Night Rating - where?
 

I've decided it's about time I finished off my night rating - I've done 2.5 of the 5 hours required - and I'd like to find somewhere in the south or south east of England to do it, preferably based on an airfield that is open late so I can do the hours in 1 or 2 evenings over the next 2-3 weeks. Does anyone have any suggestions - there don't seem to be many airfields that are open much after SS.

Thanks

Southend is H24.

No personal experience of the schools there, but there is a list of links on the airport website.

TG.

Seawing are very flexible. They have 152s/172/PA28 180. Should be able to find someone to do it in the next week.

Southend is the obvious place. It's H24 - but beware the "after hours" supplement (I think it's after 10pm, but I'm not sure). The flying schools there all know about it, and will avoid you getting caught.

There are several clubs at Southend - Seawing, WillowAir, Southend Flying Club, and more. I know quite a few of the instructors - there are a goodly crop who have been instructing for decades, aren't "hours builders" , and will look after you.

I guess it depends what 'end' of London you're in. If you're in the South, then Biggin is an obvious choice - it's open 'til 9pm weekdays, so with these dark evenings coming fast upon us, it's plenty late enough. If in the East then I can second Keef's words that Southend is excellent. Don't know about the clubs, but each time I've flown into the airport, the boys and gals down there all appear professional and extremely friendly.

One thing, however, as the 'Summer Season' for flying clubs draws to a close, they're more keen for your money than usual so it's always worth trying to negotiate some sort of bulk booking discount even though you’re not doing a complete Night Package.

Good luck,

G

Thanks for the advice. I'm actually based in South West London, so Biggin looks a better bet than Southend, even if it is only open to 9pm it will give me 90 mins of night each evening at the moment, so 2 nights should do it. I'll make some enquiries there.