Is a PPL a benefit with BA? Glasgow Flying Club?
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Balloch
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Hi there,
I feel people are OVER reacting about Glasgow Flying Club. I've been a member now for just about 2yrs and have enjoyed every minute of it. The instuctors are truely professionals and dedicated to their task. The members are great and often offer u a seat if there are any spare!
I finished the ppl course way short of the 45hrs thanx to my instuctors hard work!
Operating out of EGPF is not a bad thing-ok you might have to hold but ATC will do their best-a good point might be learning where to t/o or land depending on the arr/dep. heavy traffic-wake vortex.
As for time keeping-instructors do their best coping with the vast numbers of trial lessons and students alike-ok u might be a bit late-reasons-GOOD BRIEFINGS-CHECKING A/C-TRAFFIC-what's the rush? just go and do some reading/studying.
Cost-£6000-7000-not that bad but again depends on a number of variables-competence...
Of course it would be good to t/o exactly on time but hey that's life!
SO before one coments on GFC come down and gather evidence before u try and put someone off a flying club that would benefit one in so many ways-just like any other club-HAPPY-SAFE- FLYING Ross , 17
I feel people are OVER reacting about Glasgow Flying Club. I've been a member now for just about 2yrs and have enjoyed every minute of it. The instuctors are truely professionals and dedicated to their task. The members are great and often offer u a seat if there are any spare!I finished the ppl course way short of the 45hrs thanx to my instuctors hard work!
Operating out of EGPF is not a bad thing-ok you might have to hold but ATC will do their best-a good point might be learning where to t/o or land depending on the arr/dep. heavy traffic-wake vortex.
As for time keeping-instructors do their best coping with the vast numbers of trial lessons and students alike-ok u might be a bit late-reasons-GOOD BRIEFINGS-CHECKING A/C-TRAFFIC-what's the rush? just go and do some reading/studying.
Cost-£6000-7000-not that bad but again depends on a number of variables-competence...
Of course it would be good to t/o exactly on time but hey that's life!
SO before one coments on GFC come down and gather evidence before u try and put someone off a flying club that would benefit one in so many ways-just like any other club-HAPPY-SAFE- FLYING Ross , 17
Join Date: Aug 2001
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I'm very happy to speak up for Glasgow too. Without exception, EVERYONE I have met there has been both professional, kind and helpful.
I think that the club may be suffering from people who look from afar and critise, personally I prefer people that get stuck in and make the best of what is there.
I'm a busy chap and both Cumbernauld and Prestwick would add significant extra travel time to the training. Personally I'd prefer to be holding at W1 than queueing on the M8 or A737!
I love the PA-38s, really fun, I guess I can learn about variable pitch props later. As for the landing fees, I popped into Denham the other day and they were charging nearly as much. While at GFC you do get the benefit of get to use a busy International Airport from scratch.
As for the costs, I can't figure out what people are moaning about, surely you get a PPL to CARRY ON flying, so whether its £4500 or £8000 until you qualify, you are better off thinking mentally of a monthy cost for as long as you want to keep up the hobby...
I've just gone solo in about 14 hours, and since GFC's rates are fairly reasonable, it think it will cost me about the minimum. So the total costs are obviously down to how frequently you can fly, and how long you as an individual take to learn.
I enjoy flying, if necessary I don't mind it taking longer so long as I learn properly and fly safely.
Any doubts, come down and fly with us, and above all enjoy the moment!
I think that the club may be suffering from people who look from afar and critise, personally I prefer people that get stuck in and make the best of what is there.
I'm a busy chap and both Cumbernauld and Prestwick would add significant extra travel time to the training. Personally I'd prefer to be holding at W1 than queueing on the M8 or A737!
I love the PA-38s, really fun, I guess I can learn about variable pitch props later. As for the landing fees, I popped into Denham the other day and they were charging nearly as much. While at GFC you do get the benefit of get to use a busy International Airport from scratch.
As for the costs, I can't figure out what people are moaning about, surely you get a PPL to CARRY ON flying, so whether its £4500 or £8000 until you qualify, you are better off thinking mentally of a monthy cost for as long as you want to keep up the hobby...
I've just gone solo in about 14 hours, and since GFC's rates are fairly reasonable, it think it will cost me about the minimum. So the total costs are obviously down to how frequently you can fly, and how long you as an individual take to learn.
I enjoy flying, if necessary I don't mind it taking longer so long as I learn properly and fly safely.
Any doubts, come down and fly with us, and above all enjoy the moment!
Join Date: Aug 2001
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And all the schools wonder why we go to the US! 4,500 includes everything including accommodation plus you get it done in just over 3 weeks.
Why are they whining when they are pushing the students to go there!
Why are they whining when they are pushing the students to go there!
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Join Date: Apr 2000
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Hi everyone,
Oh my god, i cant believe the amount of replies I have had for this one. I am so pleased you have all taken the time to give me some advice. I understand that getting a PPL will not give me an advantage for BA, but I thought that if I had at least some flying hours then that would be a benefit. I have already done two trial lessons, one in glasgow and one in London and I was told I was a natural - not bragging ;-) But I do think that Prestwick is better from the replies I have got. It seems a much more relaxed place. I do have a part-time job, so part of that wage would go towards it also, but for the rest I think a student loan would do. It will show BA that I am committed to flying - that I have a passion for flying. The course I am doing is Aeronautical Engineering. Therefore I think this will benefit me even more whenw working towards my PPL as I already have a good knowledge of aviation and aerodynamics. I also know so much about aircraft and how to fly them that I feel it shouldn't take too long to go solo. But then I will just have to wait and see. One more question though for all you people. Is it true you pay as you go? If so then, how much would you pay in an hour? I am estimating around 100 pounds if thats right? Coz then after 45 hours thats 4500 pounds, which I think is about right. Is the weather generally quite good at Prestwick? Or is this quite a bad time to join as the winter is rolling in fast now? I am in the stage of applying to BA at the moment. I will write down thatI have dont two flying lessons, but if I got to the full-board I think that I would be at an advantage of I said I was funding myself through a PPL at Prestwick Airport. Anyway all in all, I have read through all your replies and am eternally grateful for them. Hopefully I will be flying soon at Prestwick.
Happy Flying to all
Regards
Rossco
Oh my god, i cant believe the amount of replies I have had for this one. I am so pleased you have all taken the time to give me some advice. I understand that getting a PPL will not give me an advantage for BA, but I thought that if I had at least some flying hours then that would be a benefit. I have already done two trial lessons, one in glasgow and one in London and I was told I was a natural - not bragging ;-) But I do think that Prestwick is better from the replies I have got. It seems a much more relaxed place. I do have a part-time job, so part of that wage would go towards it also, but for the rest I think a student loan would do. It will show BA that I am committed to flying - that I have a passion for flying. The course I am doing is Aeronautical Engineering. Therefore I think this will benefit me even more whenw working towards my PPL as I already have a good knowledge of aviation and aerodynamics. I also know so much about aircraft and how to fly them that I feel it shouldn't take too long to go solo. But then I will just have to wait and see. One more question though for all you people. Is it true you pay as you go? If so then, how much would you pay in an hour? I am estimating around 100 pounds if thats right? Coz then after 45 hours thats 4500 pounds, which I think is about right. Is the weather generally quite good at Prestwick? Or is this quite a bad time to join as the winter is rolling in fast now? I am in the stage of applying to BA at the moment. I will write down thatI have dont two flying lessons, but if I got to the full-board I think that I would be at an advantage of I said I was funding myself through a PPL at Prestwick Airport. Anyway all in all, I have read through all your replies and am eternally grateful for them. Hopefully I will be flying soon at Prestwick.
Happy Flying to all
Regards
Rossco
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Scotland
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Hmmm.I'd think about giving GFC another try,Rossco.Don't believe any of the negative stuff written here.If you're planning to be a professional pilot surely it is better to train at a busy international airport where you will (very quickly!) get used to dealing with REAL ATC,entry/exit lanes,traffic procedures & R/T discipline.You will also get used to things like jet blast,vortex wake,being broken off approaches as bloody big jets bear down on you.(Been there,got a helluva fright,learned a lot)There is no room for crapness here!
I looked into all the local clubs very carefully before starting my PPL.I heard a few well scary stories of 'economical maintenance'/people taking off from taxiways/hours builders from hell.Didn't hear anything like this about GFC...
The very fact GFC operates where it does means that the a/c are very scrupulously maintained,as are all the relevant a/c records & documentation. Bad flying equals a wee phone call from the tower & a quiet discussion with the boss.It is just not acceptable & if that is elitist,then good.
There is absolutely NO hard sell for learners at Glasgow,although students are made very welcome & are certainly given priority over TFLs etc.Yes,it does get busy at weekends etc-personally I've found it a good time to read ops manuals & pick the brains of the other guys.
I've yet to meet single member who has been less than kind,supportive & polite & the hard work put in by the instructors is quite remarkable.Both of my FIs (both of whom are professional pilots) would often turn up after long days at work to teach their students.They could be there til' 10 or 11 at night for £15 an hour..Their dedication is quite something.I know I couldn't do it.
I haven't found Glasgow to be any more expensive than anywhere else,unless they have all dropped their rates in the past 2 years..OK,it may cost a bit more in landing fees,but I think the experience of a busy airfield more than compensates.
The only 'dodgy' thing I have ever encountered at Glasgow is the lock on the door of the ladies loo.I think that's the only time any of our lot have required 'search & rescue'...
I am intrigued by the comment that 'Prestwick has become the looneybin for Glasgow's wannabe's'.Do please elaborate! All this aside, loads of Glasgow students have gone on to very big things over the years.They are flying all over the world.Hardly what one would expect from a place 'worse than s~~~~~'
As for having to fly miles away to do any training,over the past few months I've had great fun doing PFLs from the overhead,500ft circuits,bad weather circuits,you name it..
Nah.I like GFC.I like it a lot.Give it a go!
(Sorry about all the typo's-I'm worse than useless with computers.Hope this post actually appears)
P.S-CONGRATS ON YOUR 1ST SOLO IAN!!
I looked into all the local clubs very carefully before starting my PPL.I heard a few well scary stories of 'economical maintenance'/people taking off from taxiways/hours builders from hell.Didn't hear anything like this about GFC...
The very fact GFC operates where it does means that the a/c are very scrupulously maintained,as are all the relevant a/c records & documentation. Bad flying equals a wee phone call from the tower & a quiet discussion with the boss.It is just not acceptable & if that is elitist,then good.
There is absolutely NO hard sell for learners at Glasgow,although students are made very welcome & are certainly given priority over TFLs etc.Yes,it does get busy at weekends etc-personally I've found it a good time to read ops manuals & pick the brains of the other guys.
I've yet to meet single member who has been less than kind,supportive & polite & the hard work put in by the instructors is quite remarkable.Both of my FIs (both of whom are professional pilots) would often turn up after long days at work to teach their students.They could be there til' 10 or 11 at night for £15 an hour..Their dedication is quite something.I know I couldn't do it.
I haven't found Glasgow to be any more expensive than anywhere else,unless they have all dropped their rates in the past 2 years..OK,it may cost a bit more in landing fees,but I think the experience of a busy airfield more than compensates.
The only 'dodgy' thing I have ever encountered at Glasgow is the lock on the door of the ladies loo.I think that's the only time any of our lot have required 'search & rescue'...
I am intrigued by the comment that 'Prestwick has become the looneybin for Glasgow's wannabe's'.Do please elaborate! All this aside, loads of Glasgow students have gone on to very big things over the years.They are flying all over the world.Hardly what one would expect from a place 'worse than s~~~~~'
As for having to fly miles away to do any training,over the past few months I've had great fun doing PFLs from the overhead,500ft circuits,bad weather circuits,you name it..
Nah.I like GFC.I like it a lot.Give it a go!
(Sorry about all the typo's-I'm worse than useless with computers.Hope this post actually appears)
P.S-CONGRATS ON YOUR 1ST SOLO IAN!!
Join Date: Jul 2001
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For goodness sake go to America!! It is by far the best option for people on a budget, and has the added bonus (esp. in California) of very reliable and consistent flying weather. For the sort of money you are talking about you could fly yourself out and pay for accommodation for no more money, and you would have had the fun of flying in America (which, believe me is much better than flying in the UK). The FAA, compared to the CAA/JAA is a positive joy to deal with, and the flying system in place is SO much more friendly to GA pilots, that you'll be very depressed when you have to come back and fly here. I know I was!!
Join Date: Jul 2001
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I have been learning for about a year at the Prestwick Flight Centre and I can recommend them completely. The staff are very professional, enthusiastic and the flying is gorgeous due to the excellent scenery. I did look at Glasgow but was put off by the heavy level of traffic. At Prestwick you can virtually have the skies to yourself midweek and the advantage (and experience) of full ATC etc. There are two training organisations at Prestwick as you may have gathered, the Flying Club is at the South side of the airport and is as the name suggest, a club. The Prestwick Flight Centre is a training organisation and club and is run on a slightly different basis. At the centre the instructors are more easily contactable I find and you can plan your lessons easier. Give Suzanne a call on 01292 476523, she is the operations person at the FC and has all the facts available. You should budget for around £110 per hour but groundschool is free and there are always folk about to help with your theory exams. Good luck and maybe we will meet sometime!! happy flying.
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Yup,USA certainly would be cheaper & the weather would be better,but I don't know if learning in perfect CAVOK conditions if you're coming back to fly here is such an advantage..Sure,the weather here is crap & you will spend a lot of time not flying because of it,but you'll develop a respect for it & a knowledge that perfect blue skies won't teach you.You need to pick your school carefully too.I've heard stories of badly maintained a/c,inoperable radios,having 8 a/c in the circuit at once & students waiting all day to get on a/c because it is so busy.I also know plenty people who came back without their licence & had to finish off here.
The ATC system is totally different too & you might find it a bit of a culture shock coming back here after the very 'protective' USA system.
Someone older & wiser than I also said that three weeks or so was not enough to properly assimilate all the knowledge you needed for a PPL.I think he was right,although I'm sure others will disagree.
Just a few thoughts.Hope it works out OK whatever happens!
The ATC system is totally different too & you might find it a bit of a culture shock coming back here after the very 'protective' USA system.
Someone older & wiser than I also said that three weeks or so was not enough to properly assimilate all the knowledge you needed for a PPL.I think he was right,although I'm sure others will disagree.
Just a few thoughts.Hope it works out OK whatever happens!
