THE
WADDINGTON FLYING SCHOOL
Based at RAF Waddington by kind permission of the Station Commander
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 01 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
Prepared by Richard A Dawe GCGI
Registered Charity 1155164
The Waddington Flying School is a trading style of The Waddington Flying Club
Independent Examination carried out by J A D Mumby FCA Mumby-Heppenstall Chartered Accountants
Contents
Page
- 1 – 3 Annual Report 4 Independent Examiner’s Report 5 Statement of financial activities 6 Balance sheet 7 – 10 Notes to the financial statements
The Waddington Flying Club
Annual Report for year ended 31 March 2026
The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and Activities
The Royal Air Force Waddington Flying Club was established in 2003 and registered as a charity with the Charity Commission as The Waddington Flying Club in 2013. In 2021 the overseeing body, The Royal Air Force Flying Clubs Association (RAFFCA) was superseded by a new organisation, The Royal Air Force Sport Aircraft (RAFSA). As a result, the operating name of the club was changed to the Waddington Flying School (WFS) but the charity remains The Waddington Flying Club.
The object of the Waddington Flying School is:
‘The promotion of efficiency of the armed forces of the Crown by the provision and support of facilities and activities for the efficiency and well- being of Service personnel’.
This object presents the Trustee with wide powers, enabling them to provide charitable assistance to all elements of the Royal Air Force Community. The Waddington Flying School (WFS) has a main aim set by the Trustee:
‘To be respected for our professional and safe approach to flying training, management and airmanship, and to be admired for our friendly and welcoming atmosphere’.
Specifically, the aims of WFS are:
-
a) To provide effective flying training for Service and associated personnel in a professional manner, at the lowest possible cost.
-
b) Offer flying instruction leading to the award of a civil flight crew licence or rating.
-
c) Provide facilities that enable members to engage in flying related activities.
-
d) Encourage and promote an interest in aviation and aviation competition.
The charity delivers public benefit as it assists in providing Royal Air Force personnel with the necessary skills to carry out the Royal Air Force contribution to the defence of the United Kingdom and its interests.
Service Funds are established for the benefit of Service personnel to promote military efficiency which underpins esprit de corps and team working, and they help to encourage personnel to develop the character, spirit and attitude to face challenges associated with military service.
As a result, the Fund delivers a benefit to the general public in helping to provide personnel who are motivated, have high morale and are willing to serve the needs of their country and that of its public, at all times
1
The Waddington Flying Club
Annual Report for year ended 31 March 2026
Achievements and Performance
The Waddington Flying School’s output has found a new equilibrium this year, following the disruption of multiple aircraft turnovers and severe operational restrictions associated with the Red Arrows’ winter practice period; as well as the introduction of the Protector to RAF Waddington. At time of publication, with one leased aircraft and circa 20 regularly flying members; WFS is operationally sustainable.
Our instructor faculty has experienced much-needed growth through the arrival of Sqn Ldr Angus Lilley and, particularly, the return of Mr Don Paxton; joining stalwart instructors Chelvin Hibbert and Andrew Rake. We have also benefitted from shorter periods of instruction from other individuals, serving and non-serving, however working commitments have prevented them being long-term assets. The expanded faculty has been instrumental in a very successful year for WFS JROPSS delivery. In May, CPO Goodlass attended the Introductory Flying Scholarship Day at RAF Benson with G-CLDK, flying three scholars. Then, allocated three out of eighteen 2025 JROPSS scholarships, WFS successfully trained all three scholars to completion of First Solo by the closure date of the Beyond Solo Scheme (BSS) application window. From a very competitive board, two of those scholars received BSS top-up scholarships out of eight available across RAFSA. WFS’ success in the training sphere, despite significant operational challenges, was reflected in the award of RAFSA Club of the Year 2025
Achievement and success have also been found within our Ops and Assurance team. Following recommendations made from a good Fuels and Gas Safety Assurance Assessment in 2024, WFS received high praise from the inspection in May 25; demonstrating “gold standard” flying club fuel management. This was testament to the hard work and attention to detail of our Club Manager, Mr Richard Dawe. Small wins are also achieved on a weekly basis by WFS’ commitment to ensuring representation every week at the airfield Operational Planning Group (OPG), typically by Mr Dawe but increasingly by a cross-section of the club’s serving members. Through the OPG, WFS is ensuring that club access to the airfield is always given due consideration by airfield stakeholders; going a significant way to preventing greater disruption to flying availability. With the handover of OiC duties to Flt Lt Dan McHugh during the New Year, and later of Dep OiC duties to Flt Lt John White, WFS is now able to reach deeper into the airbase structure to protect our access to the airfield. Finally, a change in primary means of intraclub communication, from e-Allocator to a WhatsApp community, has paid dividends in increasing engagement between members; particularly in volunteering and sourcing a Duty Member to assist flying at weekends.
Financial Review
Total incoming resources increased by 16% in the year to £89,941 (2025: £77,152). Income from flying fees and instruction increased to £52,200 (2025: £48,567), but subscriptions decreased further to £8,885 (2025: £10,245). The club received grants from RAFSA £1,671 and RAFCF £2,000, and the club received £4,912 from the ELC scheme (Enhanced Learning Credit). Finally income from the sale of fuels and oils increased by 17% to £17,906 (2025: £15,223).
Total operating expenses increased by 11% to £65,923 (2025: £59,253). Management and administration costs rose slightly to £14,651 (2025: £13,839). As a result WFS reported an operating surplus of £9,367 (2025: £4,061).
At 31 March 2026 WFS had total liquid funds of £50,581 (2025: £47,249).
Principle funding is received from subscriptions and flying activities from School members.
Some additional funding, for specific equipment or activity, is obtained from the RAF Central Fund and the RAF Charitable Trust through the over-arching organisation – the RAF Sports Aircraft Association.
All expenditure is made for the ultimate benefit and provision of services to School members.
The WFS needs a relatively low level of reserves, mainly to cover for the fluctuating aviation supplies market, principally due to the volatile nature of the price of oil. Additional reserves are created and held from time to time when future liabilities and expenditure is identified and the trustees consider it prudent to earmark funds to cover the outlay.
2
The Waddington Flying Club
Annual Report for year ended 31 March 2026
Structure, Governance and Management
As an approved RAF Sport, overall governance of the Waddington Flying School (WFS) falls to the RAF Sport Aircraft Association (RAFSA). RAFSA is itself a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). However, the day-to-day management and control of the WFS falls to the Trustees and general management committee.
The Managing Trustee, Principal Trustee (also appointed as the Chairman) and the committee members are appointed by the membership of the School. The WFS Officer in Charge heads the general committee. However, all management decisions, acquisitions and expenditure are subject to the Principal Trustee’s approval.
Committee/Board of Trustee meetings take place every three months. The budget for the next financial year is set in April by the School Executive Committee for approval by the Members at a General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting ratifies the annual audited accounts of the School. Minutes are taken at each Committee and General meeting and are circulated electronically to reach the Trustee within 10 working days of the meeting for their approval.
The Trustees have continued a programme of work to identify procedures to mitigate risk and to minimise potential impact should risks materialise.
Administrative Information
The company is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales – Charity number 1155164
The correspondence address is: RAF Waddington Flying Club, RAF Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9NB
The Charity uses the trading style of Waddington Flying School.
The charity is governed by its constitution which was adopted on 4 September 2013
Trustees
The trustees who served from 1 April 2025 to the date of this report are:
Sqn Ldr C Hives Air Cdr (Ret’d) A Seymour Flt Lt N Whithead (stood down 31 Dec 2025)
Approved by the Trustees on the Fourth day of August 2026 and signed on its behalf by
Sqn Ldr C Hives
3
The Waddington Flying Club
Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Waddington Flying Club for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below
Independent Examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention:
-
a) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep the accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.
have not been met; or
- b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J A D Mumby FCA Mumby Heppenstall, Chartered Accountants Wellingore Hall Wellingore Lincoln LN5 0HX
4
The Waddington Flying School
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2026
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES 3 Charitable Activities Other Trading Grants and Donations Investments Other Total RESOURCES EXPENDED 4 Raising Funds Charitable Activities Management and administration Other Total NET (DEFICIT)/INCOME Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total Funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
£ 61,085 18,156 10,700 695 - 90,635 - 65,923 14,651 - 80,574 10,061 - - 10,061 83,398 93,459 Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - |
TOTAL 2026 £ 61,085 18,156 10,700 695 - 90,635 - 65,923 14,651 - 80,574 10,061 - - 10,061 83,398 93,459 |
2025 £ 59,555 15,223 2,374 912 - 78,065 - 59,253 13,839 - 73,092 4,973 - 4,973 78,425 83,398 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5
The Waddington Flying School
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026
| ______ Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 2 CURRENT ASSETS Stock - fuel Debtors Prepayments Bank 5 CREDITORS 6 Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS CREDITORS: amounts falling due in more than o NET ASSETS RESERVES 7 Operational Reserve General Reserve |
___ £ 46,693 3,600 - - 50,580 54,180 7,415 46,766 93,459 ne year 93,459 12,000 81,459 93,459 Unrestricted Funds |
_____ Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - |
____ TOTAL 2026 £ 46,693 3,600 - - 50,580 54,180 7,415 46,766 93,459 93,459 12,000 81,459 93,459 |
____ 2025 £ 46,693 1,875 - - 47,249 49,124 12,419 36,704 83,397 83,397 12,000 71,397 83,397 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6
The Waddington Flying Club
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)'. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and bas been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Plant and machinery - 20% on reducing balance
Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
551111
7
The Waddington Flying School
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Disposals Charge for year NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 3. ANALYSIS OF INCOME £ a) Charitable Activities Flying/instruction fees 51,005 Exam fees 1,195 Subscriptions 8,885 61,085 b) Trading Sales - fuel and oil 17,906 Other 250 18,156 c) Grants and Donations RAFSA/RAFCT 3,671 Gift-Aid receipts 2,117 Closed ELC 4,912 10,700 d) Investments Bank interest 695 - TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 90,635 Unrestricted Funds |
Buildings £ 60,440 60,440 14,749 - 251 - 14,499 45,942 45,691 Restricted Funds £ - - - - |
Plant & Equipment £ 25,910 25,910 24,908 - 251 25,159 752 1,002 TOTAL 2026 £ 51,005 1,195 8,885 61,085 17,906 250 18,156 3,671 2,117 4,912 10,700 695 90,635 |
TOTAL £ 86,350 - - 86,350 39,657 - - 39,657 46,693 46,693 2025 £ 48,567 743 10,245 59,555 15,223 - 15,223 - 2,374 - 2,374 912 78,065 |
|---|---|---|---|
8
The Waddington Flying School
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026
4. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
| £ a) Raising Funds Functions - b) Charitable Activities Fuels 19,796 Aircraft Hire 21,509 Aircraft maintenance 12,078 Insurance 3,856 Instruction costs 8,596 Training - Hangar relocation costs - Other direct costs 89 Depreciation - 65,923 c) Management and Administration Manager 6,988 Sundry admin exps 534 Cleaning & maint 1,518 IT, software 2,402 Telephone, internet etc 40 Travel & sub 31 Professional and consultancy - Independent Examiner Fee 810 Insurance 226 RAFFCA Subscription 1,275 Bank charges 827 14,651 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 80,574 5. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND £ HSBC Current 17,838 Reserve 22,742 Bond 10,000 Engine Replacement Fund - Cash - 50,580 Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - Restricted Funds £ - |
TOTAL 2026 £ - 19,796 21,509 12,078 3,856 8,596 - - 89 - 65,923 6,988 534 1,518 2,402 40 31 - 810 226 1,275 827 14,651 80,574 TOTAL 2026 £ 17,838 22,742 10,000 - - 50,580 |
2025 £ - 25,790 19,037 6,315 - 7,711 375 - 24 - 59,253 6,622 899 1,323 1,899 90 - - 800 226 1,190 790 13,839 73,092 2025 £ 15,201 22,048 10,000 - - 47,249 |
|---|---|---|---|
9
The Waddington Flying School
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026
6. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS: Falling due within one year
7.
| Restricted Funds £ £ Creditors - Accruals 810 Payments received in advance 6,604 7,415 - MOVEMENT ON RESERVES Operational Project Engine Reserve Reserves Replacement £ £ £ Balance at 1 April 2024 12,000 Transfers to/(from) Surplus for year Balance at 1 April 2025 12,000 - - Transfers to/(from) Surplus for year Balance at 31 March 2026 12,000 - - Unrestricted Funds |
TOTAL 2026 £ - 810 6,604 7,414 General Reserve £ 66,425 4,973 71,398 10,061 81,459 |
2025 £ - 810 10,748 11,558 TOTAL £ 78,425 - 4,973 83,398 10,061 93,459 |
|---|---|---|
10