PaddyMcGinty
4th Mar 2004, 06:18
Just got my PPL issued there today from the UK so I now want to start flying at home here in ireland. I was just wondering if you could recommend some clubs in the dublin area? what aircraft they fly and what the rates are? I know theres one in dublin airport, what is it like? do you have to wait around for ages in order to take off and land with all the traffic or what? Where would my best bet be? A club that would let me take a plane away for a weekend or so would definately be a preference. Thanks.
Steve
Microheavy
4th Mar 2004, 06:39
Hi Steve,
Check out http://www.irishaviators.com/ and http://www.flyinginireland.com/ for a list of flying clubs in Ireland.
As far as Dublin is concerned there are two clubs based at Dublin Airport (Used to be 3 but not sure of the status of the Leinster Flying Club - http://www.leinsteraeroclub.com/index.php)
The Dublin Flying club has a Cherokee 140 and an Arrow 200R. Great bunch of guys too. The Airport Flying club has 2 172's. Don't know anyone there but were very friendly via email.
Both clubs are currently alternating between Dublin and Weston because of access problems etc. At the moment you have to call Airport Police to come and let you in and this can take up to 30 mins. In my opinion the wait is worth it. As far as traffic is concerned I've never sat more than 10 mins at a holding point at Dublin (weekdays).
Give them a shout and have a chat, all rates etc are on thier web sites
http://www.geocities.com/dubflyer/index.html
http://www.airportflyingclub.com/
Best of Luck,
Microheavy
dublinpilot
4th Mar 2004, 18:23
Steve,
Leinster club has now officially moved to Weston, and no longer have a presence in Dublin Airport. Not sure about their fees.
Airport Flying Club are based in Dublin Airport. As far as I know they remained there through last summer and probably will do again this summer. I'm not sure about their fees. There are members of that club on here, so hopefully some will be able to clarify that for you. As stated above, they operate two C172's.
Dublin Flying Club, are based in Dublin Airport, but parked the aircraft in Weston for last summer to avoid the delays in Dublin. Last Nov the planes were returned to Dublin. As the weather is starting to improve a bit, it's expected to return the planes to Weston in the next few weeks.
Membership is €650, spilt up over the first 3 months I think. Monthly subs is €40, and the PA28 costs €110ph, and the P28R (Arrow-retractable) costs €140ph. All times are per the Tacho.
Once checked out, you can take the planes for up to two days. If you want to take them for longer, you must get commiittee approval.
Aircraft availability is excellent, even during the middle of summer.
pm me if you want more informataion.
National Flight Centre in Weston is mainly involved in training, but they will rent you a C172 for €175ph engine start to enginge stop I think. However be prepared for lengthy delays, missing aircraft etc. This is a commerical school, so no membership fees. You might want to do a search here on NFC before going there though.
Hope this helps.
dp