Tailwheels in the USA

[FlyingForFun]

Hi!

Does anyone have any experience with Sunbird Flight Services (http://www.sunbirdflight.com/) in Phoenix, Arizona?

Or, alternatively, does anyone know of any other schools in the States which can offer tailwheel rentals and multi-engine training?


And a related question - does anyone know what the score is with regards to visas for hour-building in the USA. According to the official website (sorry, can't find the URL, will edit and include it when I find it again) the Visa Waiver Program doesn't apply to visitors who will be studying - does hour building count as studying? How about if I'll be undertaking multi-engine training there, does that change the situation?


Thanks for your help,

FFF
----------

[429 CJ]

The airspace is still very restricted in the 'States at the moment, and apparently will be for some time to come. Why don't you think of Australia as an alternative to them? I can also think of a few schools that have both twins and tailwheels, so that isn't such a big hassle.

Email me if you feel you'll come down and I can possibly put you in touch with a number of organisations that could help you.

[kabz]

Actually 429, I think the US is pretty much returning to near normal airspace wise.

Just stay away from large centers, power stations etc etc.

Click AvWeb for the full NOTAMS and explanations (http://www.avweb.com/)

[FlyingForFun]

Thanks 429, I will e-mail you and keep my options open, would be really grateful if you could send me details of any schools you know of. Never been to Australia, so it could be a good excuse for a first-time visit!

As for restricted airspace in the USA, Sunbird have, according to their website, set up a satellite school at an unrestricted airfield, since the field they are normally based from is still inside Enhanced Class B. There are still restrictions in place, and I obviously plan to check how these affect anywhere I'm looking into flying from before I make any arrangements!

[Edited because it seems the Phoenix Enhanced Class B restrictions were lifted yesterday - Tuesday 16th - so no problems at Sunbird, satellite school or not.]

Cheers,

FFF
---------

[ 17 October 2001: Message edited by: FlyingForFun ]

[slim_slag]

FlyingForFun

Does anyone have any experience with Sunbird Flight Services in Phoenix, Arizona?

I'm not 100% sure but I don't think they have any taildraggers.

However, if you are heading to Chandler and want the BEST tailwheel training on that field - or even in the Phoenix area - you should go next door to Chandler Air Services (http://www.aerobatics.com/).

These guys are the primo tailwheel/aerobatics place for a long way. If you do their course you can rent a Super Cub with only 8 hours taildragger time, plus the endorsement of course. Other places might want 25 hours before they will let you loose, insurance restrictions.

They do multi too, the whole lot. The instructors are some of the best around. Just don't get upset over some of the more petty rules the FBO itself has and you will do great.

And a related question - does anyone know what the score is with regards to visas for hour-building in the USA.

ARRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[FlyingForFun]

slim_slag,

Cheers for a great lead - this looks like exactly the kind of place I'm looking for. I'll be taking a detailed look at their website as soon as I get a chance.

Sunbird do, according to their website, have one taildragger - a Citabria, N2987Z. But Chandler Air Services looks absolutely perfect!

Incidentally, I'm not just looking at Phoenix - just that Sunbird was the only place I found after an initial search. I'm interested in any flight schools with similar aircraft....

Thanks! :D

FFF
--------

[slim_slag]

FlyingForFun

Incidentally, I'm not just looking at Phoenix - just that Sunbird was the only place I found after an initial search. I'm interested in any flight schools with similar aircraft....

Airnav (http://www.airnav.com) is the best airport resource I know of to find out what's where. Pick a few airfields you have heard of and enter them in the airports section. You get all the details on the field, but also links to businesses located there.

I don't know about Florida, but in California I'd check out Montgomery Field (MYF) and Long Beach (LGB). Both very busy GA fields in very busy airspace - LGB apparently has more movements per year than Heathrow. Lots of training goes on so ATC are understanding.

In Arizona check out Chandler (CHD) and Falcon Field (FFZ).

I'll let others suggest other places to start your hunt.

Chandler Air would be hard to beat, its very competitive and will give an extra 10% discount if you pay in advance in blocks of $1000, cash or travellers cheque. They are honest too. The instructors do not let you get away with sloppy flying like most other schools will. They have the attitude that you are going to be with them for only a few hours, and you are going to get lazy when you leave. So you may as well leave them with extremely high standards so when you get sloppy you are still very safe.