T-M, FFF may be right and the Turby may have gone from Waltham, but there is a share in a Condor for sale there at about £1250. I can PM or e-mail you the details if you like. I do not know anything of the particular aeroplane in question, but a Condor has the sociable advantage of two seats. It has a stick, and is said by everyone I know who has flown one to handle very pleasantly. It is not aerobatic. You will have seen the Condor moments thread in the History and Nostalgia forum.
I would be inclined to agree that, initially at any rate, owning a share in an economic PFA machine would be a good idea. Outright ownership is tempting, but a good group may lead to a better utilised aircraft, with more people ready to deal with problems as they arise. You obviously need to feel comfortable with the other group members. You need to be sure that they have a good attititude to aircraft maintenance, flight safety, money and risk. A group with an instructor member is a bonus (in my group I am outnumbered by instructors two to one) .
PFA aircraft can be looked after by suitably skilled owners under the supervision of the PFA engineers. You probably already know whether you have an aptitude for spannner work. You would need to undertake some instruction in maintenance. Yuk, probably better to get help.
Your suggested annual budget of £2000 to £3000 sounds realistic for this type of aircraft. Hangarage at Waltham costs ££££ and is hard to come by (I don't know the exact numbers as I just pay my money to the group kitty and don't bother with the breakdown). Getting into a group that has hangarage already is well worth it. If you are going to be gap-yearing or studying in or near London, Waltham is probably the best bet for the sort of flying you are interested in (but mainly through the private owners on the field, not the club). Factor in £255 to join WLAC. Landings are fee for based aircraft, £5 for members if not based there, £15 (I think) for visitors.
Insurance need not be a huge issue if you talk to the right people, or get an instructor who knows you to do so. The fact that you will have obtained your PPL on a Tiger Moth ought to reassure a sensible broker. Best of luck in finishing the course. Tell us how you get on.
Last edited by FNG; 4th March 2003 at 08:52.