Going for pilots license

[The Lukas]

Hey folks, I've been considering taking the recreational flying license. From what I've seen it costs about 3.5k and a number of hours in the air. I am going for a taster on Tuesday.

Has anybody here a pilot? I can see it being an expensive hobby but very rewarding! I have been interested in paramotoring too, may go for a session of that too before I decide what to do. Any advice would be fantastic! Thanks

[cerberamatt]

Hello,If you are talking about ppl(a) i don't think you could do it for 3.5k.It would be closer to twice that i think. as its a min of 45hrs flying and a few writen exams.A nppl might be closer to that figure but its only valid in the uk and i don't think you can take passangers.

[The Lukas]

Thanks for the reply, I've just seen a similar topic to this on the next page or so, I'm wondering why I didn't find it with the search facility? Sorry for reposting, and I see now it will cost 7k+! Like i said though, must be very rewarding!

[DastardlyMutley]

I'm 60 hours into a PPL(A) and all I can say is, make sure you weigh up all the options, decide on what you want it for, then go try out a few different places to get a feel for what the instructors are like and the place is like (if you can, talk to other students whilst you are there)

I'm not far off my test now, and all I can say is, yes it's expensive, but god damn it's worth it

[john_p]

Come gliding, it's much cheaper! *


* and much more time consuming

[The Lukas]

Okay, this is when I start sounding like a complete newb but I just fancy owning a (very) small aircraft that kind of resembles something classic and old, maybe with an open cab. How much do planes cost? I've seen some around 25k. How much do clubs/airports charge for keeping one at there field? What of taking off and landing? Can you travel/tour with one (stop for fuel ect) What are the maintenance costs of a small plane? Sorry for such basic questions, I just can't wait till Tuesday!

[Eric Mc]

Have a look at some local airfield websites (they nearly all have them now) and you will get an idea of landing fees, hangarage costs etc.

I think flying is very much a luxury and is extremely expensive when you take into account the entire costs involved. However, if yopu can afford it - go for it. Just be realistic about how much you need to spend.

[Munter]

The Lukas said:

Okay, this is when I start sounding like a complete newb but I just fancy owning a (very) small aircraft that kind of resembles something classic and old, maybe with an open cab. How much do planes cost? I've seen some around 25k. How much do clubs/airports charge for keeping one at there field? What of taking off and landing? Can you travel/tour with one (stop for fuel ect) What are the maintenance costs of a small plane? Sorry for such basic questions, I just can't wait till Tuesday!

Here's some info.
http://www.wolverhamptonairport.co.uk/#/fees-charg...

[DastardlyMutley]

Whilst ownership isn't out of the question, I don't think the cost of the aircraft is the deciding factor

When you look into it, you'll see that aviation is very strictly controlled, primarily for safety reasons. To this end, the costs incurred to stay legal on maintenance schedules / insurance / hangarage, etc are probably the bigger concerns

Of course a far cheaper alternative is one of group ownership, which from what I can tell, seems to be a very popular option

Good luck with the trial, you'll LOVE it, bet you don't loose that smile for days afterwards !

[The Lukas]

I've also been looking at the possibility of microlight ownership. These licenses look cheaper to attain but seem to have limits. But I don't exactly want a big plane, a 3 axis fixed wing microlight would suit me, but I've also heard you aren't allowed to take passengers?

[Aizletree]

I did my PPL (A) in 2005 in a "Florida Factory", I was fortunate to have my father's plane at my disposal on my return and needed to do difference training so I had some instruction over here to tidy up around the edges from the US way. I started learning to fly in this country and the weather and availability of aircraft just kept putting the brakes on. With flights et al it came to about £6K. One thing I would say is the quicker you learn the quicker you forget, so unless you come back and fly regularly it will soon be forgotten.

As for running costs of the aircraft (Reims Rocket 172), including hangarage, fuel, insurance, maintenance and other suprises along the way it comes to about £9000 a year.

I've been flying for nearly 5 years now and I think its ruddy fantastic! Go for it!

[The Lukas]

Thanks ATree, sounds amazing. I'll post up how I get on on Tuesday. In the meantime, and info regarding microlights would be great. Once completing the microlight license, would it be just as difficult and expensive to attain the PPL?

Thanks for any encouragement, advice or comments so far

[Aizletree]

Sorry for being lazy, it's early. This should cover what you're asking. Any jargon you don't get feel free to ask.

http://www.theflyingschool.co.uk/nppl.htm

[FraserLFA]

For ownership, try and find a syndicate. Chances are you won't be flying everyweekend, so why notshare the costs with other people in the same situation?

[The Lukas]

Aizletree said:

Sorry for being lazy, it's early. This should cover what you're asking. Any jargon you don't get feel free to ask.

http://www.theflyingschool.co.uk/nppl.htm

Thanks! Very helpful link. Looks like a microlight license is a way to go.

FraserLFA said:

For ownership, try and find a syndicate. Chances are you won't be flying everyweekend, so why notshare the costs with other people in the same situation?

Yes, you are probably right in view of costs to own your own aircraft. Good advice.

[eharding]

The Lukas said:

Looks like a microlight license is a way to go.

Microlights, particularly some of the recent three-axis examples, are very capable VFR touring platforms, and can be operated at a small fraction of the amount it costs to run a CofA or Permit type.

There is, however, one gaping hole in the set of contemporary microlight capabilities.

You cannot fly aerobatics in them - legally, or illegally with any sane safety margin of stress factors.

The ability to fully explore the three dimensions, a pure, simple joy - and, frankly, the fundamental point of aviation - unless you view it as a means of getting from A to B without having to deal with the ground-dwelling plebs in between - is denied to you.

Hence, don't be in such a rush to go down a path which severely truncates your ability to experience the the best delights aviation has to offer.

You can always revert to the microlight world when petrol passes £10 a litre - and it will still be an excellent means of avoiding the (rioting) ground-dwelling plebs.

[jenkotvr]

Take up Paramotoring...pure freedom

[LD1Racing]

I'm going to disagree with many here regarding group flying or syndicates. You'll often find with big groups that the aircraft will be booked up as soon as the weather forecast looks good. You will be unable to actually go anywhere for an extended period of time (a couple of weeks touring for instance), and when someone else damages it, you will be unable to use it until it is repaired. Very frustrating when it happens - and it does, probably more often than you'd imagine.

I would much rather fly my own, cheaper aircraft than join a group. If you must go the syndicate route, try to find a small group, with two or three flyers at the most.

[The Lukas]

eharding said:

There is, however, one gaping hole in the set of contemporary microlight capabilities.

You cannot fly aerobatics in them - legally, or illegally with any sane safety margin of stress factors.

That's annoying, I was thinking I may enjoy the odd bit of aerobatics. Is this true with regarding microlights that resemble the traditional light aircraft?

edited for spelling

Edited by The Lukas on Monday 28th June 12:37

[The Lukas]

jenkotvr said:

Take up Paramotoring...pure freedom

I would love to, advice on this sport would be great too, maybe it deserves it's own topic.

Nice Chimarea!

Edited by The Lukas on Monday 28th June 12:39