PPL in Norwich
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Norfolk
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Regarding instructor hours, all four schools at Norwich are hours paid = log-book hours.
With regard to equipment etc I can only say my PPL (qualified this January) at Anglia Flight cost £6576 including all equipment and landings, at the current advertised price on Old Buckenhams website the cost for 45 hours would be £8190, al saving of £1614 or put another way, I can afford another 11 hours. About a 25% saving!
Call all of the schools and see what you think yourself.
With regard to equipment etc I can only say my PPL (qualified this January) at Anglia Flight cost £6576 including all equipment and landings, at the current advertised price on Old Buckenhams website the cost for 45 hours would be £8190, al saving of £1614 or put another way, I can afford another 11 hours. About a 25% saving!
Call all of the schools and see what you think yourself.
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Norfolk
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Having looked about, I settled for Old Buck, where I felt at home. The deciding factors were:
A great set of instructors with a wealth of experience.
Landing fees/membership/resources free (including headset when you pass)
Proximity (diesel is NOT cheap these days).
It's possibly the case that training is cheaper elsewhere, but on balance I'm training at an at airfield which I'm happy to be, and I've had no reason to regret the decision - far from it. I think this is an important factor, having heard various stories of screaming instructors etc ruining the experience.
A great set of instructors with a wealth of experience.
Landing fees/membership/resources free (including headset when you pass)
Proximity (diesel is NOT cheap these days).
It's possibly the case that training is cheaper elsewhere, but on balance I'm training at an at airfield which I'm happy to be, and I've had no reason to regret the decision - far from it. I think this is an important factor, having heard various stories of screaming instructors etc ruining the experience.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk UK
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Old Buckenham
I reckon you made the right decision,the CFI is incredibly helpful,and certainly never shouts.
He hums and makes little sounds to himself,taps whatever intrument you have just mis read or not read,and never makes you feel stupid.
The other instructor I flew with at Old Buck was exactly the same,I think I had a couple of lessons with other instructors but basically it was Gerry or Andrew,both excellent.
Good luck and happy flying.
Lister
He hums and makes little sounds to himself,taps whatever intrument you have just mis read or not read,and never makes you feel stupid.
The other instructor I flew with at Old Buck was exactly the same,I think I had a couple of lessons with other instructors but basically it was Gerry or Andrew,both excellent.
Good luck and happy flying.
Lister
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Norfolk UK
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What about going for an NPPLA (M) ?
£120/hour at Northrepps in a modern reliable 912 3-axis C42 ? Less hours needed to qualify, and a simple conversion to SSEA if you want more seats or insist on flying an old avgas guzzling aircraft when you do get your licence.
John
£120/hour at Northrepps in a modern reliable 912 3-axis C42 ? Less hours needed to qualify, and a simple conversion to SSEA if you want more seats or insist on flying an old avgas guzzling aircraft when you do get your licence.
John
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Join Date: Apr 2010
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Thank You
Firstly a big thank you to all of you who've taken the time to reply 
I'm in the first stage of dealing with my new-found aviation addiction and getting my PPL is a really important step, so it's great to have all this feedback.
I've decided I am going to go with either the Anglian Air Centre or try out Seething. Norwich Airport is literally 5 minutes drive away from me, so that's a big plus point. However, I like the social side that Seething offers. I'll try out both and make a decision that way.
My goal is to fly commercially some day for one of the major carriers - doing the PPL while I work towards the insane amount of money I need to do the training. Anyone wishing to contribute is more than welcome (Web design/Mac & PC Support/Consultancy anyone?)
By the way, it'd be great to meet up with anyone who's going down the same or a similar route.
Thanks again
M
I'm in the first stage of dealing with my new-found aviation addiction and getting my PPL is a really important step, so it's great to have all this feedback.I've decided I am going to go with either the Anglian Air Centre or try out Seething. Norwich Airport is literally 5 minutes drive away from me, so that's a big plus point. However, I like the social side that Seething offers. I'll try out both and make a decision that way.
My goal is to fly commercially some day for one of the major carriers - doing the PPL while I work towards the insane amount of money I need to do the training. Anyone wishing to contribute is more than welcome (Web design/Mac & PC Support/Consultancy anyone?)
By the way, it'd be great to meet up with anyone who's going down the same or a similar route.
Thanks again
M
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Ed Chapman
Is anyone in contact with Ed Chapman, formerly (great) instructor at the Norwich School of Flying? I tried the lost and found section on this website but no success....
He became airline pilot at Manchester I was told and later incorporated into EZY but i never managed to get an email address...
He became airline pilot at Manchester I was told and later incorporated into EZY but i never managed to get an email address...
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Mark,
I work for the Norwich School of Flying and we operate out of the same hangar as Anglia Air Centre. Both are good schools with great instructors and more importantly, the attitude that the student comes first. So really it comes down to a personal choice. why not make arrangements to see both? Old Buckenham I have no experience of i'm afraid.
If you're wanting to go commercial I would recommend that you speak with an instructor (Simon) who works at several of the schools at Norwich and was asked to write several guides on the subject a short while ago. Give me a bell if thats something you'd like to do and I can probably arrange that.
Also we have several people at varying stage of their commercial careers from just starting out to actually in Airline employment you could speak to.
With regards to some of the comments regarding learning to fly at a larger airfield with full ATC or a smaller one, both have their merits but i would lean toward the larger. Its a bit like learning to drive in London.. after that anythings easier.
Some other things to consider;
Do not under any circumstances pay for ANYTHING bar a trial lesson in advance. Some schools may try and tempt you with a discount for paying up front, avoid for the following reasons.
1) It is impossible to price a PPL up for someone as some have done because the apptitude of students varies so much, anyone who says different is lying
2)Profit margins in flight training are tiny against huge costs, organisations offering discounts often need cash quickly and may (as in the case of my friend) not even be around to complete the training you have paid for. I CANNOT EMPHASIS THIS ENOUGH!
Some schools have a better reputation for teaching than others who concentrate on what I would call more the leisure market, often there is very little in the way of briefings and debriefings in an effort to get more flying hours out of the aircraft. 2 hours for a 1 hour slot is what you should be aiming for. Ask what you should expect.
Look for an established school lets face it if they weren't any good would they still be here?
Look at the facilities. You're going to need to do exams and radio tests does the school have the facility to do both? only one in Norfolk does.
Cost per hour on paper is not a very good comparison, value for money is very different. Meet the instructors you'd be having and see what you think. A good instructor can save you money even if they are a little more expensive per hour. Make sure prices are all inclusive. some add VAT.
I hope this helps somewhat anyway and whatever you decide I wish you luck.
Regards
David
PS Small B I presume that is Small Boy?
I work for the Norwich School of Flying and we operate out of the same hangar as Anglia Air Centre. Both are good schools with great instructors and more importantly, the attitude that the student comes first. So really it comes down to a personal choice. why not make arrangements to see both? Old Buckenham I have no experience of i'm afraid.
If you're wanting to go commercial I would recommend that you speak with an instructor (Simon) who works at several of the schools at Norwich and was asked to write several guides on the subject a short while ago. Give me a bell if thats something you'd like to do and I can probably arrange that.
Also we have several people at varying stage of their commercial careers from just starting out to actually in Airline employment you could speak to.
With regards to some of the comments regarding learning to fly at a larger airfield with full ATC or a smaller one, both have their merits but i would lean toward the larger. Its a bit like learning to drive in London.. after that anythings easier.
Some other things to consider;
Do not under any circumstances pay for ANYTHING bar a trial lesson in advance. Some schools may try and tempt you with a discount for paying up front, avoid for the following reasons.
1) It is impossible to price a PPL up for someone as some have done because the apptitude of students varies so much, anyone who says different is lying
2)Profit margins in flight training are tiny against huge costs, organisations offering discounts often need cash quickly and may (as in the case of my friend) not even be around to complete the training you have paid for. I CANNOT EMPHASIS THIS ENOUGH!
Some schools have a better reputation for teaching than others who concentrate on what I would call more the leisure market, often there is very little in the way of briefings and debriefings in an effort to get more flying hours out of the aircraft. 2 hours for a 1 hour slot is what you should be aiming for. Ask what you should expect.
Look for an established school lets face it if they weren't any good would they still be here?
Look at the facilities. You're going to need to do exams and radio tests does the school have the facility to do both? only one in Norfolk does.
Cost per hour on paper is not a very good comparison, value for money is very different. Meet the instructors you'd be having and see what you think. A good instructor can save you money even if they are a little more expensive per hour. Make sure prices are all inclusive. some add VAT.
I hope this helps somewhat anyway and whatever you decide I wish you luck.
Regards
David
PS Small B I presume that is Small Boy?
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Mark,
If Norwich Airport is only 5 minutes away that is a significant factor. Good luck with your PPL.
David,
You say only one school in Norfolk has facilities for exams and radio tests. Since I know from experience that Old Buck does, is that the one you meant?
Up and down
If Norwich Airport is only 5 minutes away that is a significant factor. Good luck with your PPL.
David,
You say only one school in Norfolk has facilities for exams and radio tests. Since I know from experience that Old Buck does, is that the one you meant?
Up and down
Join Date: Feb 2008
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A quick check confirms you're right. http://www.ukft.com/PDF/Worldwide%20...0locations.pdf
Appologies, there are two schools in Norfolk with radio examiners. Norwich School of Flying (2 examiners) and Old Buckenham (1)
Appologies, there are two schools in Norfolk with radio examiners. Norwich School of Flying (2 examiners) and Old Buckenham (1)
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PPL Norwich
Johnny 3 stars..yep, Northrepps/Cromer International would be a good bet if you want to keep the cost down with a NPPL. Great crowd and very relaxed. Catch a cloud/gordon Shaw is a flying training organisation, not a 'Flight' training school. Its all hands on and all about handling the a/c. Get your basics there and then hit NWI for the group A endorsement. Old Buck also a great strip with GH providing sterling training on good a/c(PA28). Shipdham will teach you how to fly gliders but at the mo, not powered a/c. BOL.!!
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Is anyone in contact with Ed Chapman, formerly (great) instructor at the Norwich School of Flying? I tried the lost and found section on this website but no success....
He became airline pilot at Manchester I was told and later incorporated into EZY but i never managed to get an email address...
He became airline pilot at Manchester I was told and later incorporated into EZY but i never managed to get an email address...
Also he remembered your name and said to say that he hopes you are well and still flying.
David
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Just to let you all know - I had my 1st lesson with the Anglian Air School at Norwich Airport on Monday and it was amazing! Great people and very friendly atmosphere.
Apparently they think I'm picking things up very quickly - went from zero through to understanding the secondary effects of the flight controls and it all sunk in Just gotta work on my taxiing hehe
Thanks again to all of you who took the time to give your opinions
Apparently they think I'm picking things up very quickly - went from zero through to understanding the secondary effects of the flight controls and it all sunk in
Just gotta work on my taxiing heheThanks again to all of you who took the time to give your opinions
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Just to let you all know - I had my 1st lesson with the Anglian Air School at Norwich Airport on Monday and it was amazing! Great people and very friendly atmosphere.
Apparently they think I'm picking things up very quickly - went from zero through to understanding the secondary effects of the flight controls and it all sunk in
Just gotta work on my taxiing hehe
Apparently they think I'm picking things up very quickly - went from zero through to understanding the secondary effects of the flight controls and it all sunk in
Just gotta work on my taxiing hehe
David
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Norfolk
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PS Small B I presume that is Small Boy?
Freon1978, yes it is. Is that Dave Holligwurth? I thought you would be with an airline by now, last time we talked you were putting in lots of applications. I will drop in and see you this week.
Your website says you are a family run business, I didn't know Brian was your Dad
Freon1978, yes it is. Is that Dave Holligwurth? I thought you would be with an airline by now, last time we talked you were putting in lots of applications. I will drop in and see you this week.
Your website says you are a family run business, I didn't know Brian was your Dad
Join Date: Jan 2008
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this is a reply 11 years late… My apologies… Great that Brian remembered me! I went in to get my imc and multi rating and owned a Seneca IV reg GMAIK although i stopped flying years ago… never found Ed Chapman unfortunately…
