PPRuNe Forums - Flying (or hours building) in Florida

A flight to Key West, the southernmost point of continental North America, is well worth doing.
Key West is an interesting place and the scenery en route is spectacular.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...loridaKeys.jpg

Everglades Airpark
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...537_850web.jpg
It was overcast on the morning we set off so the picture doesn't do justice to the beauty of the area. The top of the photo shows part of 'Ten Thousand Islands' - a chain of small islands and mangrove islets off the coast. If you have time to spare I recommend visiting the Everglades. Fascinating, especially if you're interested in wildlife.

Downwind at Key West International
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...010587_850.jpg

Base Leg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...600_web850.jpg

The Ocean Highway (US 1)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...547_web850.jpg

Part of the famous Seven Mile Bridge
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...622_web850.jpg
The bridge has featured in several movies - not surprisingly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...010623_850.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...549_web850.jpg

Naples (Gulf Coast) - Key West is 2½-3 hour round-trip in a C172. We did some sight-seeing and a touch and go at Florida Keys Marathon Airport on the way home so it was 4 hours total.

BTW, I've often read posts pointing out that although flying in America is much cheaper than in the UK the actual cost is often higher than the advertised rates.
Recommendation: Establish before you fly precisely what will be charged and how it will be charged.

eg

Is there a fuel surcharge? (Common in US schools at the moment.) If so, how much is it per hour?
UK schools don't usually charge for pre/post flight briefing but American schools commonly charge it as 'Ground Instruction'. If there is a charge, what is the rate? (Distinguishing between instruction and general conversation could be tricky. I haven't thought of a solution but if I was going to do a training course with an American school I would try to devise one.)
If you land away when dual, will you be charged for FI time on the ground? I haven't experienced that in the UK but American schools usually do. If so, is it at full or reduced rate? (RexAir charge half-rate.)

Flight schools in Florida

FL