So what would you do?
I'm going to add to the people who think you should look seriously at joining a syndicate. The best value, and most fun flying, in syndicates may well also be served by (a) being an LAA member, and (b) having completed tailwheel differences training. You might also think hard about microlight differences training so that you can also look at those options.
G
G
I was going to suggest joining an LAA syndicate or group, you'll also probably get to fly something a little different and I honestly believe that being part of a group and a member of a strut will add a new dimension to your flying.
If you want to give purpose to your flying then how about joining Skywatch or a similar organisation.
If you are the type who likes to set themselves a goal and work at it then how about taking up aerobatics and working towards winning a competition.
If you want to give purpose to your flying then how about joining Skywatch or a similar organisation.
If you are the type who likes to set themselves a goal and work at it then how about taking up aerobatics and working towards winning a competition.
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Just a thought, possibly whacky!
You question whether you want to keep on flying at all, so I would caution against anything that 'locks you in', such as buying something, joining a group, or starting to learn a new aircraft type. It seems to me your best bet is to build on the skills you have already, and rent to retain flexibility.
A lump sum won't last forever, so you must decide when to spend it. Sensibly you say you don't want to spread it out, only barely staying current. But I'm guessing you don't want blow it quickly either.
So how about this? Plan to fly 2-3 months a year, when the weather is (theroretically) good, but fly lots of hours then. Flying while current is much more relaxing.
Accept you will need a few hours with an instructor to get back current, then some solo hours on the basics, but then rent a decent aircraft to do something adventurous. You will have to define "adventurous", but e.g. touring UK/France/Europe/...? The non-flying time gives you time to research and plan.
Ordinarily renting doesn't offer much flexibility, but once you become current again, with a decent sum to spend over a short period, the economics should change.
If the first year's adventure turns out badly, then you still have the flexibility to quit or try something else the next year. If it goes well, no amount of money will ever be enough
One more thought, if you can find a fellow minded PPL, then you could double your spending power, fly safer and have company too.
2c from 24C.
You question whether you want to keep on flying at all, so I would caution against anything that 'locks you in', such as buying something, joining a group, or starting to learn a new aircraft type. It seems to me your best bet is to build on the skills you have already, and rent to retain flexibility.
A lump sum won't last forever, so you must decide when to spend it. Sensibly you say you don't want to spread it out, only barely staying current. But I'm guessing you don't want blow it quickly either.
So how about this? Plan to fly 2-3 months a year, when the weather is (theroretically) good, but fly lots of hours then. Flying while current is much more relaxing.
Accept you will need a few hours with an instructor to get back current, then some solo hours on the basics, but then rent a decent aircraft to do something adventurous. You will have to define "adventurous", but e.g. touring UK/France/Europe/...? The non-flying time gives you time to research and plan.
Ordinarily renting doesn't offer much flexibility, but once you become current again, with a decent sum to spend over a short period, the economics should change.
If the first year's adventure turns out badly, then you still have the flexibility to quit or try something else the next year. If it goes well, no amount of money will ever be enough
One more thought, if you can find a fellow minded PPL, then you could double your spending power, fly safer and have company too.
2c from 24C.
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Rod1 - I am intrugued by this "The Jodel is a TW machine so it will improve your flying. It will also allow you to explore the huge number of strips, which have sprung up" Are the 2 synonymous or am I missing something. Thanks
They give a better performance in and out of short fields than the equivalent nosewheel types.
A DR1050, say will lift at around 45kts, whereas a DR400 doesn't think about flying until 60kts is reached. On some airfields (Lundy, for example) there isn't enough room to get to 60kts comfortably, esp in some of the lower-powered aircraft.
But you should certainly look at experiencing tailwheel flying and make your own mind up.
Join a group where most members do very little flying. Our group (6 members) Jodel has flown less than 30 hours in 2011. I've flown more than 20 hours in her. Providing each hour makes a profit, the group will be happy. £10,000 would buy a share, a year's monthly costs, and 10 hours per month in the air. (Not B.off to B.on) . No shares for sale though, and too long a drive to the hangar for you.
Last edited by Maoraigh1; 6th Mar 2011 at 20:15. Reason: addition
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Thanks to all.
I am finding that the flying I have been doing is sporadic and often without any great purpose other an attempt to keep some level of currency and therefore often involves an hour in the local training area, as I have planned for tomorrow. It is not so much a case of I have £10k to spend, it is more a case of once the decision to commit the funds has been taken it opens up many options other than burning holes in the sky making myself dizzy just outside the ATZ.
I am surprised how few responses re further formal training; IMCr, CPL, FI there are with the majority leaning towards joining a syndicate.
It seems I will have to investigate this option further.
Maoraigh1, you were just getting me all excited about your syndicate and aircraft availability and then you have to spoil it by telling me there are no shares available. Dear oh dear. Are you aware of any other syndicates with such low utilisation and availability?
To those who suggested gliding as an option, I should have said that the decision to join a gliding club had already been taken, in fact I had my first 2 flights with them just today. The £10k is a sum I am prepared to spend and believe is necessary to commit to powered flying to improve skills. I guess the tail wheel experience could come in handy for being a tug pilot?
I am finding that the flying I have been doing is sporadic and often without any great purpose other an attempt to keep some level of currency and therefore often involves an hour in the local training area, as I have planned for tomorrow. It is not so much a case of I have £10k to spend, it is more a case of once the decision to commit the funds has been taken it opens up many options other than burning holes in the sky making myself dizzy just outside the ATZ.
I am surprised how few responses re further formal training; IMCr, CPL, FI there are with the majority leaning towards joining a syndicate.
It seems I will have to investigate this option further.
Maoraigh1, you were just getting me all excited about your syndicate and aircraft availability and then you have to spoil it by telling me there are no shares available. Dear oh dear. Are you aware of any other syndicates with such low utilisation and availability?
To those who suggested gliding as an option, I should have said that the decision to join a gliding club had already been taken, in fact I had my first 2 flights with them just today. The £10k is a sum I am prepared to spend and believe is necessary to commit to powered flying to improve skills. I guess the tail wheel experience could come in handy for being a tug pilot?
I guess the tail wheel experience could come in handy for being a tug pilot?
But beware if you get hooked on gliding, you will end up wanting to spend a lot of time in the glider, and while ten grand will indeed buy something reasonable, the launches and parking are not free.
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Hi all,
I'm going to go against the majority and suggest improving you skills/knowledge via something like the IMC. Whilst I understand those advocating the syndicate approach, if you are looking at flying further afield than just outside the ATZ, then the benifits of a course like the IMC would be huge. I understand your notion about an instructor being back in the RHS, but the right instructor is a pleasure to fly with! I'd also consider the AOPA aeros course as it improves general handling and boosts the confidence! To sum up, if I were in your position, as a relatively low houred PPL, I would look at furthering my skills and knowledge, and try to have fun at the same time!
Whichever you decide, enjoy!
I'm going to go against the majority and suggest improving you skills/knowledge via something like the IMC. Whilst I understand those advocating the syndicate approach, if you are looking at flying further afield than just outside the ATZ, then the benifits of a course like the IMC would be huge. I understand your notion about an instructor being back in the RHS, but the right instructor is a pleasure to fly with! I'd also consider the AOPA aeros course as it improves general handling and boosts the confidence! To sum up, if I were in your position, as a relatively low houred PPL, I would look at furthering my skills and knowledge, and try to have fun at the same time!
Whichever you decide, enjoy!
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If you have £10k to spend then surely the best way to spend that would be to invest a portion in a share that you can then get back if you decide to move on to something else or your circumstances change? Your £10k would give you many hours and you would have something to show for it - its what I did.
I have a 1/6th share in a Europa kept at a nice friendly field, my £10k has bought me the aircraft, a years fixed costs and 110 hours flying time and next year I will only need to spend about £4k (allowing for fuel increases) for the same 110 hours.
In our syndicate there are only 2 other flying members, both of which have another aircraft at the same strip - many syndicates seem to have their share of non-flying members.
I have a 1/6th share in a Europa kept at a nice friendly field, my £10k has bought me the aircraft, a years fixed costs and 110 hours flying time and next year I will only need to spend about £4k (allowing for fuel increases) for the same 110 hours.
In our syndicate there are only 2 other flying members, both of which have another aircraft at the same strip - many syndicates seem to have their share of non-flying members.
