Hi AB,
like Fuji, I too am based at EGKA (Starduster). Done some flying from "the Hut " (good bunch and friendly) as well as a bit of flying from Biggin (18 years... big bit). PM if you want a chat about Biggin or Shoreham.

Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious but I take it you've spoken with Irv Lee? He's up to speed on what's available at Popham.

Mike

Of course! I even went to see him & have a look at the a/c. Saw you there too, but you were immersed in conversation, so I didn't interrupt. ;)

I am surprised no one has mentioned Goodwood, the main flying club is a bit pricey, Vectair not so bad, and if you have ANY conections with the Post office, Marconi or Plessey (even a very tenuous connection) you can fly with the Plessey flying group which has VERY reasonable rates.:ok:

slight tangent, but have you thought of a permit a/c? I have mine at Biggin. Really reduces the cost of flying if you are planning a lot of hours in a year. lots of types available and shares available as well. The hanger community can be more interesting then flying clubs as well, especially if you are interested in a variety of types of a/c.

Normally a smile and a chat can get you a passenger ride and you might find there are other aircraft for private hire arrangements.

The rest is just my humble opinion, if I insult your favourate airfield - sorry I didn't mean it!

I've operated out of most in the south east and there is not much to choose from, all ATCs and local crew seem to have their 'off' days.

Wouldn't do Redhill 'cause of the state of the runway(s) in most winters and the taxiway can be a bit of a bu@@er, Biggin is expensive especially as the the landing fees start large and get bigger, but to be honest I think that is the same for any hard runway in SE england. Main reason I use it is 'cause it's local.

WW and Headcorn have history and atmosphere, Rochester is a bit bleak. Shoreham tends to get a lot of procedural IFR traffic and can be a nightmare as a result (done the holds at 3000' going around and around and around and ......) Close to the beach though which is always a bonus - shame about the stones ....

Lydd is quiet and inexpensive, has a nice cafe (or it did last time I was there), Manston is a waste of space for visitors only really useful for SRA and PRA practice when the RAF was there (do they still do radar approaches?)

Agree about Fairoaks, definately only want a 'certain' type there and whoever that type was it was not me ... except when I was in a PA32-III ... maybe they only like 'real' aeroplanes ?

Blackbush is reasonable and has Farnborough to hand for weather diverts, nice runway but club house (cabair) was a bit spartan - definately school rather then club.



Futher afield, not been to Stapleford or North Weald, but Denham is an interesting approach in and out, Elstree seems to suffer from more 'off' days then most.

Cranfield is good for a chinese ;)

Right, that's enough of my opinion, now going to hide in the flameproof bunker ......

The Flying Hut, as mentioned, isn't too bad at SHOREHAM and worth a look from a taildragger point of view is The Real Flying Company. PM me if you want more details. I also have experience of Sky Leisure (and one to avoid if you are paying anything up front!!)

Landing fees and t&go's are fairly pricey, you can do £65 an hour that way... :{

NOBODY should EVER pay up front for PPL training - anywhere!!! And anyone who doesn't know why not should not think about it even more :O

Many thanks for such a comprehensive post, QuackDriver, although I prefer Thai to Chinese. :p I really should get my map out and mark it up. Headcorn appeals, as I'm keen on old taildraggers (no comments please).

IO540 - Erm, yes, thanks. :confused:

I have also been made an offer, by a fellow PPRuNer, which I'm currently following up. Watch this space!

StuII: The red one? Niiiiiiiiice

Goodwood is nicer than shoreham :ok: Ii dont know about the actual flying club but i prefer goodwood to shoreham

The Flying Shed everytime!:ok:

Hey Aerbabe do it right and come fly a 152 in Knoxville TN for a whopping $30 an hour Now there's a deal for ya

Robbs !!