Discussion
Its my dad's 70th next month and I'd like to take him up in a small plane for some kind of tour about Scotland. Nothing too grand, can be 45 mins or a couple of hours, I'd just like to go flying and have some fun. I can find a company working out of Oban but I'd have thought there would be people working out of Cumbernauld or Perth.
Anyone got any ideas?
Anyone got any ideas?
Andrew, have a look at Cumbernauld airport http://www.cumbernauldairport.org/Pages/airport_se... The link to Hebridean Air Services shows pleasure flights and scenic tours.
Running a small plane costs around £80 per hour wet(i.e incl fuel) + the cost of someone with a CPL. So about 100-150 per hour.
Most airports will know some instructors that will be able to take you up and have a shot at using the controls and actually flying. Just give them a call.
Depends what you want to do; a tour, or a shot at the "wheel"? The former will be (slightly) longer/cheaper.
I haven't used them but www.flyleadingedge.co.uk will give you the opportunity to be at the controls. Pricey though. Based in Cumbernauld/Perth/Glasgow.
Be ware that some companies will include taxiing time in the hour that you book, some of the shorter tours can be disappointing at best.
Alternatively, http://www.flyscenicscotland.co.uk/ will give you a good tour. The flight plans are on the website too, so you know what you're getting. Based in Oban.
I run a plane share of a Cessna 172 in Carlisle. But it's only 2 seats right now and I can't take any money for flying time (But you get to put gas in it!).
Most airports will know some instructors that will be able to take you up and have a shot at using the controls and actually flying. Just give them a call.
Depends what you want to do; a tour, or a shot at the "wheel"? The former will be (slightly) longer/cheaper.
I haven't used them but www.flyleadingedge.co.uk will give you the opportunity to be at the controls. Pricey though. Based in Cumbernauld/Perth/Glasgow.
Be ware that some companies will include taxiing time in the hour that you book, some of the shorter tours can be disappointing at best.
Alternatively, http://www.flyscenicscotland.co.uk/ will give you a good tour. The flight plans are on the website too, so you know what you're getting. Based in Oban.
I run a plane share of a Cessna 172 in Carlisle. But it's only 2 seats right now and I can't take any money for flying time (But you get to put gas in it!).
Edited by MethylatedSpirit on Monday 23 March 00:48
Hi Andrew, I've been on the 'West Coast Explorer' tour with Loch Lomond Seaplanes with my own Dad.
We got a nice clear dry day which helps but I'd recommend the tour, taking off and landing on water is a fun experience and a little different from the norm, and you are all given headsets and the pilot gave a little guided tour along the way.
Can't remember how much it cost so can't comment on value for money I'm afraid!
We got a nice clear dry day which helps but I'd recommend the tour, taking off and landing on water is a fun experience and a little different from the norm, and you are all given headsets and the pilot gave a little guided tour along the way.
Can't remember how much it cost so can't comment on value for money I'm afraid!
Edited by yellowbentines on Monday 23 March 09:04
http://www.highlandaviation.com/
A bit further afield but I recommend them, very friendly
Loch Ness is amazing from the air and the Cairngorms also, need about 1hr total for this round trip.
A bit further afield but I recommend them, very friendly
Loch Ness is amazing from the air and the Cairngorms also, need about 1hr total for this round trip.
Edited by CO2000 on Monday 23 March 10:08
Andrew[MG] said:
A few good options there, thanks guys! The Lomond tour looks good but I've heard that the sea plane gets cancelled a lot?
Few years ago now however they cancelled on four separate occasions with me at the very last minute. Between that and their customer service I gave up in the end.Andrew[MG] said:
A few good options there, thanks guys! The Lomond tour looks good but I've heard that the sea plane gets cancelled a lot?
Hmm, can't confirm or deny I'm afraid, my sister dealt with the booking.However, it was a lovely day so they'd have had no reason to cancel on us, though on balance if the weather was bad I'd have preferred not go up anyway as the views due to the clear skies made the day for me.
What date would he be looking to do this?
I'd be happy to fly him for an hour or two if it helps you out.
You can get either a Piper PA-28 or Cessna 172S Skyhawk which are 4 seaters from Glasgow for about £180 solo rate and he could choose (within reason) what he wanted to see.
Alternatively i'd scan groupon/livingsocial/etc and see if there is an introductory lessons available and he would have the benefit of taking the controls as well. I've seen some of these going for about £100 an hour
ETA - There's a 30 min lesson from Cumbernauld on Groupon now for £99
I'd be happy to fly him for an hour or two if it helps you out.
You can get either a Piper PA-28 or Cessna 172S Skyhawk which are 4 seaters from Glasgow for about £180 solo rate and he could choose (within reason) what he wanted to see.
Alternatively i'd scan groupon/livingsocial/etc and see if there is an introductory lessons available and he would have the benefit of taking the controls as well. I've seen some of these going for about £100 an hour
ETA - There's a 30 min lesson from Cumbernauld on Groupon now for £99
Edited by R8Steve on Tuesday 24th March 14:39
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