PPL in Scotland
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PPL in Scotland
With Summer coming up, the missus has decided that she too should have a go at scaring the locals.
I haven't been flown a light aircraft for quite some time now myself and am a bit out of the loop when it comes to GA airfields and clubs. I've also only flown two-crew for the last four years, so I could do with a bit of re-learning myself.
Can anyone recommend a good club (quality and friendliness of instructors and the condition of the aircraft being the primary concerns, rather than trying to save a fiver on each hour) in the Glasgow area, or within an hour or so's drive ?
Cheers
I haven't been flown a light aircraft for quite some time now myself and am a bit out of the loop when it comes to GA airfields and clubs. I've also only flown two-crew for the last four years, so I could do with a bit of re-learning myself.
Can anyone recommend a good club (quality and friendliness of instructors and the condition of the aircraft being the primary concerns, rather than trying to save a fiver on each hour) in the Glasgow area, or within an hour or so's drive ?
Cheers
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Perth is at the upper end of your hour's travelling time, but I would recommend having a look. Very relaxed friendly instructors, and a nice club atmosphere. The main runway is on a hill, so quite amusing, plus there is the short one (400m) which concentrates the mind, and there's grass too. Plenty of aircraft, mostly 152's. Lots of club/provate flying, plenty of PFA types and microlights about too. The club is Scottish Aero Club (www.scottishaeroclub.org.uk); flying training is done by Tayside Aviation (www.tayviation.co.uk). Can't remember the rates, but landings and exam fees were all included, which made good value. Landing fees may be chargeable now as the airport has been taken over by Morris Leslie Ltd. Lynette runs Ops at Perth, she'll give you the proper gen.
Alternatively Glenrothes is a possibility, also operated by Tayside Aviation, and a nice little field.
Take the time to find the school that suits, and chat to as many instructors as possible. It's important to "click" with the right person if you want to get the best out of it. When I was at Perth there was at least one female instructor, she was very good - this might appeal to your missus.
Alternatively Glenrothes is a possibility, also operated by Tayside Aviation, and a nice little field.
Take the time to find the school that suits, and chat to as many instructors as possible. It's important to "click" with the right person if you want to get the best out of it. When I was at Perth there was at least one female instructor, she was very good - this might appeal to your missus.
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I agree on that one. Perth is in a nicer location than Glenrothes, with more going on, both flying wise and socially. It is worth the extra journey.
Glasgow flying club seems like a fairly good set up, however your freedom is limited by having to mix with the airports jet traffic. Landing fees and time taken to clear the zone all adds a lot to the cost.
I would rate Perth as one of the UKs most pleasent airfields.
Glasgow flying club seems like a fairly good set up, however your freedom is limited by having to mix with the airports jet traffic. Landing fees and time taken to clear the zone all adds a lot to the cost.
I would rate Perth as one of the UKs most pleasent airfields.
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Would definitely say Perth! I did my IR a couple of years ago at Dundee with EATS before they closed down, and sat the actual test out of Perth with the resident maniac Dai Heather-Hayes, and have to say that the time I spent yakking with the folks in Tayside Aviation there really impressed me.
Plus, it's beautiful round there!
Plus, it's beautiful round there!
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Have to agree with opinions offered re. Perth, having recently completed CPL course there - however it can get a bit busy during the summer, probably not a problem for you but what about your other half?
Also, I believe that Cumbernauld have a couple of female instructors if that is a significant factor.
Check out the policy regarding landing fees at Numb'ncauld though : I got severely stung for circuits on a one-day tailwheel conversion in a Cub a few years ago (admittedly I was provided with a comedy a/g radio service,"x-wind 50 gusting 80kts" or something like that, quite literally at my own expense!), probably just a case of well-we-wont-be-seeing-him-again-anyway. Needless to say they didn't.
Also, I believe that Cumbernauld have a couple of female instructors if that is a significant factor.
Check out the policy regarding landing fees at Numb'ncauld though : I got severely stung for circuits on a one-day tailwheel conversion in a Cub a few years ago (admittedly I was provided with a comedy a/g radio service,"x-wind 50 gusting 80kts" or something like that, quite literally at my own expense!), probably just a case of well-we-wont-be-seeing-him-again-anyway. Needless to say they didn't.
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I recommend Glenrothes but them i'm biased as I work there, friendly club atmosphere & well maintained aircraft. £96 / hr including instructor & no landing fees for company aircraft at Glenrothes, Perth & Dundee so you'll save a fortune during touch & goes.
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I used to be an ATCO at Perth and, yes, lovely place but I would strongly suggest that your wife learn to fly close to home. Would you really want to undertake a flying lesson after a drive which could easily extend to a couple of hours? She'll learn a lot faster if she's not suffering from fatigue before she starts the lesson! Cumbernauld's probably the quietest near you, but Glasgow has at least one flying club, and don't forget Prestwick either. Bear in mind that the last two may be more expensive, but the full ATC (worth a visit to the towers anyway) and ease of access might be attractive. Whatever you decide, pay a visit before parting with your hard-earned.
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Once more unto the breach, Dear Friends...
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Once more unto the breach, Dear Friends...
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Thanks to everyone for the replies and links.
I would like to avoid Glasgow itself due to the sheer volume of traffic. ATC here are excellent but I personally don't think it is the best place for someone who has no ambitions beyond a PPL to learn to fly. Commercially-oriented people, sure, but weekend warriors.. I'm not convinced. Same with Prestwick, although it is a bit quieter.
Cumbernauld, Glenrothes and Perth will shortly be getting a visit
Very good point about fatigue, especially as my wife considers this a bit of a personal challenge - she has not been the happiest flyer in the past, but is keen to give it a go, so I will do the driving and the pep talk !
One last question - any of the above rent twins ?
Once again, thanks for taking the time to reply.
I would like to avoid Glasgow itself due to the sheer volume of traffic. ATC here are excellent but I personally don't think it is the best place for someone who has no ambitions beyond a PPL to learn to fly. Commercially-oriented people, sure, but weekend warriors.. I'm not convinced. Same with Prestwick, although it is a bit quieter.
Cumbernauld, Glenrothes and Perth will shortly be getting a visit
Very good point about fatigue, especially as my wife considers this a bit of a personal challenge - she has not been the happiest flyer in the past, but is keen to give it a go, so I will do the driving and the pep talk !
One last question - any of the above rent twins ?
Once again, thanks for taking the time to reply.
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No twins at Glenrothes, Islanders at Cumbernauld but don't know if they're for rent, Senecas at Perth used for IR training by Tayflite but again, don't know if they're for rent. One other point about travelling so far; you'll probably get a few annoying weather cancellations after you've set out.
Cheers DB6
I'd also recommend Dundee but then I'm biased...
Cheers DB6
I'd also recommend Dundee but then I'm biased...
