Hours building in the USA

[woottsbj25]

Hey guys,

I've had a very lengthy search of this forum, and have found some valuable information, but I was wondering if you'd be able to impart some advice.

I'm currently a 17-year-old PPL living in preston, Lancashire, and I'm looking at going out to the USA purely for hours building in the summer of 2008, then returning back to this country to begin a modular course (possibly with OAT).

I'm currently looking at 3 schools:

- SunState Aviation, Kissimmee
- Orland Flight Training, Kissimmee
- Naples Air Center, Naples

I've been told that Florida is probably the best place to hours build for people in my position, but if anyone has any recommendations for other places I'd be happy to look around.

If anyone's got any information on any of those schools (I've heard mixed things about OFT, not so good things about NAC and not very much about SunState) that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks very much!

Regards,
Tom Wootton

[Greystoke999]

Hi
I would also try Voyager at Merritt Island. I have been there before and will be back there at the end of this month.
Prices are cheaper than the others you mention ($94 per hour for a warrior) plus better fuel rebate ($4 per gallon).
Aircraft are not brand new but in good condition and well serviced. You also get a 5% discount if you put $1000 down. The folks there are extremely friendly and not out to rip you off.
Drop me a line if you need any more
Regards
Keith

[mlee]

Hi, I would try OBA was out there doing my CPL very happy with them, hour builders fly the new Liberty.

Regards Mark.

[NH2390]

Hi
I would also try Voyager at Merritt Island. I have been there before and will be back there at the end of this month.
Prices are cheaper than the others you mention ($94 per hour for a warrior) plus better fuel rebate ($4 per gallon).
Aircraft are not brand new but in good condition and well serviced. You also get a 5% discount if you put $1000 down. The folks there are extremely friendly and not out to rip you off.
Drop me a line if you need any more
Regards
Keith

I would have to disagree with you here. Folks did seem friendly, but my impression was of scary airplanes maintained by an guy in a T-hangar with no insurance or permit. Last time I stopped by there was no one there but Indian students. There's a new 172 across the field that's worth the extra $20, and Debenair at TIX and FIT in Melbourne both offer better quality for similar money.

[Greystoke999]

NH2390
Have you flown there aircraft?
I have and they are fine. All the relevant paperwork and all presented in a professional manner.

I admit they are not the newest aircraft but for a Brit it is no different to what I fly in the UK!

On the other hand if you have the spare cash to fly something newer then help yourself.

[NH2390]

No I haven't and wouldn't, which is why I'm simply sharing my experience. Please don't take it personally, your preflight may vary, but they weren't at all 'fine' when I was there last week. Better condition, well maintained airplanes are available nearby for the same money if you look around.

[woottsbj25]

Thanks very much everyone, I'll certainly consider these places.

[silverhawk]

look up Airgo at Centralia, Illinois.

I chose there for the cheap prices and no terrain issues, so no matter how poor the wx was, I could still get my 270 hours done in 6 weeks.

[Nichibei Aviation]

What do you mean by cheap prices?
Over 100$ per hour on a Cessna 150?

http://www.flyairgo.com/id6.html

Over 300$ per hour ME is what I call expensive.