If it comes to that, why not do the instrument rating in the US. You will gain vast experience, be a much more competant pilot and when you return to the UK the CAA will grant you the IMC, same goes for twin rating. I have done all this, I was also an instuctor in the US. I am now ATPL flying corporate jets.

I am doing my hour building at Stapleford, It is possible to get at least 5 hours flying per day. I am living on the airfield so when the weather is not so good if there is a break in the weather you can quickly get an hour in. I really enjoy it and the weather tests your ability as a pilot to deal with strong cross winds make decisions to return to the airfield due to fronts. The skies are busy over here and you need to be sharp on the RT which flying in the uk does. I have a night rating which you need for the CPL which allows me to fly until 7pm. I will spend a lot of hours travelling to France and maybe go to Amsterdam. If you need to get the hours done quickly and have limited funds you might be better off going to the US but I have 2 months to do 70 hours should not be a problem in the UK.

Hi
Thanks for all the feedback.
As I hope to start my commercial in Stapleford early next year I've decided to head to the US for the bulk of my hour building. I'll do my night rating in Stapleford and at least 10 hours of hour building. If possible I'd like to do a few hours of general flying during my commercial, I'm probably underestimating the commercial course entirely.

Thanks again for the advice.

Where is the best place in earth to do hour building towards a CPL
 

Where in the world and which flying school can you buy a block of 75 to 100 hours flying for a really descent rate. Also be able to tour the country and have the best time of your life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! any info would be much appreciated.

the only place I've been is phoenix and it was AMAZING! no landing fees, cheap hire, cheap fuel, tons of airports, lots of airspace, lots of places to go, 366 days of sunshine a year.........would highly recommend it. Am probably going to go back next year for a holiday and do some flying there again loved it so much! :ok:

Tauranga, New Zealand. Cheap cheap planes, AWESOME town with world class beach, surfing, sunshine, beautiful women everywhere, quality nightlife.

I used to work at Bay Flight there and can highly recommend it, the guy who owns it is an ex Air New Zealand pilot who's about the most laid back human being on the planet. The tauranga aero club and a couple of other small operators on the field there can probably also sort you out with a plane to hour build with.

Try Oz: WA in particular (as your starting point). 100 hours will get you all over OZ and even down into Taz (although I've been told to tell everyone that its a crap place - far too good for pommies). And, may I suggest that you get a four seater and take a few locals. You will learn heaps, enjoy the view and have fantastic party. For your plane hire, try Royal Aero Club of WA. Not the cheapest but properly run and new, fast singles.

I'll second Tauranga in New Zealand. Did my PPL at the aeroclub there and it was awesome. Beautiful beach, fab flying, nice people at the club and decent rates. They also fixed me up with accomodation. :ok: Take a look at www.flytac.co.nz for info.

Cheers guys thanks for your help i will do my research into those places you have told me. If anyone else has got suggestions please post them up!!:ok:

There is this one Englishman in Florida who has a Cessna 152 (Fully Loaded - GPS and all) definantly one of the nicer 152's out there. Just over the ramp from Orlando Flight Training in Kissimmee, Florida. He charges in the region of $50 (around £30 per hour) for block time - no fuel surcharges and no surprises. Maintained at the jet centre there. Also, one good thing is that you don't need a visa for timebuilding in the US. worth a shot. He sent me some pictures when I needed some time via email but he's a private guy with all the CFI/CFII/MEI qualifications and doesn't mind giving a little instruction - gratis! He's on 001-386-295-3897. Might help a few timebuilders out there!!

Try AVTECK TRAINING at Innisfail North Queensland. This place does 150 hour commercial licences with combined CBT ground courses. Full accomodation provded. Reasonable prices.

Hi
Try Africa, Botswana is a great place, good met, wonderful country, cheap and open skies.

I've got to 3rd Tauranga, i've just done my CPL at the areo club, its the beginning of summer so its awesome here now, they'll sort you out with a car and place to live, the lady that owns the house even makes you a packed lunch!!

About what I was saying about afrca found this.And no I dont work for them I live in Coventry.

www.flytas.com

Paddy

Hour building in permit to fly
 

Found this quote from the CAA on an old thread (by billiebob)

Experience. An applicant for a CPL(A) who is not a graduate from an integrated flying training course shall have completed as a pilot on aeroplanes having a certificate of airworthiness issued or accepted by a JAA Member State at least 200 hours of flight time.

The thread never really got to the bottom of whether hour building on PFA group A types therefore actually count. So, do they?

Yes they do,

G

Thank you G.

Any idea why the quote uses the term certificate of airworthiness?

Thanks guys again. Has anyone got advice about flying in Canada aswell???

Hi edymonster,

Can totally recommend Canada. Check out this link to my post, re Harv's Air in Manitoba where I did my hour building.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...ight=Harvs+air

Hour Building
 

Can anyone tell me, after gaining a ppl what is the best way of building up flying hours. Can you work unpaid with a ppl if so in what capacity e.g can you instruct at a school as long as you dont get paid for it.
I hear some people having 6/700 hours under there belts that must of cost them a fortune in the uk, there must be places in say Africa that must be cheaper.
After getting my hours onto cpl, then atpl hopefully.
If anyone could give me ideas, I would be most greatful.

Thanks in advance,

Hope all are having a great christmas,

Cheers FL.