permit to fly v. C of A

[Rod1]

Just switched from private C of A to PFA permit

There are several theoretical limitations on a Permit, like you cannot fly in Europe, but in practice an agreement exists to let you do this. I will restrict this to the practical ones!

No IFR, this is of limited importance unless you have an IR and a de-iced twin

No Night flying

Flight training is limited, but you can get trained through the PFA coaching system.

I do not agree with Sboy on the capability of aircraft. You get the full range from very basic single seat micro (eg Minimax) to sophisticated 4 seat 250hp (eg Vans RV10). My MCR (MTOW 490kg) cruses at 125kn, manages 1250 fpm and has a crosswind limit of 20kn, all on £16 of mogas per hour. She is fine in turbulence and has a huge fun factor. This is much better than your average club PA28.

My maintenance budget for this year is £500, my old AA5B (180hp C of A) will cost about £5000 for the same period. Some PFA machines can live in trailers to save on parking.

I built my machine to allow me to continue touring Europe for fun at a price I could afford.

Rod1