East Midlands Flying School
 

Hi,

It saddens me to be reporting that The East midlands Flying School is closing down at the end of November 2007, this I believe is due to the expansion of certain areas of EGNX, effectively building over the flying schools building and apron.

I am a current EMFS Student (About 20ish hours in) and what disappoints me the most is the inability of East Midlands Airport to re-locate the flying school to another area of the airfield effectively ending what is a quality school at what I used to think was a pretty decent airfield, I'm sure there's plenty of politics behind the decision and no doubt Ryan Air, BMI, Easy Jet etc and DHL provide the airport with more ££££'s that EMFS could ever do.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone at EMFS for a great time, learning was always fun, thanks to the instructors who took me up and said those exciting and sometimes scary words "You have control" and to the owners for providing a safe and enjoyable flying school with a family atmosphere.

You will be missed.

Spru!

That's what happens when airfields become too big for their boots over here. Don't know where you live, but Leicester has a great atmosphere and the real Nottingham airport isn't that bad. If it's not too far I'd head to Leicester if I was you.

How very sad and depressing. I wonder what the background is? Has the owner been given inducements to close/move by the airport? There's no mention of closure on the school's website.

NEMA has a similar number of ATMs to Belfast and Newcastle where training continues. It has a great deal less than Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen where training continues (although none of those are commercial outfits). There should be no reason why an airport with those traffic levels should not be able to support a flying school. At least EMFS has a whole host of alternative locations - Nottingham, Derby, Leicester to name the obvious ones.

I predict Leeds Bradford will be the next to ditch GA. The new MD there is the guy who did his best to eject GA from Bristol then Newcastle.

NS

Inducements
 

Quote "I wonder what the background is? Has the owner been given inducements to close/move by the airport? There's no mention of closure on the school's website"

Not that I was aware of, in the details I have been made aware of, the flying school asked for a new lease at an alternate location on the airfield and were refused by EGNX.

I'm from Nottingham and although I agree we have a few alternatives, it's still a sad fact of life!

Spru!

There are two sides to every story - so before we start attacking the airport:

1) The owner has had a stroke, the school has been run by his wife since. If the will to continue the business was there, why not re-locate to another airfield?

2) Flying training is not ceasing at EMA - Donair is still there.

3) Contrary to popular opinion expressed here the site at EMA is extremely small for the business it contains. There is precious little room to expand where needed. One look at the airport diagram in the AIP (if you have a knowledge of what is already on the site) shows to all but the most blinkered attitude that options for re-location are minimal, if they exist at all.

4) Unlike areas like Newcastle, Belfast etc the area is well served by 3, licenced, GA airfields.

My understanding that that there is plenty of room for a flying school, but car parks make more money :)

(note the smiley)

could not put a car park on the EMFS site-and Chilli is right there is more to this than an anti GA airport, which by and large we are not

@North South
I'd doubt anything will appear on the website to be honest - its updated by the engineer and the majority of it is well out of date.

All members/students were informed by letter, we're doing our best to get people through the course asap and for people with a long way to go, we'll be making it as easy as poss to move schools/clubs.

And where would you relocate to ChilliMonster? Most of the GA fields about are probably owned by the same people owning the schools... I am sure they would just LOVE the competition, as would the schools there..

Also simply upping sticks and bogging off at a moments notice is not really a practability....well unless your name is R***A*R.... their track record on this isn't exactly startling compared to a company that has been established on the same site for over 20 years, One hopes it does not come home and bite the airport on the butt having seemingly laid all their eggs in one proverbial basket.

If that was the case, then why did the school have over 300 members? surely they would have gone elsewhere if the supply was adequate.

Sorry to hear the news about EMSF.

Some of us remember the early days - I seem to recall the EMSF located there almost as soon as EMA opened for business and I spent many a happy hour there when my father was an instructor there.

Many a budding professional pilot started at EMSF and they also trained countless PPLs too.

The halcyon days of Orion Airways and then proceeding to the flying school for a chat and a cup of tea (not to mention the bar!) will never be forgotten - how lucky we were to have those days!

Thanks to Bill and Jill and all the staff that have kept it going for so long.

That's a shame, I had just started looking at schools to do a PPL around the Nottingham area, EMFS was top of the list.
Presumably Donair might benefit from EMFS's unfortunate dismise if they sell the aircraft and other equipment to them?
Has anyone had any experience of Donair? Would be interested to know what they are like.

Donair have been on the go for as long as I have, (and thats a long time!) and I've not heard anything adverse about them.
I believe that says as much as you need to know:ok:

almost professional - from a pilot point of view you are indeed a very welcome airport. I have not actually landed there for some time but on my frequent travels from my home base I often ask and receive a very good service.
Thanks

I have recently changes flying schools to donair and find it great. Very good instructers, reasonablie fees and good atmosphere...better than my previous experiences.

I trained for my PPL at EMFS, I was at uni in Loughborough at the time and it was the closest place.

It's a real shame the place is closing down. The training I recieved was of the highest quality, even with hindsight.

Another good school lost and GA getting squeezed from another airfield. I wonder how long Donair will last.

Sorry to here that EMSF is to close. I have many good memories of the place. I did my Flying Instructors Course there with Fireflybob's father which was a totally enjoyable experience.

I only home they have a closing down party!

How about any ex-students of EMSF posting any funny stories as a sort of trip down memory lane. Here's one I can recall.

This must have happened late 1960s. In those days the ATC was, to say the least, somewhat lacking.

Frank Spencer (not the comedian but a very good ex RAF instructor) is in the circuit with a student in Cessna 150. We are all in the flying school listening in to Approach and the Red Arrows call for transit north to south through the overhead at circa 2,000 ft. ATC asks if they would like to go thru the overhead at low level (2-300 ft)? They reply in the affirmative so we are all outside to watch the impromptu display and they come across with smoke on etc - only trouble is Approach didnt notify the Tower so Frank gets the shock of his life when he's on short final pattering an approach when Arrow formation zoom across his bows with all the smoke.

The look on Franks face and the expletives he used when he was talking to ATC on the phone to complain had to be seen to be belived whilst the rest of us were suffering from unrestrained laughter! His student thought the lesson was the best ever!

Frank sent me on my first solo in 1968 at EMA on RW 28 (now 27) in a Chipmunk. He was certainly one of the best instructors ever and will be remembered by many and went on to set up the Spencer School of Flying at Tollerton later on.

Ok here is another. A large "balbo" of aircraft including all the aircraft from the flying school had gone across to see the air display at Hucknall in the late 1960s (this was in the days of REAL air displays with Lightnings doing full reheat climb outs etc!). They all returned in "loose" formation line astern. The ATCO in the tower authorised them to do a run and break (about 12 a/c) and land in stream. As they are beginning the "run" a Viscount calls the tower inbound from Belfast requesting a visual. Tower says cleared for a visual - report on final you are number thirteen!! All goes ok the last a/c of the Balbo is on final but the Viscount is a bit close behind. As the Cessna touches down ATC request the pilot to vacate IMMEDIATELY onto the grass (meaning the grass Runway 01/19 which crossed the main Runway 10/28 in those days). Unfortunately said pilot (who shall remain nameless RIP) clears the runway IMMEDIATELY onto the (muddy) grass and then gets stuck with tailplane overhanging the runway! Viscount is then instructed to Go Around (we called it Overshoot in the "olden days").

The Air Traffic Controller was well known to us and the ensuing conversation he had with the pilot of Cessna afterwards was one I will never forget!

Having been a member at EMFS for some 12 years or more, I always enjoyed my flying there. Sadly, whatever the rights and wrongs (as per the letter, and issues perhaps alluded to be Chilli / Almost_Prof), the likelihood is that GA will lose a number of pilots as a result of this. There are quite a number of hire-members at EMFS who particularly use the PA28s, and whilst Donair and/or Leicester and/or Tollerton and/or others may be alternatives for some, certainly my impression is that the former lacks sufficient aircraft to soak up a significant increase in members wanting to fly regularly.

Ah well, it was a good twelve years - the announcement's come just in time to stop me spending money on what could be a rather wasted medical! Farewell Bill and Gill and everyone else involved - and thankyou.

Andy

So why don't some of you get together and buy one?

Really sorry to hear this. Had my first ever flying lesson at EMFS back in 1992 and because of this I never fail to look fondly and respectfully at the school every time I taxy past it.

Many thanks and good luck Bill and Gill .... hope to call in soon to wish you the best in person.

:(

Yeah, what is happening to G-**ON?

I need to pop in and see Gill next time I am back in the UK.

Oscar November
 

I flew the old girl today - she is still a faithful member of the school fleet, and my personal favourite. She's getting on a bit in years, but she's the aircraft I learned on, and passed my skills test in, so I'm a bit emotionally attached to her.
It's a great shame about the loss of the School - it's one of the few around based at a large commercial airport with controlled airspace. I'm sure if many others learned in such an environment, we would have less airspace busts.
They are still trying to slavage the situation, but I believe the cost of any alternatives (if any are found) will render the operation uneconomical. My thanks go to their patient instructors and Bill and Gill, the owners, whose "stickler" approach to their students discipline ensures they turn out good pilots (with the possible exception of me of course)
The ATC guys and girls are also excellent, and their patience with students stumbling R/T knows no bounds. Mind it was change for a BMI Baby 737 to have to hold for my approach today, luckily the wind was straight down the runway and my landing in front of this plane load of passengers was not too bad at all!!!

I too agree whole heartedly , this is very , very sad. I have been flying on and off for 17years in the likes of ON, IM, ZP, RY, GO, GP. Did all my PPL ratings there at EMFS. It was EASILY the best run school I have ever come across with Highly professional instructors and the Legendary Bill and Gill. It is the end of an era where well trained pilots were a matter of course.

One or two little stories that make me smile when I think about them:

The first is the generosity if Bill and his lovely wife Gill. I had booked some hour building out in the states to prepare for BCPL training when the company concerned went out of business, taking my ( and a lot of others) money with it. I was shattered and popped in for a coffee to share my story. Bill and Gill not only listened but even did me a brill deal on block booking PA38"ER". Thats the sort of people they are .

The second involved two instructors there in the early 90's . I shall call them SNORKEY and PR. How many of you got roped into 'POPPING" into Nottingham or Leicester for a bacon sani or full english? I know I did and they were HAPPY DAYS!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for starting my aviation career in the best way, Bill and Gill . All the best.

JS:D

Tatenhill is also v.good and not to far away as an alternative. Good, large fleet of aircraft and not too exspensive.

^^^

shamless plug from flying school owner me thinks:rolleyes:

Oh yes, you can! ;)

As a long time Member of the School, this has come as abit of a shock to all of us.

The Airport have made commercial decisions that are right for the airport and we have to accept the economics of that, given their customer in question. It is sad that another location on the airfield couldn't be found for us, possibly down towards the previous location at the western end or in amongst the BMI hangers.

As that previously mentioned, the notion of relocating as a whole elsewhere isn't a go-er as the club would not be welcomed on the basis of competition. Having already had a look around, it is going to be difficult for a number of us, as we have healthy number of PA28 drivers and these appear relatively few in the local area.

A tie in with the RR club at Hucknall where realtionships with EMFS are very good and go back along way would be just the ticket, but again, unlikely. Hopefully, we'll all get sorted.

A great Club with fanstastic owners and staff; will miss the place big time.

Covaero
 

As I've said earlier, I'm very sad at the schools demise, being one of those who hire their PA28's - they patiently taught me to fly too. However, living South of East Mids, I have found "refuge" at the Coventry Aeroplane Club based at EGBE. Obviously, for those North of East Mids, it may be too far, but I can recommend the club to anyone who feels Coventry is not too far.
A very big attraction is the two new Warrior 111's in the fleet. Beautiful, low hours aircraft, well equipped (2 x Garmin 430's, electric standby vac pump etc etc) and based at a Club with good facilities - good bar etc!!
I have only done a couple of trips so far, one with their CFI (nice chap too) for a check ride, and one a couple of days ago to Gloucester. They do encourage Club members to fly together, and are happy for the aircraft to be taken for longer trips.
I have no commercial interest in the club except as a new member, but can recommend it for those who wish to fly new PA28's.

I dont work for Tatenhill (just before anyone asks!) but would recomend them as I did my PPL there a while ago and do go there from time to time to say hello. They have a good School set up and reliable instructors.
As an ex FI I think it is a really good place to learn as you dont have to wait at the hold etc and you get lots of touch and goes in an hr. (landing being a big part of some PPL students hrs) So having a longish runway is a good thing when trying to learn!

Heard good things about Cov. to but depends where you live.

I started my PPL at EMFS and enjoyed it, I have good memories and will be sad to see this School close.

:{

Unfortunate
 

I agree that the expansion of EMA is a good thing; it will obviously benefit the local economy and the airfield.

But I disagree with the airfields methods of just running roughshod over EMFS and closing down a thriving business.

Plus this removes a decent well run training establishment in controlled airspace from the East Midlands region, this can not be beneficial to the aviation community as a whole, how many now professional pilots trained (and hopefully) benefited from training with full ATC etc etc at EMFS?

I've written to the managing director of EMA outlining my disappointment with their decision not to re-locate, not only a thriving private aviation business, but a well respected training establishment from the East Midlands!

Spru!

Just a quick note to say thankyou to EMFS for helping me on the road to where I am today. I completed an IMC with them, whilst also flying a number of hours during my hour building period. The owners treated me very well and although I have not been in quite some time, just to know that the school will not be there saddens me.

I too have nice memories of G-""ON, nice plane, loved the leather seats :}

EMSF- a role of honour
 

What! No Hector Taylor stories?? The history of this school goes way way back. An ATPL role of Honor of guys flying big commercial airplanes after a apprenticeship at EMFS is very very long.

Please Add to this ex instructor list

Paul Whittingham - virgin 340
Andy Tilling - Virgin 747
Rich Hull - Virgin 747
Russ Wicks - BMI 320
Tim Palmer - Virgin cessna 152
Tim Wooltooortorton , Dave meridith, Tony Whitfield, Ian Lamb, adrian merimen,Jimmy McGregor,................................................... ..................................................the list is endless - pls add

East Mid's Cessnas
 

Hi Guys,

For the last few weeks, East Mid's Cessna 152s have been up for sale on some of the aircraft sales websites. While not in the first flush of youth, these aeroplanes look to have been well maintained and are well equiped.

Now if a deal has indeed been done with Donair that will save East Mids, then either these Cessnas will be needed back on the line, or else some or all of them may still be surplus to requirements and remain up for sale.

If they remain up for sale, then I would suggest that the best way to help the proprietors of East Mids would be for members to form groups and buy 'em up, 'cos they look like a good buy.

Broomstick.

Best understanding of the likely sitation is:

* Donair acquiring EMFS, to be based in current Donair premises
* Donair (or whatever its to be called) to take 4 x C152 from EMFS
* Gill to be involved in running of new organisation
* Some EMFS instructors to move over (number tbc at this time)
* PA-28 G-CDON being acquired by a group, remain based at EMA but not available to Donair
* Situation wrt PA-28 G-BPRY (privately owned and loaned to EMFS) and Arrow G-TEBZ tbc

A

Firefly Bob do you remember the day a student buzzed two local universities after a row with his girlfriend and was arrested by the busies on his return. I often wonder what became of him. Your dad was CFI then wasnt he or was it Barry something or other ?

My funniest moment at EMA was when an Aztec landed one day and called for taxi instructions. ATC said "taxi where, DF indicates you just landed at Wymeswold!"

ALTSEL Don't forget:
Paul Rawlings - Ryanair
Phil Brown - Thomas Cook
Erica Morris - Virgin
Steve Walshaw - exVirgin
Steve Clark (me) - Virgin
Simon Hinsley - Virgin
Andy Smith - BMI baby
Jason Scattergood (exPPL) - BMI baby
Nick Smith (exPPL) - Virgin
Dave Garney - Not sure who now.
Lots more, bet Bill can still rattle them all off despite his condition. The twenty year EMFS party showed how successful and popular the school was by the huge numbers who turned up to celebrate with Bill and Gill.
Whatever happens, either with a Donair tie-up or not, EMFS will always be a happy memory for very many former students, PPLs and instructors.
Cheers Everyone:D:ok:
Steve.

llanfairpg, yes I recall both incidents very well! In the former I recall that the person involved had (allegedly) also managed to do this whilst drinking a bottle of gin (or was it vodka) in the process and also hit a powerline with the tail blacking out the local electricity in the process! Yes Hector was CFI then - I think Barry was the one that went to Monarch and eventually married (I think) Joyce Barton who worked on reception for quite a while.

There was also a case in the early days when a Viscount landed at Wymeswold instead of EMA.

Ah Bob, I know you well. I was always impressed with your table of different app speeds for the C172 for each passenger carried and I can confirm i am still trying to fly that accurately!

What happened to the chap with the moustache who seemed to own the school at the time and loved drawing Thrust/drag + Lift/thrust diagrams on the board?

There was also the Aztec that was cleared to land at EMA after calling 'finals' and touched down non radio on 24 at Birmingham!


Hector by the way did more Instructor renewals and initials than any other panel eaxaminer at that time--God bless him- a true gentleman