Bobby,
I think that if you read my original post carefully, I did point out that I've no axe to grind with the Aero Club / Flying School.
I would class Neil Clark as a friend and I personally think he's done a remarkable job against the odds since he took over flying school operations.
As a place to learn to fly, Newcastle sucks.
Nothing to do with the flying school, just the rules, regulations and above all the restrictions imposed on the place by the Airport Authorities.
Having to fly to EGNC to do circuits and then pay extra, fuel at £1.30 a litre, restrictions and 'slots' for take-off & landing.....what's that all about?
Its bad enough getting decent weather at times without then having to try to balance that up with a slot, be it peak or off peak, and the associated costs.
I like to fly my aircraft when I want to, not when some bloody authority dictates.
Its not like its too busy for light aircraft movements; the Airport just doesn't want GA.
Where have all the private aircraft gone and why?
What happened to the Open days, or was that the victim of the airport authorities too?
If the Flying school is going well, great.
Personally, with the costs & restrictions currently imposed on GA operations by the Airport Authority, Newcastle is the last place I'd recommend to learn to fly to a young lad with a limited budget.
That is no reflection on the school, the owners or the people employed there.
VT10
(Ex EGNU & EGNT, but still roaming the North-east sky, when I want, at any time, without restriction, able to to circuits when I please, using Avgas purchased at a fraction of the Newcastle price, no hi-viz jacket or expensive pass, need I go on.......?)