Originally Posted by
Tagzy
Hi everyone, totally new to the world of flying. I hope you don't mind me asking a number of straightforward questions? I have tried googling and doing my own research but can't get a decent answer or one that's relevant to the UK.
Assuming all of the below is based on a PA28 (although not all aircraft specific). So here goes;
1) Most used aircraft I see for sale are from the 60s or 70s. Is this the norm for private pilots and aircraft used for PPL etc?
Yes - newer aeroplanes are rarer and pricier, or sold as kits.
2) How does aviation insurance work? Is it personal or for every aircraft or a combination of the both? And how much would a newly qualified pilot expect to pay?
Generally for the aeroplane, with possibly an increased excess for new pilots. 10%ish of aircraft value per year is probably in the right ballpark.
3) Can you fly between any two aerodromes and what, if any, restrictions are there to this for private pilots?
Yes, and not many. Sometimes you need to phone for permission, but it's hardly ever refused. Some issues may exist concerning entering controlled airspace, but they are usually solvable with minimal pain.
4) Can you take-off/land an aircraft outside an aerodrome in a non-emergency situation? For example, if you had your own private land that was suitable for this purpose?
Yes with the land owners permission. In the England and Wales, if you do this less than 28 days per year, it's not considered a change of use of the land so it's not normally a planning issue either.
5) Are there any airports that forbid private pilots entirely? I presume the likes of Heathrow do. Only ask this because I know Liverpool John Lennon is used for PPL so just wondering where the 'line' is drawn as so to speak.
A few of the big internationals don't want you (Heathrow for example) and a few regionals don't want you but basically price themselves so you don't try (e.g. Aberdeen). Again however, most places aren't a problem. For something PA28 sized, if you reckon on £10-£30 to land, and £20ish/night parking you're probably in the right ballpark.
6) How much is it to hangar and what's the price difference between your permanent hangar and one at an aerodrome you are visiting?
Hangarage costs vary massively - around me £75-£400/month depending upon where. This is why so many aeroplanes are stored outdoors on tie-downs. Hangarage is rarely available for visitors anywhere, but tie-downs are almost always available.
7) How much 'non-flying' time to you have to factor into a journey from the moment you arrive at an aerodrome to leaving the destination aerodrome assuming you are leaving your aircraft there for some time.
90 minutes before and 30 minutes after is a reasonable guess.
I've got loads more but I think it will be a bit much at this point. Thanks for your patience and I hope some of the questions have given you a bit of a laugh!
NP - they're all perfectly reasonable questions.
G