LTCTerry

Where to start?

A week ago I got my new EASA PPL(A) and SPL in the mail.

The 24-month renewal period for the PPL is based on the old license, and I'm now in the second year of the SEP rating's validity. I understand I have to fly with an EASA FI for renewal, a US one won't do.

I'll easily meet the renewal by experience rules except for the instructor part.

My wife and I are planning a trip to southern England and southern Germany for late spring or early summer. Since I'm going to be in there anyway, I thought I'd make arrangements to fly. I've flown gliders at three great places near London and would enjoy a powered flight.

Rather than an hour in a Cessna or Piper I would like to fly something cool or uniquely British - Tiger Moth, Bulldog, Firefly, Chipmonk, etc. Aerobatic would be nice, but not required. So, I need to find something interesting that I can get to via public transportation easily from London. (I realize there are many great places to fly all across the UK, but I just can't go that far and keep familial happiness, though I could/would risk it for a Spitfire/Mosquito* checkout...)

It takes time to put something like this in place, so, what are your thoughts, advice, or suggestions for a/c type and location?

[I think I once asked something similar w/o the renewal part for a weekend trip to the UK when I was stationed in Germany, but the trip didn't happen; don't remember why.]

Thanks in advance for a chance to pick the collective minds here and happy new year!

Terry

*I guess the Mosquito wouldn't help with SEP renewal, but I could work with that!

Whopity

Cambridge Flying Group still operate Tiger Moths

Genghis the Engineer

Flying Experience de Havilland Tiger Moth - West London Aero ClubWest London Aero Club

White Waltham has Chipmunk and Tiger Moth flights, and is a just plain enjoyable place to hang out when not flying - as well as being just a few miles from Heathrow.

If you're passing, shout - I fly from there and would be glad to chew the fat over a coffee. (No, beyond checkouts within a syndicate, I'm afraid that I'm not one of the local instructors.)

G

foxmoth

Goodwood
Bulldog at Ultimate High, Tiger Moth, Chippie and even Spitfire at Boultbee.

3 Point

Come to Boultbee Flight Academy at Goodwood. It's about an hour from London on the train and we have EASA instructors who can fly you in any or all of Chipmunk, Tiger Moth, Harvard (T6 Texan) or Spitfire.

Most Thrilling 50-minute Spitfire Flights over the English Channel

If you prefer to stay closer to London them I'm sure that WLAC at White Waltham can give you a great experience!

Happy landings!

3 Pont

dobbin1

At Redhill, Cubair can offer you aerobatics in the Slingsby Firefly. Alternatively we have a 1954 Piper SuperCub if you want to drag your tail for an hour.

Redhill is very easy to reach by train from London.

LTCTerry

Would a flight in the Spitfire count for renewal? It is a single engine piston...

My FAA certificate is good for up to 12,500 pounds, high performance and complex, night, controlled VFR, and IFR single or multi. All I got credit for from the Germans is day VFR up to 2,000kg.

I don't think the finance minister would approve of renewal in the Spitfire, but I can dream.

I think my first choice would be the Tiger Moth, Firefly, Bulldog, Chipmunk. Not quite sure why that order, just a feeling. Any other candidates?

Genghis the Engineer

I've flown all of those but the Tiger (and a replica Spitfire, but not a real one). On the basis of experience, I'd move the Firefly to the bottom. Nothing wrong with it, but it's just a reasonably modern light aeroplane, and less interesting than the other three.

I enjoy the Bulldog and Chipmunk, and (being a dangerous radical, like the Bulldog more), but think that you might learn more from the Chipmunk. It was basically designed to train people who'd go on to fly late model Mosquitos, and there are interesting lessons there.

G

3 Point

An EASA PPL(A) with a SEP rating is valid for all single piston engined aeroplanes, no 12,500Lbs weight limit like the FAA, in fact no weight limit at all! Not sure what you mean about the Germans giving only 2,000Kg, maybe ther are more restrictive than other EASA countries.

The Spitfire would certainly count in UK although I can understand that the flight might not get ministerial approval!! Come on down and fly our Tiger Moth and you can view and sit in the Spit afterwards!! You might see it fly if the timing is right!

Happy landings

3 Point

Dusty_B

*Dons helmet*

Is the DHC Chipmunk "uniquely British"?
And, even worse, one could argue that the Firefly is French, as the family is a development of the RF-6!

Far better off sticking with the Moths and Dogs!!

LTCTerry

Their Firefly was out of service for an avionics refit.


The Chipmunk and Tiger Moth are available after some time in April. And it was a nice place to hang out last Saturday as I waited for the weather to clear so...


"French" it may be, but it sure was fun to fly. I added a couple of aerobatic figures to my repertoire and had a great time. I want to go back.


This was my first powered flight in a G-reg airplane (lots of glider flights). What can I arrange next? Bulldog? Chipmunk? Tiger Moth? I could do the Spitfire, but I've been saving that money for a B-25 SIC course.


I've just learned I have cousins - distant ones - in London. Can someone find me a job? Can I claim some sort of ancestral citizenship? I started this thread in December 2014 when I was planning a European vacation/holiday for the next summer. Little did I know that I'd actually be living in Europe again.


Terry

hobbit1983

Historic Old Sarum (100 years old this year!) home to the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, and GoFly's Tiger Moths

dobbin1

Sorry Terry. The Cubair firefly is now back with it's shiney new .833 radios and GPS, but a little too late for you.