Hour Building (General & UK)
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: UK
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Unusual hour-building
Hello everyone,
Hope someone out there can offer some advice on some hour building I'm looking to do. I've tried to use the search function, but it's playing sill buggers so here goes..
I've got to get some hours in and I'm looking to do it sometime in October/November. Obviously, the US is a prime candidate but I was wondering if anyone else can suggest a location (other than the US, Canada or South Africa) where I may be able to get a decent hire rate, spot of good weather and dare I say it, maybe somewhere I can get a couple of days relaxation in.
Was originally thinking of heading to Las Vegas (granted, it'll be quite cool then) but I soon realised I'd blow the cash before getting to the airfield...
So, what do you think?
Bluesky
Hope someone out there can offer some advice on some hour building I'm looking to do. I've tried to use the search function, but it's playing sill buggers so here goes..
I've got to get some hours in and I'm looking to do it sometime in October/November. Obviously, the US is a prime candidate but I was wondering if anyone else can suggest a location (other than the US, Canada or South Africa) where I may be able to get a decent hire rate, spot of good weather and dare I say it, maybe somewhere I can get a couple of days relaxation in.
Was originally thinking of heading to Las Vegas (granted, it'll be quite cool then) but I soon realised I'd blow the cash before getting to the airfield...
So, what do you think?
Bluesky
Why do it if it's not fun?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bournemouth
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Lots of GA in Oz, not sure if the flights over there would mean the cost would be high. Also heard some good things about some parts of South America for hour-building a few years ago, but can't remember the details. No personal experience of either of these places, though.
FFF
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FFF
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Unusual hour building? Well, then, you might consider France or Spain. The plus? No visa needed, all JAA i.e. no conversion required, just a basic check flight like you would get in your friendly UK aeroclub, and off you go!
Hour rates are also around 25% lower than in Britain, so you can plan the odd long navigation without breaking the bank.
I only have first-hand experience of hour building in France, and there is a lot in common with the easygoing yet professionnal attitude to flying you find Stateside. Very few airfields have landing fees (owned as they usually are by town/city councils), there are often bars/retaurants on site, and language-wise, you only really need to speak French if you fly to an uncontrolled airfield, or to a controlled airfield outside HJ. French ATC is quite good at English, and so is French MIL ATC when you need clearance through MIL-R areas (there are quite a few).
I used a PA-28-160 for 107 Euros/hr wet (that's just under £67), or a PA-28-181 with the full kit for 122 Euros (about £80). The club also had 2 Robin DR400 that went at 90 Euros/hr wet (£60). These prices are pretty much standard. The only downside as far as I am concerned is that the joining fees are higher, usually around 200 Euros for the yearly membership (£120), but obviously that depends on the club and with the lower hourly rates, it gets interesting the more you fly.
Regarding Spain, a search will help you find more info. I only know that hour building prices are also about 25% lower than Britain, and you do get lots of VFR days even in autumn!
Hope that helps
Cheers
Hour rates are also around 25% lower than in Britain, so you can plan the odd long navigation without breaking the bank.
I only have first-hand experience of hour building in France, and there is a lot in common with the easygoing yet professionnal attitude to flying you find Stateside. Very few airfields have landing fees (owned as they usually are by town/city councils), there are often bars/retaurants on site, and language-wise, you only really need to speak French if you fly to an uncontrolled airfield, or to a controlled airfield outside HJ. French ATC is quite good at English, and so is French MIL ATC when you need clearance through MIL-R areas (there are quite a few).
I used a PA-28-160 for 107 Euros/hr wet (that's just under £67), or a PA-28-181 with the full kit for 122 Euros (about £80). The club also had 2 Robin DR400 that went at 90 Euros/hr wet (£60). These prices are pretty much standard. The only downside as far as I am concerned is that the joining fees are higher, usually around 200 Euros for the yearly membership (£120), but obviously that depends on the club and with the lower hourly rates, it gets interesting the more you fly.
Regarding Spain, a search will help you find more info. I only know that hour building prices are also about 25% lower than Britain, and you do get lots of VFR days even in autumn!
Hope that helps
Cheers
Join Date: Jun 2002
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I can personally recommend Oz. You can get hold of interesting types that are well maintained as reasonable rates. The quality of instruction is also excellent and there are plenty of interesting places to go. My experience is hiring from Royal Aero Club of Western Australia and of the school I went to, also at Jandakot (since gone bust).
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Oz is a good place to hours build, take an aircraft away. Have a great holiday and gain valuable experience. Can recommendminovation at Jandakot just south of Perth.
Good outfit, Run by an Ex Jersey girl so knows about European Operations and what you need. Did my BFR there last year after the Aeroclub cancelled on me at the last moment. On time and on budget.
Lots of places to visit depending on how many hours you need. Happy to let you take the aircraft away too.
PM me if you need suggested places to visit.
W1
Good outfit, Run by an Ex Jersey girl so knows about European Operations and what you need. Did my BFR there last year after the Aeroclub cancelled on me at the last moment. On time and on budget.
Lots of places to visit depending on how many hours you need. Happy to let you take the aircraft away too.
PM me if you need suggested places to visit.
W1
Join Date: Jun 2005
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I know you mentioned Canada in your post but have you had a look at some of the schools over there?
Provided I pass my ATPLs in the first week of September then I'm planning on going out to Moncton (New Brunswick) to build up the mandatory 150 hours P1 before starting the CPL course.
Prices are, I believe, around the £60ph mark; they have a fleet of new Diamond Eclipse a/c; you have the option of other courses e.g. float plane; the school is JAA approved; all airfields are municipal so have no landing fees; and the sky isn't too busy out there. The only downside is the weather which won't be as good as that in Florida, but if you want genuine flying experience then, I suppose, Canada is more realistic. I'm also told that they struggle to get JAA examiners, but that's neither here nor there if you're only intending to hour-build. Oh yes, and the cost of living is very low too.
Note: I haven't actually flown at this school so this post may be less reliable than those from people with first hand experience.
Best of luck where ever you go!
APO
Provided I pass my ATPLs in the first week of September then I'm planning on going out to Moncton (New Brunswick) to build up the mandatory 150 hours P1 before starting the CPL course.
Prices are, I believe, around the £60ph mark; they have a fleet of new Diamond Eclipse a/c; you have the option of other courses e.g. float plane; the school is JAA approved; all airfields are municipal so have no landing fees; and the sky isn't too busy out there. The only downside is the weather which won't be as good as that in Florida, but if you want genuine flying experience then, I suppose, Canada is more realistic. I'm also told that they struggle to get JAA examiners, but that's neither here nor there if you're only intending to hour-build. Oh yes, and the cost of living is very low too.
Note: I haven't actually flown at this school so this post may be less reliable than those from people with first hand experience.
Best of luck where ever you go!
APO
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Hour Building
hey there all,
Anyone know of any fto's or clubs that will rent twins to PPL's for hours building in UK or abroard.
With not too many time minima!
thanks
nick
buckle up
Anyone know of any fto's or clubs that will rent twins to PPL's for hours building in UK or abroard.
With not too many time minima!
thanks
nick
buckle up
Join Date: Feb 2001
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FTO Bemoair, an hour south of Prague. they will rent a Morava for EUR210 (MAYBE less if you take many hours), landing fee EUR0.40, beers EUR0.90
Don't know hours minima, but usually just a checkout. They are flexible.
I have no affiliation with them, just a happy customer.
cheers, IP
Don't know hours minima, but usually just a checkout. They are flexible.
I have no affiliation with them, just a happy customer.
cheers, IP
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Hour Building
hey there
like most im going to have to a hundred or so hours-building and i was wondering what unusual (but still realistic!) suggestions people might have?
florida is the obvious one and rightly so at the prices ive seen!
now ive found a school in thailand and phillipines at same prices, so anyone with experiances or suggestions about these or others 'please' let me know!!
im really excited about making it an experiance/adventure to remember!!!
thanks in advance
like most im going to have to a hundred or so hours-building and i was wondering what unusual (but still realistic!) suggestions people might have?
florida is the obvious one and rightly so at the prices ive seen!
now ive found a school in thailand and phillipines at same prices, so anyone with experiances or suggestions about these or others 'please' let me know!!
im really excited about making it an experiance/adventure to remember!!!
thanks in advance
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Hi Bellyfluffer!
Sounds like we're in the same situation as I also have to do about 100 hrs hourbuilding. Am currently looking at going to South Africa but don't know how it would compare with Florida.
I've found in the past the aeroplanes to be in good condition and the flightschools good (mostly!). PM me if you like.
Sounds like we're in the same situation as I also have to do about 100 hrs hourbuilding. Am currently looking at going to South Africa but don't know how it would compare with Florida.
I've found in the past the aeroplanes to be in good condition and the flightschools good (mostly!). PM me if you like.
Join Date: Nov 2003
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Go have fun!
It will be the only time in your flying training you will be able to do what you want!
Make the time useful so you become a better pilot for your CPL! i.e. whats the point of buying 100hrs in america to just fly around one place?
Buy 25 hours in america and do a trip...come home do a trip in the UK, do your IMC...fly to france...i.e. have fun and learn at the same time!
It will be the only time in your flying training you will be able to do what you want!
Make the time useful so you become a better pilot for your CPL! i.e. whats the point of buying 100hrs in america to just fly around one place?
Buy 25 hours in america and do a trip...come home do a trip in the UK, do your IMC...fly to france...i.e. have fun and learn at the same time!
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Hobgoblin,
South Africa is a great place to fly. Really helps you fine tune your dead reckoning nav skills too - some pretty remote places out there.
Weather is always interesting too, not always endless sunshine like Florida. Also some high altitude airfields to ensure your up to scratch with the performance calculations !!.
I think you will find S.A. a bit more challenging than Florida as well from what I have heard.
Try www.algoafc.co.za based in Port Elizabeth. I did my PPL there and going back to bash some hours in later this year - when it's summer there !!
South Africa is a great place to fly. Really helps you fine tune your dead reckoning nav skills too - some pretty remote places out there.
Weather is always interesting too, not always endless sunshine like Florida. Also some high altitude airfields to ensure your up to scratch with the performance calculations !!.
I think you will find S.A. a bit more challenging than Florida as well from what I have heard.
Try www.algoafc.co.za based in Port Elizabeth. I did my PPL there and going back to bash some hours in later this year - when it's summer there !!
Why do it if it's not fun?
Join Date: Jul 2001
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As well as interesting places to fly, don't rule out interesting aircraft or training. For example, now is the time to do that tail-dragger conversion, float-plane rating, aerobatics course, or close formation flying course. (I've done the first three of these, and recommend all of them. Haven't done close formation flying yet, but would love to one day.)
FFF
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FFF
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Join Date: Dec 2003
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hour building
bellyfluffer ,i did my hb in chandler arizona
and i would do it over again,it has great weather although hot at times (but who cares when u are at 10000 ft),a variety of close places to go and do overnights like vegas,lake havasu etc and most importantly a good school who also do aerobatic training and tail draggers.
their website is www.aerobatics.com
good luck
and i would do it over again,it has great weather although hot at times (but who cares when u are at 10000 ft),a variety of close places to go and do overnights like vegas,lake havasu etc and most importantly a good school who also do aerobatic training and tail draggers.
their website is www.aerobatics.com
good luck
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Avion in Sanford, Florida rent the C-172 at $70.00 per hour if you buy atleast 25 hours. You can keep the plane overnight too aslong as you do atleast 3 hrs a day on the hobbs...
$70.00 @ $1.80 = 39.00 pounds per hour....not bad...
And you could rent my spare room in Sanford for a reasonable price I suppose...if its vacant...lots of mates over here visiting this time of year..
$70.00 @ $1.80 = 39.00 pounds per hour....not bad...
And you could rent my spare room in Sanford for a reasonable price I suppose...if its vacant...lots of mates over here visiting this time of year..
Old and cynical!
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Florida is for flight training and a refuge from theBritish winter weather. I really wouldn't even consider hour building in Florida past the first few hours post PPL. California is so much more interesting and offers so much more interesting and challenging flying. Florida is flat and at best uninteresting!
Try Air Desert Pacific at Bracket CA or Universal at El Monte CA. An altogether preferable experience.
Try Air Desert Pacific at Bracket CA or Universal at El Monte CA. An altogether preferable experience.
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cheers to everyone for the suggestions!
seems like most people go the usa way due to the obvious money saving factors, so that is near the top of my list for those reasons alone £££££££ !!!!
has no one out there had any experience of any far east/ s.e.asia?
cheers again
seems like most people go the usa way due to the obvious money saving factors, so that is near the top of my list for those reasons alone £££££££ !!!!
has no one out there had any experience of any far east/ s.e.asia?
cheers again
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Hours building...
Dear readers
Not far from finishing my PPL at Stapleford (great school BTW)after which I'll be distance learning with BGS. Thinking about splitting my hour building for the CPL into three sections rather than doing it all at once:
1) 30+ hours in the US somewhere this November (cheap fuel, nice weather and experience of US flying) Then start my ATPL studies in December 2005.
2) 30+ hours in February 2006 in Africa somewhere (cheap fuel (?), interesting weather and terrain plus experience of bush flying) This would mean breaking into the ATPL studies for three weeks or so.
3) 30+ hours back in the UK at Stapleford in late August 2006 and after the ATPLs to get up to speed with UK procedures. Then start CPL/ME/IR course at Stapleford.
Firstly, can anyone see any glaring errors in this plan?
Secondly, where might you recommend in all these places? Cost of living, accommodation, airfares, local flora and fauna?
Thirdly, how would you best use the flying time experience-wise?
As always, many, many thanks for any replies...
Birky
Not far from finishing my PPL at Stapleford (great school BTW)after which I'll be distance learning with BGS. Thinking about splitting my hour building for the CPL into three sections rather than doing it all at once:
1) 30+ hours in the US somewhere this November (cheap fuel, nice weather and experience of US flying) Then start my ATPL studies in December 2005.
2) 30+ hours in February 2006 in Africa somewhere (cheap fuel (?), interesting weather and terrain plus experience of bush flying) This would mean breaking into the ATPL studies for three weeks or so.
3) 30+ hours back in the UK at Stapleford in late August 2006 and after the ATPLs to get up to speed with UK procedures. Then start CPL/ME/IR course at Stapleford.
Firstly, can anyone see any glaring errors in this plan?
Secondly, where might you recommend in all these places? Cost of living, accommodation, airfares, local flora and fauna?
Thirdly, how would you best use the flying time experience-wise?
As always, many, many thanks for any replies...
Birky