PPL flying in Hampshire
 

Wonder if anyody can help - I will be moving soon to the Winchester area and would like to continue flying. I am a PPL currently flying C152, C172 and PA28 out of EGKB. My research so far indicates the local airfields to be Popham and Chilbolton. Whilst these appear to be busy, lively airfields, it seems the only schools/clubs are for 3 axis microlight aircraft, Ikarus, Eurostar etc as opposed to group a. I note that there are aircraft shares in Group A aircraft available at Popham, but at least initially I would like to just join a club operating Group A aircraft, get checked out and rent an aircraft as I do now. Does anybody know what my options would be for this type of flying? I would prefer not to have to travel as far as Blackbushe for example. I also looked at Old Sarum but that also seems to be microlight too. Any ideas gratefully received.

Western Air at Thruxton?

Try Irv Lee at Popham
Irv Lee - UK Pilot Mentoring, Aviation Seminars, Artcles, Consultancy CAA/JAA/SA Approved Flying Instruction

there is a group a school at old sarum - go fly - but tends to focus in initial traing and experience flight. I think there is a non equity cherokee and a 152 to rent and possibly a share in a 177. May also be non equity rentals at Pop. Much cheaper than school a/c. Best to visit and ask around

There are loads of aircraft to rent at Popham - it's the cheapest place in the country to rent a 150/152.

Airbourne at Popham have a DA20 Katana available.

As above. Western Air, Thruxton. Speak to Bob Cole.

Nobody mentioned Lee on the Solent yet?! Not up to date with the facilities though.

Lee on Solent ? Not user friendly, still a struggle. Security almost akin to Aldermaston.

Chilbolton is a very friendly microlight club, and would be quite happy with short-field light aeroplanes, but (a) 410m runway, and (b) no club or rental aeroplanes, and I don't think any syndicates at the moment. it's basically somewhere to take your own aeroplane.

Popham is a wonderful place to operate from, affordable, nice little clubhouse, loads of syndicates, two good runways, friendly people. Irv Lee, already mentioned, operates as an FI from there and is always the best source of local wisdom.

Thruxton is a school airfield, and I've always found it good for that, but somewhat sub-optimal for most post-qualification private flying.

Lee on Solent has transformed in recent years, and become a really friendly place to operate from. Not sure what's there in the way of syndicates and rentals, but I go in there regularly for lunch on the beach.

Old Sarum is another great friendly place, a few syndicates, a busy healthy school, a few local manageable "issues" about the co-located parachute school and proximity of Boscombe Down. Single grass runway, but perfectly adequate for most purposes.


Having flown around that area for many years, I would start at Popham as my first choice, then check if anything else looks at least as good.

G

Sorry, not my recent experience.... very nice place to fly to IMHO (last there 28/12/17)...Am I missing something?

You're missing what it was like up until about 4 years ago. I suspect that Capt may not have been there for a while.

G

Last visit about two years ago. Lee has a long, long history of not being very nice to both prospective and actual users. Looks like it might now have changed.

I've been in 4 times in the last year, made thoroughly welcome on each occasion.

G

I hope you mean “on-Solent” and not “Irv”?!

I most definitely mean "on Solent" and not "Irv".

G

If you read the whole of the exchanges, clarity will be your friend !

Hi, I am part of a very low equity group at Old Sarum. We fly a PA28-140. Lovely airfield and lovely aeroplane to fly. I live just to the South of Winchester and OS is not a bad drive. Message me if you would like any more details! - Same goes for anyone else who may be interested!

Have you considered Goodwood? Richard Sims has a number of non-equity a/c there including a Trauma Hawk;)

Second, third or more vote for Airbourne at Popham...