Bulldog
Not so N, but still FG
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
From: London, UK
Two places that I know of have Bulldogs available for hire:-
Skysport at Elstree and North Weald have two (one is ex Hong Kong, and wears a very jolly Kung Fu Chop Suey paint scheme, the other is ex RAF/UAS in black and yellow). Skysport are a very pleasant outfit with spick and span machines (I'm biased, they taught me to fly on their Pups and the Hong Kong Bulldog) .
Old Sarum also have a few (ex Botswana, I think, plus ex UAS). Very pleasant airfield, well spoken-of club and school.
Very enjoyable aeroplane. Chunky military feel, pleasant handling (though a bit heavy on the stick when aerobatting), great cross-wind capability, roomy for two with luggage: a reasonable tourer, though thirsty. NB glides like a brick, so good for polishing up your PFLs.
I think that all or most of the ex UAS ones released onto the civvie market have been sold, but shares/complete aircraft come up from time to time. Only problem with some of these is that they may be fatigued to the point of being unfit for aeros, which is a pity. I recall that there was some talk of a pricey spar job to gain some additional aerobatic life, but I'm a bit out of touch with the Bulldog world. Suggest you contact the Beagle Pup and Bulldog Club for the current SP
Skysport at Elstree and North Weald have two (one is ex Hong Kong, and wears a very jolly Kung Fu Chop Suey paint scheme, the other is ex RAF/UAS in black and yellow). Skysport are a very pleasant outfit with spick and span machines (I'm biased, they taught me to fly on their Pups and the Hong Kong Bulldog) .
Old Sarum also have a few (ex Botswana, I think, plus ex UAS). Very pleasant airfield, well spoken-of club and school.
Very enjoyable aeroplane. Chunky military feel, pleasant handling (though a bit heavy on the stick when aerobatting), great cross-wind capability, roomy for two with luggage: a reasonable tourer, though thirsty. NB glides like a brick, so good for polishing up your PFLs.
I think that all or most of the ex UAS ones released onto the civvie market have been sold, but shares/complete aircraft come up from time to time. Only problem with some of these is that they may be fatigued to the point of being unfit for aeros, which is a pity. I recall that there was some talk of a pricey spar job to gain some additional aerobatic life, but I'm a bit out of touch with the Bulldog world. Suggest you contact the Beagle Pup and Bulldog Club for the current SP
Last edited by FNG; 11th February 2004 at 22:30.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 5
From: UK
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: cheltenham
A very tidy one at Gloster, all the kit on board inc GNS 430 etc fully IFR.
http://www.flybulldog.co.uk/
http://www.flybulldog.co.uk/
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 870
Likes: 0
From: UK
Try Northern Aviation at Teesside.
They have access to a privately-owned ex-East Mids UAS Bulldog. However, at present it is only available dual to non-group members and costs about £170 ph. Last I heard they were looking at adding another one to the club books, which they would consider hiring solo to certain club members.
Brilliant little planes - good choice.
They have access to a privately-owned ex-East Mids UAS Bulldog. However, at present it is only available dual to non-group members and costs about £170 ph. Last I heard they were looking at adding another one to the club books, which they would consider hiring solo to certain club members.
Brilliant little planes - good choice.
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: in a galaxy far far away
An aeroplane I new very well.
My advice however is dont do it.
There are better alternatives out there and top of the list is the YAK 52 which is in a different class altogether and almost certainly cheaper overall. Then there is the Pitts which is definitely cheaper.
The ex RAF Bulldogs are tired and heavy with fatigue. Parts fail far too often and are becoming more expensive to replace by the day. Its also generally far more work to replace a part ( therefore more cost ) as everything else has to come off first.
My advice however is dont do it.
There are better alternatives out there and top of the list is the YAK 52 which is in a different class altogether and almost certainly cheaper overall. Then there is the Pitts which is definitely cheaper.
The ex RAF Bulldogs are tired and heavy with fatigue. Parts fail far too often and are becoming more expensive to replace by the day. Its also generally far more work to replace a part ( therefore more cost ) as everything else has to come off first.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Derbyshire
Derby Aero Clubs Bulldog does aeros and advanced training at £145 per hour dual. Not sure what the solo rate is.
Check the rate as I may be a little out of date!
A cheaper option might be a Beagle Pup. No VP prop and only 150hp.
Check the rate as I may be a little out of date!
A cheaper option might be a Beagle Pup. No VP prop and only 150hp.
