Originally Posted by
Mickey Kaye
1. As I live in NE England the flying clubs up here only seem to operate antiquated aircraft. Does anybody know where I can learn on an aircraft that are under ten years old?
I can’t think of anywhere. That's not totally the flying schools fault as no cost effective training aircraft have been made for 30 odd years.
2. In my days of flying it was all about VOR's and DME's Etc. If modern aircraft are fitted with GPS technology, surely training has changed to incorporate new navigation aids?
You would think so wouldn’t you. But no the test requirements are largely from the 2nd world war. Schools will teach GPS but you will not be tested on it. Again this isn’t really the schools fault.
3. Is it a pipe dream now to own and operate a private aircraft in the UK and particularly NE England. A group would be ideal but there are very few (if any) operating modern singles?
I certainly know of one
4. Anyone any idea on rough running/hourly operating costs for an SR20 or Piper Malibu in Northern England, say 100-150 hours per year flying. At first I would consider SR20 and maybe step up to Malibu when sufficient hours are accumulated. I am referring to things like hangarage, maintenance, fuel, insurance, fees for airways etc
I don’t but I know a group that operates a SR22 and is considering moving to a PA46. I could put you in the right direction if you drop us a pm
Just one option to look at which might suit you is the permit to fly/ LAA route. Compared the aircraft you are looking at they are much less to buy. There are many more younger examples out there and generally they are much better equipped than the older GA fleet. I don't want to get into an argument about traditional or glass, each to there own. But long term what you are hoping to fly will probably have glass so this would seem to me to be a good start. If you own a permit aircraft you can learn to fly in it and it will do your mission very well. I fly all over Europe in mine. Even IFR and night is now possible. You might well find it would do everything you want or it could be a good platform to move on to something bigger. Mix and match I think works well, own and fly day to day in something smaller and rent when you need the big boys toys. I am in the south but would be happy to take you for a flight.