flying clubs in and around Glasgow

[rmenzies]

Hi all!

I have a PPL but have not flown for 5 years (finacial reasons!). I now have some money and would like to start flying again. I was wondering if anyone had any views on the flying clubs around Glasgow. I have heard Prestwick south side may work out the cheapest but have also heard good reports about Perth (not THAT far away!). Anyone offer any information for me to chew on??

[macintosh]

Hi Big Yin

I live and work in the Glsagow area. Having flown (and rented planes) at Prestwick (Southside), Cumbernauld, Glenrothes, Dundee and Perth I have settled on, and can recommend, .....wait for it.....Perth.

Prestwick is quite far from Glasgow unless you live on the South Side. On one occasion I waited (and paid for!!!) 20 mins to enter the active for takeoff. A BA 757 was in the circuit, and one landing a/c was slotted in between each of his touch&goes - I didn't have a chance. Friendly club tho'.

Cumbernauld have had more clubs than I've had hot dinners. On one occsaion I paid for 1.5hrs check ride in a 172. When I rang the next week to book it the club had gone bust. Warrior is I believe currently £117 plus £8 landing, say £125/hours flight.

Glenrothes, Dundee & Perth all offer Tayside Aviation a/c, fairly well-maintained. Warriors are £99/hr inc landing. Glenrothes has only one runway and is a pig of a place to get to by road. Nice restaurant tho'. Dundee has one (long) runway but is further from Glasgow. Call me biased, but I reckon Perth is Scotland's premier GA airport. 3 runways so you can always find one into wind (ideal if you're a bit out of practice on xwind landings). Friendly club (SAC). Availability of hire a/c is good.

eMail me if you wish further info.

[rmenzies]

Thanks accountant!

I was hoping that someone would suggest Perth! I have checked out their web-site and plan to pay them a visit shortly for a chat. Being a Perthshire lad originally then Perth will allow me easy access to flying in an area that I've never seen from up there before!

Thanks again.

[flying snapper]

I fly from the Prestwick Flight Centre on the North side of the airport. I must admit that I have never been held up with 757's doing circuits!. The Flight Centre only charges from Take off to landing plus 5 minutes for taxying. This is by far the cheapest option. Give Suzanne at the centre a ring and she will explain everything. They have Grumman aa5a's and assorted other things. Telephone 01292 476523.
Maybe I will see you there sometime!!

[Stubbs]

Hi,

I'm studying for my PPL at Fife and am quite happy with the club. I understand the comments about road travel, but to be honest after one or two visits you work out the best route! I'm traveling from Edinburgh so can't comment on the best place from Glasgow. What I will say is; anyone flying at Perth, Dundee or Fife get free landing fees - great when doing circuits (something I'm now finished with thankfully :) You could always give each a go to see what best fits.

Good luch

[BUDGIE]

Accountant, . .. .Quite frankly mate, where the hell were you flying from at PIK that charged you for holding on the ground for twenty minutes????? You got done-over! I know for a fact the southside-Prestwick club-don't charge you for holding, it's airtime+5. Nor do the Northside charge for this! Unless you were flying summit else from the clubs that were just passing through!!. .. .BUDGIE

[Fast Jet Wannabe]

Have flown from Perth, Cumbernauld, Prestwick, and Fife. . .. .Would thouorghly recomend Perth - and it seems to be where you want to go.. .. .I've spent a lot of hours there, on the groud in the club house, and in the air! It's a really nice atmosphere, the aircraft are nice, and its reasonably priced.. .. .Good luck!

[zzzz]

Perth is worth the drive,super airfield,nice club (Scottish Aero Club)and they also have a Skyfox Gazelle at only £55 per hour solo! That is cheap flying. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />