What is the best FTO at Shoreham airport?
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London
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You definitely should go and have a look at Goodwood before you make any decision.
The fleet is more modern than you will probably find elsewhere - five literally brand new Cessna 172s, equipped with G1000 glass cockpit etc. All are less than 6 months old.
The buildings might look a little tired from the outside but are well equipped with briefing rooms, PCs/internet access etc. The cafe is very good, and there is a private clubroom to eat/relax in when it gets busy.
Regarding the 90 year-old fogies comment - this couldn't be further from the truth! There's a pretty broad mix of all ages and they're a very friendly bunch of people.
Regarding your question on ATC, Goodwood has an AFIS service during opening hours. This technically isn't the same as ATC, as you might be aware, but if you are asking whether it has someone to talk to on the radio then the answer is yes.
As mentioned by previous posters, it can get waterlogged during winter, but this has never really been a major problem to me, and the disadvantage it causes is compensated for by the advantage of having three runways on windy days (although the same is true of Shoreham).
For clarity, I'm not connected with Goodwood, other than being a club member and driving 130 miles between my it and my home and back most weekends, mainly because I haven't yet found anywhere to fly that I like more!
The fleet is more modern than you will probably find elsewhere - five literally brand new Cessna 172s, equipped with G1000 glass cockpit etc. All are less than 6 months old.
The buildings might look a little tired from the outside but are well equipped with briefing rooms, PCs/internet access etc. The cafe is very good, and there is a private clubroom to eat/relax in when it gets busy.
Regarding the 90 year-old fogies comment - this couldn't be further from the truth! There's a pretty broad mix of all ages and they're a very friendly bunch of people.
Regarding your question on ATC, Goodwood has an AFIS service during opening hours. This technically isn't the same as ATC, as you might be aware, but if you are asking whether it has someone to talk to on the radio then the answer is yes.
As mentioned by previous posters, it can get waterlogged during winter, but this has never really been a major problem to me, and the disadvantage it causes is compensated for by the advantage of having three runways on windy days (although the same is true of Shoreham).
For clarity, I'm not connected with Goodwood, other than being a club member and driving 130 miles between my it and my home and back most weekends, mainly because I haven't yet found anywhere to fly that I like more!
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Age: 44
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I am thinking more and more that Goodwood is the sensible choice for me, as realistically I don't like the idea of driving all the way to Shoreham (through Arundel and Worthing traffic jams) for every lesson, when Goodwood is so close.
I just need to consider when the time is right for me to go for it (trying the juggle work and looking after 3 young kids) and of course the on going financial committment.
I just need to consider when the time is right for me to go for it (trying the juggle work and looking after 3 young kids) and of course the on going financial committment.
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Location: London
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Well, I can't comment on the kids part, but I had similar concerns on juggling work and the financial commitment - I eventually took the plunge though and haven't looked back since!
Either way, good luck with whatever and wherever you decide.
Either way, good luck with whatever and wherever you decide.
