Flying Lessons!

[sccbishop]

Afternoon

It's my dad's 60th in a month or so, and my sister and I would like to buy him one or more flying lessons. We're based in the Glos/Wilts area. Can anyone give me any pointers or recommendations?

Thanks,
Simon

[NHyde]

Try Staverton Airport

[eharding]

Depends on whether you think he'd want to continue
flying after the first couple of lessons - if so,
then a couple of introductory sessions in a Cessna
would be a good start - alternatively, if you wanted
something aerobatic as a one-off, try Ultimate High
down at Kemble (about 4 miles south-west of Cirencester)
- a bit more expensive than a Cessna, but worth it......

www.ultimatehigh.co.uk


>> Edited by eharding on Tuesday 22 February 14:28

[egoboss]

sccbishop said:

Afternoon It's my dad's 60th in a month or so, and my sister and I would like to buy him one or more flying lessons. We're based in the Glos/Wilts area. Can anyone give me any pointers or recommendations? Thanks, Simon

if you want something a bit different but in that theme, consider giving him a cpl of flying lessons in a glider/sailplane instead.

cessna's and the like are all well and good but - personally - none too exciting unless you're using them as an air cab or planning to do a ppl. a glider/sailplane will be a lot more fun/surreal for him and very safe.

also, in my humble opinion, avoid microlights for air experience flights.

if you do go for gliding option, unless you go to a club based on a ridge site, or towed very high, the flights will be rather brief this time of year due to lack of thermals, so you may want to book 3 or 4 "circuits and bumps" ..! which should amount to similar cost as a cessna lesson.

hope he enjoys it.

fyi - www.cotswoldgliding.co.uk/holiday.htm

ttfn

[sccbishop]

Thanks all - will look into the gliding, and live v near Kemble so will give them a call.

[Gaffer]

Roop got his PPL from Costwold Areo Club at Staverton.
He aslo stored the Hunter at Kemble (Delta Jets) and knows what the flying club there is like.

He is back on Saturday so drop him a mail.

CAA welcome anyone to go and have a look round, I used to go and hang round waiting for Roop and they have quiz nights/BBQ's and other events, very friendly bunch and will answer any questions.

Claire

[shirepro]

How much does it cost these days to get a PPL? I know you have to have x number of hours and tuition?

I heard that if you have a PS2 you get a licence with only 2 hours real experince as long as you have reached the appropriate level in one of the simulator games. Is that right?

[Eric Mc]

I very much doubt it!

There's a fair amount of theoretical stuff to learn too - such as meteorology, navigation and theory of flight.

>> Edited by Eric Mc on Tuesday 22 February 18:03

[Nickccc]

PPL 45 hours of flying ( most of it with an instructor) +ground based exams.
Have you considered gliding, nowhere near as much theroy, but a real kick.
Nick

[Hardcore2000]

shirepro said:

How much does it cost these days to get a PPL? I know you have to have x number of hours and tuition? I heard that if you have a PS2 you get a licence with only 2 hours real experince as long as you have reached the appropriate level in one of the simulator games. Is that right?

Are you trolling

i heard that if you have completed MS Combat Flight Sim in the most ardest mode you get your wings in the RAF immediately and shown to your own eurofighter in a blaze of glory innit!