Flying environment
The Cambridgeshire Aerotow Club (CAC) exists to promote hang gliding in East Anglia by providing aerotow launches in a club environment. Since the start of 2019 we are using the latest Foxtug microlight for the aerotow launches, providing an easier and quicker climb to altitude. We are able to operate mid-week and at weekends. Based at Sutton Meadows near Ely, the club is situated in the rural Fenlands of East Anglia. The airfield is approximately 10 miles from the M11 and A14 motorways and is therefore within an easy two hours drive of London or the Midlands.
Due to its close proximity to the prominent '100 foot drains', the airfield is readily located from the air. However, it is a little trickier to find by road, and so first time visitors may wish to view our directions page.
The large expanse of flatlands are also predominently 'open' Class G airspace and provide ideal safe conditions for aerotowing hang gliders and ample sites for 'out-landings' when flying cross country. The airfield has three separate grass runways (10/28, 06/24 and 01/19, each in excess of 480 meters length) allowing take offs and landings in all wind directions.
Tows are available up to heights of 10,000'. Just ask for the height you desire from our 'dial-a-height' machine (the tug). Start your flight in a thermal!
Thermals are often large and afford excellent opportunities for enduring XC flights. In 2018 the British declared triangle hang gliding record was twice broken with flights launched from Sutton Meadows, firstly a 150km triangle and then a month later a 172km triangle taking 6.5 hours. The open distance flight record from our site is 174km to a landing by the Humber estuary. Every year pilots are flying respectable Triangles and Out & Return flights to land back at the airfield after hours in the air. We have also partnered with other aerotow clubs to host Sutton Meadows based aerotow competitions with 40+ pilots competing over three days of competition.
Other facilities
The Club's caravan/mobile home has a single and double bedroom and is serviced with running water, electricity and has cooking facilities. Ladies and gents toilets are available on site. Hang glider storage may be available for those wishing to make CAC their hang gliding base.