morbz
18th Jun 2008, 14:57
Hi there
I've spent a good hour sifting through threads on Florida and hours building, however Im still a bit stuck on information...
This August I intened to gain around 50 hours in a Cessna 172, Cherokee 140 or something equally the same in price. I've researched about 15 different schools and places that rent planes in Florida, including Kissimmee, Orlando, St Lucie and a few other places. I will be travelling with a non flying partner- well someone who will be travelling in the right hand seat but not actually flying, just there for the experience and company. However this person is only available until around September so ideally I would be going to build hours before then... If for some reason I cant get to Florida for such an early date, I wouldnt mind going later- its just I am unsure of weather and things?
I have a few questions to ask if anyone could answer them, or a few if anything!
1. Where would you recommend for hours building in florida, ie a school, club or airfield and why? I've so far found interest in Trade Winds and SunState Aviation, both at different airfields I believe, but what would your suggestions be in terms of cheapest landing fees, clubs that dont sting you on extra hidden charges etc... So far I've worked out around $135 per hour in a 172 including fuel (wet rate) including sales tax.
2. Accommodation & flight over... I've found that some schools offer cheap accommodation, however not all so I would need to stay in a motel which would cost around £200 for the 14 days I intend to stay. Also the cheapest flight I've found is £710 involving one stop and then an internal link. BUT thinking about it out of a simple holiday brochure from a travel agents, they offer 14 day holidays including flights for around £800!?
3. License conversions and visas... I understand I must convert a PPL to the FAA license, as well as get some sort of security clearance. I've heard mixed instructions though, some people saying you dont need a clearance or special visa for the 14 days and that you can get away with a basic tourist visa. Also as I won't have my license until the start of August, would this be too late to sort out an FAA conversion or would I need to go later in the year? I'm guessing this may be a bit late, if so, would I be able to fly in November/December time or is the weather really poor?
4. Finally, how does florida differ in terms of their Air law and procedures to here in the UK? Are their charts different, or is the RT different? Do you still sit in the left seat or the right?
Any information would be brill, either on here or through a PM.
Thanks very much for reading,
Steve
I've spent a good hour sifting through threads on Florida and hours building, however Im still a bit stuck on information...
This August I intened to gain around 50 hours in a Cessna 172, Cherokee 140 or something equally the same in price. I've researched about 15 different schools and places that rent planes in Florida, including Kissimmee, Orlando, St Lucie and a few other places. I will be travelling with a non flying partner- well someone who will be travelling in the right hand seat but not actually flying, just there for the experience and company. However this person is only available until around September so ideally I would be going to build hours before then... If for some reason I cant get to Florida for such an early date, I wouldnt mind going later- its just I am unsure of weather and things?
I have a few questions to ask if anyone could answer them, or a few if anything!
1. Where would you recommend for hours building in florida, ie a school, club or airfield and why? I've so far found interest in Trade Winds and SunState Aviation, both at different airfields I believe, but what would your suggestions be in terms of cheapest landing fees, clubs that dont sting you on extra hidden charges etc... So far I've worked out around $135 per hour in a 172 including fuel (wet rate) including sales tax.
2. Accommodation & flight over... I've found that some schools offer cheap accommodation, however not all so I would need to stay in a motel which would cost around £200 for the 14 days I intend to stay. Also the cheapest flight I've found is £710 involving one stop and then an internal link. BUT thinking about it out of a simple holiday brochure from a travel agents, they offer 14 day holidays including flights for around £800!?
3. License conversions and visas... I understand I must convert a PPL to the FAA license, as well as get some sort of security clearance. I've heard mixed instructions though, some people saying you dont need a clearance or special visa for the 14 days and that you can get away with a basic tourist visa. Also as I won't have my license until the start of August, would this be too late to sort out an FAA conversion or would I need to go later in the year? I'm guessing this may be a bit late, if so, would I be able to fly in November/December time or is the weather really poor?
4. Finally, how does florida differ in terms of their Air law and procedures to here in the UK? Are their charts different, or is the RT different? Do you still sit in the left seat or the right?
Any information would be brill, either on here or through a PM.
Thanks very much for reading,
Steve