Clubs in Chesire/Merseyside/North Wales

[EGCJFlyer]

I am in the process of moving from Leeds to Chester and currently a member of Sherburn aero club. Problem is, that Sherburn is such a great club and I wrongly assumed that that was the norm across the country but I'm soon realising that they're pretty unique for cost, friendliness, availability, facilities, etc. etc.

Here's the poser - can anyone recommend a club in any of the areas I quoted above?? I have already visited Chesire Flying Club at Hawarden and whilst I don't think it's entirely fair for me to quote the reasons I won't be joining them, it's fair to say that they have as much chance of getting my money as I have of winning the lottery! There must be some out there.....

I am just approaching 100hrs and half way through my IMC. Would even be happy if there maybe was a farm strip in the area, or a share for sale in an aircraft - anything, I just wanna keep flying!!

Comments more than appreciated...............

[silverknapper]

Ha!
I too joined Chester, had about 5 lessons then buggered off to Liverpool flying school for several reasons.
Couldn't fault them instruction wise - a guy called Barry Jones really was excellent. This was a couple of years back though. Reasonably priced too. However LPL is getting busier so don't know how it will have affected training there. It would be a good place to start in terms of looking round for syndicates etc.
Doesn't have a BBQ area though!!!!

Cheers

SK

PS How long from Chester to Sherburn? Cant be too much more than 1h15. I can't think of anywhere like it in the NW, may be worth the drive perhaps?

[Davidt]

Try:

CATS at Liverpool very friendly School run somewhat on club lines, they have 150's and a 172 for ppl hire. Do occasional fly outs and club bashes.

LFS also at EGGP less of a club atmosphere but nevertheless very friendly bunch have PA 28/38 and manage a Citabria (Poets)
In their hangar are several grouped planes with shares comming up periodically.

Ravenair mostly interested in CPL training so dont appear to want to generate any sort of club type atmosphere. Have pa38 + some twins for ppl hire.

Liverpool is still very GA friendly although getting busier.

Ashcroft farm near Oulton Park near you, I've never been so cannt comment.

Sherlowe ditto

Sleap - getting further away but still doable from Chester similar type of grass roots club to Sherburn.


You've been spoilt at Sherburn if only all GA clubs were so well set up!

Have fun

[Sir George Cayley]

No-ones mentioned Barton yet then?

Bit slow of Shaggy, Poet, et al

If you want a friendly club atmosphere at a grass strip unencumbered by professional ATC and big jets then the LAC is the place for you.

Pop in and see Dave Duckworth the CFI and get the full Cooks Tour. There's a strong student list, plenty of low timers, private owners, groups and even a few eccentric local characters thrown in for good measure.

Don't let the doom merchants put you orf with tales of Peel Holdings. Their plans will take years to come to fruition. Meantime there's a lot of sky to fill.

Chester to EGCB via the M56, M6 M62 is about 40mins so not far.

Go on Go on Go on Give it try. You just mike like it.

Sir George Caley

[Whirlybird]

Sleap really isn't that far from Chester, and Shropshire Aero Club is friendly, and hire charges quite reasonable. Or, at about the same distance, try Welshpool - small, friendly, and close to some fantastic scenery.

[jayteeto]

Go for Sleap if you live in Chester, the SAC is perfect in comparison to Sherburn. 30-40 mins drive, depending on enthusiasm!! Much, much cheaper than hawarden or liverpool and good availability. An RAF CFS man does/did the groundschool (last I heard) and he has some good vulcan stories to tell.... Clubs from all over the place use the airfield for qualifying navs as it is so user friendly.

[EGCJFlyer]

Thanks for the feedback - l will visit all mentioned and make my judgement from there. Looks like Sleap is the favourite but quite fancy the idea of Sherlowe........

Moving to Chester tomorrow - hate moving! So will have more time to have a proper scout around.

Thanks all.

[Sir George Cayley]

Chester?

If you like a drink then can I recommend Telfords near North Gate on the Canal Basin

It's a cool vibe but lay off the Red Eric - wicked

Also keep away from the Grey Hound retail park at weekends unless your'e a traffic jam junkie.

Oh And stay away from Chester City centre around 1.00am on Saturdays unless you like bruises,nurses and casulty units

Otherwise its great. Thats why I moved to the South!

Sir George Cayley

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

Bit late into this one, But Sir George is quite correct. Barton, no contest, if you want a true club atmosphere and fun flying.

SSD

[EGCJFlyer]

Sir George, where you from originally if you moved "South"?! I like a tipple, can't deny....... so thanks for the beer tips!

[Whipping Boy's SATCO]

Sleap is OK, although some of the aircraft are more than a bit tired.

[astreau]

EGCJFlyer
I dont know whether you're fixed up yet but....
I fly a C-152 out of Liverpool. Its privately owned but fully ticketed for public hire. There are about 6 of us that fly it and the availability is very good and so are the rates (5 or 10 hour advanced blocks). If you are interested email me and I'll pass your details onto the owner. I'm pretty sure he's looking for a couple more conscripts!
Liverpool is good. Busy enough to keep you interested but not enough to intrude and only 25mins from Chester.
Let me know.