I am working on the principle that it is much better to encourage people to stay in the UK and come to Scotland (or Northern Ireland) for their training. It is bloody hard work to keep seaplanes flying, so as much support as possible for our homegrown talent would be well appreciated - believe me, there really is no better way to see some stunning parts of your own country.
I would agree that
Neil's Seaplanes is an excellent place to go at the Western end of Loch Earn. Neil is fun, enthusiastic and knowledgable and well experienced. 2 seater red amphib Husky (G-WATR), rates about £185 per hr.
Caledonian Seaplanes - Spent a fantastic time a couple of years ago, and over the summer met a good number of like minded people - but not sure of the current state of play - best call them to check. Saw the yellow straight floated SuperCub (G-BWUB) on the water at the East End of Loch Earn last week. Last I knew rates were about £170 per hr.
The Amphibious Flying Club at Eniskilllen in Northern Ireland is a tidy wee setup with 2 seat amphib Maule (G-TAFC), rates about £235 hr.
If you are into sitting back and letting someone else do the flying ... then you could also try a seat on 4 seat amphib C206 (G-OLLS), or the massive 8 seater amphib C208 (G-MDJE) of
Loch Lomond Seaplanes . They do scheduled services from the centre of Glasgow to Oban Bay and Tobermory on Mull. About £140 for a return trip.
And last, but by no means least
....
Plans to instruct have been put off until 2009, but G-DRAM (Cessna Reims Rocket) will be doing lots and lots and lots of splashing around this summer.
With 3 seats, anyone that wants to do a bit of cost sharing is welcome to come along for the ride - I guarantee you'll have some real fun. Could even pick you up at Prestwick or Glasgow and drop you off at Neils Seaplanes or Caledonian Seaplanes if you want to get a lesson there.
G-DRAM contact details here
So keep your carbon footprint in the UK - save a few tons of Co2, avoid the longhaul hassle or T5 nightmare ... and come to Scotland
