finally approach and the winter weather fronts become a distant memory, the UK General Aviation community is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the season. Private Flyer Leeds will return to Leeds East Airport, promising to be the ultimate regional festival of General Aviation in the North of England.

​Formerly RAF Church Fenton, Leeds East Airport provides the perfect, expansive backdrop for an event that truly celebrates every facet of private flying. Whether you are a seasoned PPL holder, a student pilot racking up circuit hours, or simply an aviation enthusiast dreaming of taking to the skies, this demo-friendly showcase is an unmissable fixture on the 2026 calendar.

​What sets Private Flyer Leeds apart from static exhibitions is its dynamic nature. Billed as the "Demo-Friendly GA Event," it actively encourages visitors to get up close and personal with the aircraft. The static park will feature a staggering array of machines, comprehensively covering the entire GA spectrum: from lightweight Sport Flyers and traditional Piston Flyers to the latest innovations in E-Flyers, high-performance Turbine Flyers, and Rotary-wing machines. If you are in the market for a new aircraft, looking into fractional ownership, or exploring syndicate shares, this is the premier venue to arrange product demonstrations and even demo flights directly with manufacturers and brokers.

​Beyond the hardware, Private Flyer Leeds is heavily focused on pilot education and development. The event hosts a robust daily series of seminars in the Live Lounge, covering a wide variety of topics pertinent to today’s aviators. Expected highlights include deep dives into airspace navigation, engine management, updates on regulatory changes (like the incoming EC mandates), and safety briefings led by industry experts.

The "Ask a Flying Instructor" sessions also provide a brilliant opportunity for student pilots to iron out theoretical hurdles or for qualified pilots to discuss advanced ratings, such as night qualifications, IR(R), or transitioning to complex types.

​Essential Fly-In Information and Procedures

For those planning to arrive by air, the organisers have streamlined the process and are offering some fantastic incentives. Crucially, arriving by air grants both the pilot and all passengers complimentary access to the show, saving you £20 per person on gate admission. Even better, for 2026, the organisers have secured a 50% discount on standard airport landing fees.

​Because Leeds East gets incredibly busy during the event, online slot booking is strictly mandatory. Reserving a slot in advance is the absolute only way to secure an arrival by air, and bookings are strictly limited to one per customer. Slots are allocated at fifteen-minute intervals between 08:30 and 15:00 on show days and operate on a strict first-come, first-served basis.

​The booking system operates a remarkably fair pre-booking phase. You can reserve your ideal five-minute slot immediately, with absolutely nothing to pay upfront. About a month before the event, the pre-booking window closes, at which point you will have two weeks to confirm and pay for your slot. Any unpaid slots are automatically released back into the pool—meaning if you initially missed out on your preferred time, it is highly recommended to check back to see if a slot has opened up.

​If the notoriously unpredictable British weather prevents you from flying in on the day, your money is not lost. Your paid landing fee will be converted into a credit valid for future landings at Leeds East Airport for up to three months after the event. Furthermore, your booking confirmation email still guarantees you and your passengers complimentary entry to the show if you choose to arrive by road instead.

​If you are running slightly behind schedule due to headwinds or a delayed departure, do not panic. The tower accommodates a 15-minute grace period around your booked slot time. However, pilots must review the specific Leeds East fly-in procedures, approach routes, and circuit diagrams available on the airport's website prior to departure. Ensure your aircraft is serviceable, get your flight bags packed, book your slot early, and make a weekend of it in Yorkshire!