Where to hour build in Florida?
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Where to hour build in Florida?
Hi Guys,
I am a PPL hour building to start CPL. Need approx 70 hours P1. Economically impractical to try and do it in Ireland / UK - Best advice I have is to jump on over to Florida for a few weeks and get some kind of all in block package.......Is this best option? Reading pprune however has led me to believe that there are a large number of schools that you will either be sitting around waiting for a plane or that give preference to other integrated students. Can anyone give me a recommendation of a school in Florida that they have attended for the same purpose and have found to be economically viable, provide good equipment, etc etc?
I am a PPL hour building to start CPL. Need approx 70 hours P1. Economically impractical to try and do it in Ireland / UK - Best advice I have is to jump on over to Florida for a few weeks and get some kind of all in block package.......Is this best option? Reading pprune however has led me to believe that there are a large number of schools that you will either be sitting around waiting for a plane or that give preference to other integrated students. Can anyone give me a recommendation of a school in Florida that they have attended for the same purpose and have found to be economically viable, provide good equipment, etc etc?
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Don't, go to California, weather more predictable, more interesting terrain which will give you lots of benefit for a future flying career. Typical day for hour builder was taking off in the morning, flying to Las Vegas, having lunch and setting off again to San Francisco and back to LA - nice 8 hr day. Found Florida's weather very unreliable as equally were the flight centres who i tried to arrange aircraft hire from (myself and other peoples opinions but that's not to say there aren't good ones around but haven't heard of any thus far). Look up Fly Corona in LA region, very good, organised and cheap as chips. Own maintenance centre on site and lots of very helpful people. Ask to speak to Carlos, Elian or Colin. Good luck
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I am a PPL hour building to start CPL. Need approx 70 hours P1. Economically impractical to try and do it in Ireland / UK
How much do you think you will really be saving once you add everything together? Then ask yourself whether flying around with no air traffic and buggerall weather will make you a better pilot than you are now?
I have read a lot about flying in the states and if you want a really good school with a/c that won't go tech, and a schedule that means you aren't sitting around, then you will have to pay for it. Which means the cost comparison would make the states probably more expensive.
Another misconception about flying in the USA, plenty weather over there, infact I've encountered far more severe weather flying in the States than anywhere else in Europe and believe me I've been around. Plenty busy ATC too if thats what you really want.
No doubt this will generate another ten pages from the usual pprune armchair experts who have probably never flown an aircraft let alone been to the States.
Ladies, Gentlemen, I leave you to continue....
No doubt this will generate another ten pages from the usual pprune armchair experts who have probably never flown an aircraft let alone been to the States.
Ladies, Gentlemen, I leave you to continue....
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Never thought i'd have to join the masses on here by saying what 'total and absolute rubbish' you have just written. I forgot as a PPL holder with no IR you can fly with mimimum vis and its safe enough to fly into CB's.
LA surrounded by mountains (mountain effect) and as with most of the west coast the weather does fluctuate (only on the coast) according to the time of day due to cold jet streams.
I recently finished CPL training at SFC and did what you are doing right now for a long time last year (trying to plan a successful trip in the USA). Through many hours of talking to these companies with very little confidence I did finally get a good feeling from my previous mentioned company and the experience was out of this world.
I can reluctantly agree with one fact pointed out by your other reply and that is, by the time you have paid for everything you won't have saved much money, however, what you will have saved is a great deal of time waiting for the weather to be good enough to get up in (Irish/UK weather) and with that taken into account you will end up saving money!
Please PM me if you would like to talk and i can also share pictures of aircraft and views if needed.
LA surrounded by mountains (mountain effect) and as with most of the west coast the weather does fluctuate (only on the coast) according to the time of day due to cold jet streams.
I recently finished CPL training at SFC and did what you are doing right now for a long time last year (trying to plan a successful trip in the USA). Through many hours of talking to these companies with very little confidence I did finally get a good feeling from my previous mentioned company and the experience was out of this world.
I can reluctantly agree with one fact pointed out by your other reply and that is, by the time you have paid for everything you won't have saved much money, however, what you will have saved is a great deal of time waiting for the weather to be good enough to get up in (Irish/UK weather) and with that taken into account you will end up saving money!
Please PM me if you would like to talk and i can also share pictures of aircraft and views if needed.
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plenty weather over there, infact I've encountered far more severe weather flying in the States than anywhere else in Europe
The T/O x-wind limit is circa 12kts for a Cessna 152 - so I'm not quite sure what your point is and what you are comparing.
Its quite simple. People go to states because of the allegedly cheaper cost of hour building. This comes from lower fuel cost, charges blah blah.
If you go an airfield with moderate traffic (hence being situated in an airspace with moderate traffic) then obviously the airfield charges will cost more compared to some dirt strip in the middle of Nevada. So straight away you have lost the whole cost difference that you originally went for.
Also, the other attraction of the states is the weather where you can pretty much guarantee blue skies for weeks on end unlike in England. You could easily build a 100 hours in 5 weeks (if you flew 4 hours per day). You won't book your ticket for Florida in the middle of hurricane season would you?
So in summary the attraction is weather and costs therefore weather will be nil, and air traffic will be next to nothing.
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The last post wasn't for your comments youngskywalker. Indeed the USA is huge and very varied in terrain which is why there would be all kinds of differing weather. The only real challenges on the western board are the Santa Ana winds which may blow for a few days from october around LA and in land through the LA basin hence the fires they always have over there. You can always look the weather up for the region and see for yourself)
That's me done before hell lets rip on here
That's me done before hell lets rip on here
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I really get sick and tired of the misconceptions posted on here. If you haven't been and done it then wind your neck in. There is absolutely no point in posting garbage about "my mate told me that....". Or I was having a cup of coffee waiting for the weather to clear at school the other day and someone told me that....Bollocks.
If you want to fly around in uncontrolled airspace in the US and not talk to anyone then go ahead and do it. Similarly if you want to do it in the UK then there is a large country called Scotland just to the north (check your charts) where you can fly for hours never talking to anyone.
On the other hand if you want to do some constructive hour building in the US then......Get flight following and go to some challenging places. Use wx-brief for a FREE weather briefing. Land at most airfields for FREE (only the bigger ones charge landing fees or require handling and are easily avoided if cost is an issue). Use Airnav to check out cheap fuel prices and plan your flights accordingly. Taxi up to a self service fuel pump and swipe your credit card and away you go.
Or on the other hand you can stay in blighty looking up at the clouds wondering when you will go flying. Stay in the circuit to bash some landings and you get the privilege of paying for each one and maybe even an approach fee on top depending on where you fly from. Even better if there is commercial traffic on finals then you can go around in circles until they land. And don't forget that the FTO will want their aircraft back after a few hours as well so don't head off to far.
For me it was a no brainer. Got my IMC rating before I went to the US and did full plogs for each and every flight. Bashed out VOR tracking and position fixing till the cows came home and pushed myself to trim trim trim. The flight tolerances for the CPL and IR should be your guide. Don't accept anything less and push yourself rather than just burning holes in the sky. Sit down with an instructor before you head off and get some tips so that you come back ready to jump into the CPL and IR.
PS: Florida got very boring for me. California won hands down. Big mountains, nice trips to Santa Barbara, San Diego, Palm Springs, traversing the LA basin was a highlight, Vegas was great to, the bits of the Grand Canyon you can legally fly over were superb and Sedona in Arizona stood out as a fun approach. Enjoy.
If you want to fly around in uncontrolled airspace in the US and not talk to anyone then go ahead and do it. Similarly if you want to do it in the UK then there is a large country called Scotland just to the north (check your charts) where you can fly for hours never talking to anyone.
On the other hand if you want to do some constructive hour building in the US then......Get flight following and go to some challenging places. Use wx-brief for a FREE weather briefing. Land at most airfields for FREE (only the bigger ones charge landing fees or require handling and are easily avoided if cost is an issue). Use Airnav to check out cheap fuel prices and plan your flights accordingly. Taxi up to a self service fuel pump and swipe your credit card and away you go.
Or on the other hand you can stay in blighty looking up at the clouds wondering when you will go flying. Stay in the circuit to bash some landings and you get the privilege of paying for each one and maybe even an approach fee on top depending on where you fly from. Even better if there is commercial traffic on finals then you can go around in circles until they land. And don't forget that the FTO will want their aircraft back after a few hours as well so don't head off to far.
For me it was a no brainer. Got my IMC rating before I went to the US and did full plogs for each and every flight. Bashed out VOR tracking and position fixing till the cows came home and pushed myself to trim trim trim. The flight tolerances for the CPL and IR should be your guide. Don't accept anything less and push yourself rather than just burning holes in the sky. Sit down with an instructor before you head off and get some tips so that you come back ready to jump into the CPL and IR.
PS: Florida got very boring for me. California won hands down. Big mountains, nice trips to Santa Barbara, San Diego, Palm Springs, traversing the LA basin was a highlight, Vegas was great to, the bits of the Grand Canyon you can legally fly over were superb and Sedona in Arizona stood out as a fun approach. Enjoy.
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Folks, my whole point of this thread was as potkettleblack put it "If you haven't been and done it then wind your neck in" - I am seeking the advice of those of you that have done it, had both level of experience may it be bad or good.
The general tone is that Florida is not a good option whether it be cheaper or otherwise. To build 70 hours in Ireland is going to cost me the order of €13K and that is WX dependent. Could take me year to do that alone and thats being optimistic to say the least. My best option is to take a few weeks off, "Go Somewhere" that will prove to be a bit cheaper (doesn't necessarily have to be massively cheaper, just cheaper, HAS GOOD WX EVERY DAY) and provides me with a good service for my Euro and an oportunity to hone the skill that got me the licence in the 1st place.
Thanks Guys
The general tone is that Florida is not a good option whether it be cheaper or otherwise. To build 70 hours in Ireland is going to cost me the order of €13K and that is WX dependent. Could take me year to do that alone and thats being optimistic to say the least. My best option is to take a few weeks off, "Go Somewhere" that will prove to be a bit cheaper (doesn't necessarily have to be massively cheaper, just cheaper, HAS GOOD WX EVERY DAY) and provides me with a good service for my Euro and an oportunity to hone the skill that got me the licence in the 1st place.
Thanks Guys
There is a whole lot more to flying in the usa than just Florida, Ive flown over most of the States, West, south west, mid west, east, south east etc etc. You can find any type of weather that you want. True, if you want to bore holes in blue skies then you can easily achieve that, similarly if you want to explore some more and deal with very high density airflields near the mountains and speak to some of the busiest ATC centres in the world then thats also fair game. Just don't judge the USA and FAA Pilots by the standards of a few Brits looking for a quick 100 hours in Florida and an evening in the George and Dragon telling people how good Britain is!
I went to the States looking for variety not really for the cheap flying. I did all my training and hour building in Scotland. USA wins hands down for so many reasons!
I went to the States looking for variety not really for the cheap flying. I did all my training and hour building in Scotland. USA wins hands down for so many reasons!
When you add up the total cost of US, may not be much cheaper than UK. You could also strike a deal with aclub here for 70 hrs and get a cheaper rate. You're much better off doing your hour building in the same environment as where you will do your CPL - I did and it makes a heck of a difference. You get to know landmarks, airspace, and the local wx etc. Alot of the CPL is nav routes and if you practice these in your hour building. May save you some hours on your CPL course.
Either way, make sure you bet a brief from your intended school on what to prcatice and make the most of your 70 hrs - don't just go boring holes in the sky.
Either way, make sure you bet a brief from your intended school on what to prcatice and make the most of your 70 hrs - don't just go boring holes in the sky.
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To build 70 hours in Ireland is going to cost me the order of €13K
Granted it doesn't help much, weather, location etc. I'm just surprised why Ireland is so expensive.
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Rubbish It's certainly possible to fly 100 hours in the UK in one month. In the past i've know a few instructors that have done it on a regular basis.
Even in the current my flying school not that busy environment the full time instructors are getting 40-60 hours logged a month and the only reason that it is so low is due to lack of punters not crap weather.
However you must make sure that when you have a good flying day you really have to get the hours flown to make up for the days when the weather is poor. I also wouldn’t dismiss flying at night either (which I wouldn’t say is a bad idea anyway).
Having flown in both florida, LA and the UK I would agree it is easier to log the hours in other parts of the world but a 100 hours in a month in the UK is certainly achievable.
Even in the current my flying school not that busy environment the full time instructors are getting 40-60 hours logged a month and the only reason that it is so low is due to lack of punters not crap weather.
However you must make sure that when you have a good flying day you really have to get the hours flown to make up for the days when the weather is poor. I also wouldn’t dismiss flying at night either (which I wouldn’t say is a bad idea anyway).
Having flown in both florida, LA and the UK I would agree it is easier to log the hours in other parts of the world but a 100 hours in a month in the UK is certainly achievable.
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I’m also not so sure if going to the states is a big money saver anymore.
Locally to me you can hire 2 seat cessna’s for 78 quid wet and if you couple this in with filling her up in the channel islands and/or fuel drawback by flying to the continent this rate could drop even further.
Locally to me you can hire 2 seat cessna’s for 78 quid wet and if you couple this in with filling her up in the channel islands and/or fuel drawback by flying to the continent this rate could drop even further.
I think it's probably better value if you make a 'holiday' out of it too. Instead of just renting an aircraft and boring holes in the same bit of blue sky why not rent an aircraft for two weeks, take a friend or the good lady/man and go on a tour, take in as many different airports and experiences at the same time. So much more to do in the USA than just flying from Kissimmee to Lake Okechobee and back every day.
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Youngskywalker
A lot of the keenly priced deals in the USA are predicated on using the FBO's fuel. uplifting fuel at other places increses the price.
The other problem with the idea of taking a the GF along is that she will see the low budget aircraft for what it is , an under maintaned flying death trap.
For those who say hourbuilding in the UK can't be done please take a look at this web site from someone who has actualy done it.
index
The other problem with the idea of taking a the GF along is that she will see the low budget aircraft for what it is , an under maintaned flying death trap.
For those who say hourbuilding in the UK can't be done please take a look at this web site from someone who has actualy done it.
index
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florida-flyers
go to florida-flyers school!!
Florida Flyers European US Flightschool, Inc. - Übersicht
i just came back, trusth me,it's ok...!
contact :
Rainer Hueckels Loeffeck (CEO)
Phone +1 (904) 824-8434 Ext. 11
Fax +1 (904) 824-8458
Cell +1 (904) 826-5199
eMail [email protected]
not big school,not interested just about your money but even your goals!
they have good prices and not crowdy.
they have warrior p28, cessna 152, 172, 172rg,sp and garmin 1000 if you wish....i flow in pa28 and in 20 days i did 70 hours and i spent some days sightseeing in Miami, st.Augustine ,key west...so..if you wish you could also do more hours even during night....i did sometimes something like 10 hours per day around florida enjoying !!
weather in Florida much better than CA and is flat area, easy to fly even during night..but better from october till june.
if you need some info let me know.
Florida Flyers European US Flightschool, Inc. - Übersicht
i just came back, trusth me,it's ok...!
contact :
Rainer Hueckels Loeffeck (CEO)
Phone +1 (904) 824-8434 Ext. 11
Fax +1 (904) 824-8458
Cell +1 (904) 826-5199
eMail [email protected]
not big school,not interested just about your money but even your goals!
they have good prices and not crowdy.
they have warrior p28, cessna 152, 172, 172rg,sp and garmin 1000 if you wish....i flow in pa28 and in 20 days i did 70 hours and i spent some days sightseeing in Miami, st.Augustine ,key west...so..if you wish you could also do more hours even during night....i did sometimes something like 10 hours per day around florida enjoying !!
weather in Florida much better than CA and is flat area, easy to fly even during night..but better from october till june.
if you need some info let me know.
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Being the owner of the website linked to in A and C's post above, I can safely say that it CAN be done quickly and cheaply in the UK.
I flew a C-152 that looked like new for £78 an hour, and as has been mentioned above, If you live close to the south coast you can knock another £15 an hour of that if you chose to fill up with duty free fuel and head off to France every day.
The lease I had, I only paid for flying time, so that means any taxiing was in my logbook but at no extra cost.
I also managed 80 hours in 5 weeks in April / May up here in Scotland (without using my IMC rating).
I still reckon it would not have been any cheaper for me to do it in the USA and the real bonus is that my CPL instructor agrees that my hour building here in various winds and weathers has really helped my flying and is making the CPL course much easier for me. have a look at Home Page - BRK where I leased my 152 from, they offer a great friendly service.
Regards D-G
I flew a C-152 that looked like new for £78 an hour, and as has been mentioned above, If you live close to the south coast you can knock another £15 an hour of that if you chose to fill up with duty free fuel and head off to France every day.
The lease I had, I only paid for flying time, so that means any taxiing was in my logbook but at no extra cost.
I also managed 80 hours in 5 weeks in April / May up here in Scotland (without using my IMC rating).
I still reckon it would not have been any cheaper for me to do it in the USA and the real bonus is that my CPL instructor agrees that my hour building here in various winds and weathers has really helped my flying and is making the CPL course much easier for me. have a look at Home Page - BRK where I leased my 152 from, they offer a great friendly service.
Regards D-G
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The T/O x-wind limit is circa 12kts for a Cessna 152