Tailwheel conv
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16
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From: London
Tailwheel conv
Hey all, im looking to do a tailwheel conv course in the south east UK. Had a few quotes from shoreham, came in just under a thou.
Which club/individual would you recommend for value for money/instruction/ and a/c state?
Cheers!
Which club/individual would you recommend for value for money/instruction/ and a/c state?
Cheers!
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 0
From: UK
Having done one of these recently... I would think a "quote" for the whole thing would be difficult. There are no set number of hours, and aptitude, instructional ability and weather might mean 2 hours or 10 
An hourly rate would be a good comparison. I did mine at WLAC (White Waltham) on the Super Cub. Great place, and with 3 grass runways (and nearby tarmac when required) good for minimising X-winds, or for generating them when you think you understand it
An hourly rate would be a good comparison. I did mine at WLAC (White Waltham) on the Super Cub. Great place, and with 3 grass runways (and nearby tarmac when required) good for minimising X-winds, or for generating them when you think you understand it
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,631
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From: UK
I would think about what you want to fly. Then I would think about whether you want to go on flying the same aircraft after the conversion while you gain some experience. Those two elements may be determining factors.
I might then think about what runways are available at the aircraft's home field. Shoreham and Goodwood have the advantage of six runways.
After all of that it boils down to what the instructor is like, aircraft availability and whether or not you will be able to rent the aircraft for self fly hire after your conversion and inevitably the cost - although I doubt this will varying significantly between clubs being more a factor of the type of aircraft.
I might then think about what runways are available at the aircraft's home field. Shoreham and Goodwood have the advantage of six runways.
After all of that it boils down to what the instructor is like, aircraft availability and whether or not you will be able to rent the aircraft for self fly hire after your conversion and inevitably the cost - although I doubt this will varying significantly between clubs being more a factor of the type of aircraft.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 630
Likes: 2
From: UK
If you want to do it in a classic (may not be the cheapest way) try the British Airways Flying Club at Wycombe Air Park:
British Airways Flying Club
British Airways Flying Club
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: London
thx all, for you quick replies and thought out answers- it really is a great community here. in an attempt to try and limit the number of variables at play here-these are the facts:
ive been offered tug work at my local glider field on a cub. The closest airfields to me are - lashenden/goodwood/shoreham/redhill/blackbushe. The budget: as im a student, as low as poss! i got my ppl in low hours; however i know thats no gauge. with the current weather im guessing a field with tarmac is a neccesity-shoreham would be my first choice. However firstly, landing fees are excessive there and secondly im always looking to here other peoples experiences of learning to fly and which clubs ticked the right boxes for them, financially and instruction wise.
Kind regs
SS.
ive been offered tug work at my local glider field on a cub. The closest airfields to me are - lashenden/goodwood/shoreham/redhill/blackbushe. The budget: as im a student, as low as poss! i got my ppl in low hours; however i know thats no gauge. with the current weather im guessing a field with tarmac is a neccesity-shoreham would be my first choice. However firstly, landing fees are excessive there and secondly im always looking to here other peoples experiences of learning to fly and which clubs ticked the right boxes for them, financially and instruction wise.
Kind regs
SS.
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: UK
I did mine at Thruxton.
I'm not sure whether they have any tail wheel aircraft available to rent there though (i'm lucky enough to have access to a Luscombe silvaire 8A). Good instructors and it only took 2 hours (about £80 for the instructors if i remember).
Rob
I'm not sure whether they have any tail wheel aircraft available to rent there though (i'm lucky enough to have access to a Luscombe silvaire 8A). Good instructors and it only took 2 hours (about £80 for the instructors if i remember).
Rob
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: UK
I did my conversion at WLAC, about 3hrs in their Super Cub. Then did two hours in my RV tailwheel as a checkout etc.
Thruxton did have a super cub - was going to do my conversion with them - but somebody re-modeled it and it is no longer!! I don't think they have a tail wheel training/rental a/c any longer. Shame as training at Thruxton would be good. They have tarmac and grass, and circuit is not busy.
Tim
I did mine at Thruxton.
I'm not sure whether they have any tail wheel aircraft available to rent there though
I'm not sure whether they have any tail wheel aircraft available to rent there though
Tim
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 1
From: England
Can no-one at the gliding club sort you out on the Cub. I bet theres a PPL instructor somewhere (or a CRI). Does the conv have to happen at a Licenced airfield?
Also I don't know if it counts but waht happens if you checkout on a Falke, aren't they taildraggers (as are most Gliders)
Also I don't know if it counts but waht happens if you checkout on a Falke, aren't they taildraggers (as are most Gliders)
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: London
Having done one of these recently... I would think a "quote" for the whole thing would be difficult. There are no set number of hours, and aptitude, instructional ability and weather might mean 2 hours or 10
Converting to a tail dragger can take ages OR you might pick it up straight away.
You need to be looking at an hourly rate.
If you can get hold of a Cub, I'll do your differences training in exchange for coffee and cakes
