Hi All,
New user here but I've been following the forum for a few months. I've decided I'd like to do a PPL and have always had a love of aviation. I've saved up the necessary cash to afford a PPL(H) but have a few questions before I go ahead. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
For some background:
- I'm 27
- I have no interest in working as a pilot (so no CPL desire)
- I earn enough to do a PPL(H) and spend a decent amount on ongoing flying (£15-30k budget a year) but not enough to buy a helicopter
- I live in SW London so owning isn't an easy option even if I did have the money.
- Due to my location I would most likely be flying from Surrey. I've visited a number of schools and had trial lessons with most and think I've found a good small school to learn with.
- I'm most likely to do my PPL in a Cabri G2.
- I want to do a PPL because I love aviation and helicopters seem to offer flexibility on where you can fly. The social side is also important and I would hope to fly with friends/family or join a club.
My questions:
- What do people do with their PPL(H) after completing it? (if not CPL).
- How easy is it to regularly rent a helicopter to fly? Particularly for a weekend or longer period? Or does priority always go to PPL students?
- Are flying schools who didn't teach you open to you renting a helicopter for self fly hire?
- How easy is it to travel around the UK or abroad with your PPL(H)?
- How sociable is the private helicopter pilot world? Are there clubs like is common for fixed wing/do people fly together?
- If I want to travel, join a flying club, meet other pilots and fly together etc would I be better off doing a PPL(A)?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Marc