Aircraft Hire in London
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Aircraft Hire in London
Hi all,
I'm London based (uni) and looking to start flying down here having previously learnt up in the midlands - EASA PPL. I'm aware it's been done to death over the years but just wondering if anyone has personal recommendations of where's good within the M25. Ideally somewhere associated with a flying school - or at least somewhere where I can get a couple of hours with an instructor - as I haven't flown a few months. Previous types were PA28/PA38 but happy to convert to those things with the wings on the roof too. I don't really feel comfortable with going private with syndicates etc at my stage of the game.
Thanks for your time!
I'm London based (uni) and looking to start flying down here having previously learnt up in the midlands - EASA PPL. I'm aware it's been done to death over the years but just wondering if anyone has personal recommendations of where's good within the M25. Ideally somewhere associated with a flying school - or at least somewhere where I can get a couple of hours with an instructor - as I haven't flown a few months. Previous types were PA28/PA38 but happy to convert to those things with the wings on the roof too. I don't really feel comfortable with going private with syndicates etc at my stage of the game.
Thanks for your time!
I'd strongly recommend joining London Universities Air Squadron if they'll have you, and also that there's a very good London University Gliding Club. University gliding clubs are great for the social side, and also gliding is brilliant for developing your stick and rudder skills affordably.
If those don't work out - West London Aero Club at White Waltham, just outside Maidenhead is easily done by public transport from London, has a wonderful club atmosphere and a good range of flying machines. A little further out and a bus ride from High Wycombe Station is Booker Airfield - less good as a club, but a bit cheaper, and a reasonable range of aeroplanes including PA28s.
Not been there for a while, but IIRC Andrewsfield and Stapleford are also easily done from London with schools and rental fleets.
I agree, buying a share somewhere you may only be for three years, may not be the best choice.
G
If those don't work out - West London Aero Club at White Waltham, just outside Maidenhead is easily done by public transport from London, has a wonderful club atmosphere and a good range of flying machines. A little further out and a bus ride from High Wycombe Station is Booker Airfield - less good as a club, but a bit cheaper, and a reasonable range of aeroplanes including PA28s.
Not been there for a while, but IIRC Andrewsfield and Stapleford are also easily done from London with schools and rental fleets.
I agree, buying a share somewhere you may only be for three years, may not be the best choice.
G
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...and don't forget Denham, nestling just inside the junction of the M25 and M40, easily reached by train from Marlyebone (and a lot nearer London than Booker or WW).The Pilot Centre's the place to Google (other search engines available)
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And for completeness, there's also Elstree, North Weald (just outside the M25), and the Tiger Club at Damyns Hall, in addition to all the ones mentioned above.
Which one you choose could also depend on lot on exactly where you are living, as it makes some a lot easier than others to get to.
Also worth considering, is whether you have any plans to do anything like tailwheel, aerobatics, or IR(R), as that could also affect your choices.
Which one you choose could also depend on lot on exactly where you are living, as it makes some a lot easier than others to get to.
Also worth considering, is whether you have any plans to do anything like tailwheel, aerobatics, or IR(R), as that could also affect your choices.
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Andrewsfield is a good one and a half to two hours drive from London (on a good day).
Stapleford, is good.
Not sure if there are any airplane to rent there but Thurrock is pretty good for London; you would need a car or will be spending a lot on Ubers from the railway station.
On the basis of travel time to get there Southend would be an option - out from Fenchurch Street with the student rail card.
Stapleford, is good.
Not sure if there are any airplane to rent there but Thurrock is pretty good for London; you would need a car or will be spending a lot on Ubers from the railway station.
On the basis of travel time to get there Southend would be an option - out from Fenchurch Street with the student rail card.
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If you don’t want to drive, Tiger Club at Damyns Hall is super convenient depending on where you are. They’re all tail draggers I think, but fun options... Tiger Moths, Super Cubs and hot CAP10! Prices much much better than most London area places.
35 minutes from Liverpool Street, and then 5 minutes in a cab. Or cycle.
35 minutes from Liverpool Street, and then 5 minutes in a cab. Or cycle.
Last edited by paulo; 2nd Feb 2019 at 17:03.
If you don’t want drive, Tiger Club at Damyns Hall is super convenient depending on where you are. They’re all tail draggers I think, but fun options... Tiger Moths, Super Cubs and hot CAP10! Prices much much better than most London area places.
35 minutes from Liverpool Street, and then 5 minutes in a cab. Or cycle.
35 minutes from Liverpool Street, and then 5 minutes in a cab. Or cycle.
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I’ll second The Odd Ones recommendation of The Pilot Centre at Denham - a 20 minute walk from the station from Marylebone.
A close second would would be a tie between Booker Aviation at Booker and WLAC at Waltham. WW easier to get to than Booker by public transport and is probably a good 45minute walk from Maidenhead mainline.
Fairoaks, Elstree, North Weald are nice places but a bit remote unless you drive.
A close second would would be a tie between Booker Aviation at Booker and WLAC at Waltham. WW easier to get to than Booker by public transport and is probably a good 45minute walk from Maidenhead mainline.
Fairoaks, Elstree, North Weald are nice places but a bit remote unless you drive.
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Fairoaks, Elstree, North Weald are nice places but a bit remote unless you drive.
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North Weald is a short taxi ride from Epping underground station
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I don't think The Tiger Club has been invitation only since the 90s, and I have found them very welcoming! :-)
