Shoreham - which flying club?
 

Have recently moved to the area, and plan to join a club at Shoreham Apt. There's the choice of a few - has anybody had an experiences with any of them? Which would you recommend?

Thoroughlly independently, I have it fromm an impartial observer - Sussex Flying Club.

I have no PPL - have no desire for one - I have, just for you, called someone who knows all the schools very very well...This was his recommendation.

Why did I put so much work into this???

Well, maybe its the fact I saw the words "Miss" on your title.....

Ho, hum.....back to work!

Hi Miss, . .I went down Shoreham way on a recent cold wet saturday sniffing around for flying schools/clubs.. .The Sussex Flying Club were very friendly indeed and i was suitably impressed! . .Nice little airport too, bit of history there.. .Economics mean i live too far away to fly from there so I'm going London instead though. . .Good luck.. .NC

Can thoroughly recommend Sky Leisure who are based in the tower building.. .V friendly and v high quality of instruction (if needed) right up to IR level.. .Big advantage also is that your flying account is interchangeable with Redhill Aviation (at Redhill) - same owners. This gives a lot more flexibility (especially if you live equidistant-ish from Shoreham/Redhill as I do!)

..and I shall once again recommend Southern Flight Centre who continue to offer improved services and facilities along with good quality instruction.

<a href="http://www.southernflightcentre.com" target="_blank">web page</a>

Premiair is OK. Good intructors, lots of planes. Although they do bleed you for every cent. Instruction is expensive, they charge over the odds landing fees, even though EGKA is already expensive! Swings and roundabouts really

Hi Miss, . .Personally I would recommend Airbase flying club,. .very friendly and good instruction.My second choice would be Sussex flying club. Both are situated in the main terminal building (infact Sussex is directly above Airbase) oh , and I have flown with both clubs so my advice has some foundation.. .Good Luck. .Cloudwatcher

Might see you down there!

I've done some flying for Southern Flight Centre, Premiair and now with Airbase. If your serious about getting some decent training then Airbase is the place to go. Very friendly with lots of advice and no bull****ing which most flying school will give. As always the instructer you have is the most important at I have to Airbase they are very good. The prices are always the same where ever you go at Shoreham £84 Warrior, but its the people that make the flying club.

Hi - thanks very much for all your posts. As far as I can see they are all a much of a muchness so far!

The most important thing for me is to fly at a club where the instructors are patient and take time out for you to answer any questions (not that I'm a pilot from hell, it's just that cocky instructors aggravate the hell out of me). I also want good groundschool instructors for an IMC (if offered). I'm not training to be get a commercial license - it's all for fun and a hobby, so enjoyment is my top priority.

As always, although the price isn't too much of an issue, I don't really want to pay over the odds either.

(I also heard that the R/T use at Shoreham isn't that hot - anyone have any comments?)

(I also heard that the R/T use at Shoreham isn't that hot - anyone have any comments?)

Rubbish!! Top bunch of lads and lasses, at a really busy airfield!

I agree with Kirsty, they are very professional and with a great deal of patience...especially when some of us learners cock up occasionally.

The AT guys and girls at Shoreham are first class. Shoreham gets very busy at times, but the service is always very professional. They also provide an approach service which is usually gladly given for training.

Over the years I have got to know quite a few of the instructors so if I can be of any help let me know.

Good luck!!. [email protected]

I agree about the ATC - I flew in on a busy Sunday last Summer as I do from time to time and had a bit of a run-in with the tower controller over my joining procedure. It was a bit of a misunderstanding and after landing she personally came to speak to me to sort everything out - Good service under busy conditions, especially having to deal with all those students and then the low hours PPL's like me who are unfamiliar with the place. Well done.

Thing to remember about SHM is the size of the circuit......... sometimes I think the QXC is shorter than the amount of ground covered by some in the circuit. When using 03 be sure to take a life-jacket !!!!

All clubs there are similar, friendly . ATC very proffesional <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

Well Miss Bigglesworth

There's about 7 clubs at Shoreham at the last count, all competing like mad and leaving no margin for anyone.

1st Rule: Pay no money up-front!

You will have different needs depending on whether you already have a PPL or are learning. Some have a great team of instructors, some have a great clubhouse. Most have a mixture. Few have a good programme for qualified PPLs. Its courses for horses.

I have worked for some of them and now work elsewhere so I can now look on from a respectable distance. I can give you some more detailed info if you Email me.

Good luck, but don't worry about the ATC they are a crack team. Its just with only one frequency in use at a busy weekend and 7 clubs trying to get their fleet airbourne that things get a bit tense!

[ 08 February 2002: Message edited by: Long Briefing ]

[ 08 February 2002: Message edited by: Long Briefing ]</p>

Well, Miss Biggles,

Try The Flying Hut. Go See Paul Crosskey, and/or Colin Cleaver. The club is small, friendly, (Always a welcome cup of tea/coffee and a chat, and a good selection of well maintained aircraft, including a couple of Warriors, and also a Slingsby T67 Firefly......Give em a try. Competitvely priced too.

Tailwinds

Long Briefing - usually I would agree with a sensible comment like "pay no money up front", but Redhill Aviation offer a healthy discount if you pay for your 45 hours in either one or two bursts (saves about £600 - 700, I think), so Sky Leisure may well offer the same deal.

Of course, if you don't trust 'em, don't pay though! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Enjoy the flying, Miss - Shoreham's a nice place to do it from!

Hersh

Hmm Mis Bigglesworth you wouldn't be a jodphur wearing aeroplane broker from Windsor would you?

And to add my £0.02 worth on ATC totally concur all top drawer chaps and chapesses - even if they do nick biccies :)

[ 11 February 2002: Message edited by: Ace Rimmer ]</p>

Busted!

Ah but I s'pose I just blew my cover too Damn I hate it when that happens!