PPL in Florida-Total cost

cherrytaz · 04-12-2011 5:02pm #1

Hi all,

Seriously considering doing my PPL next year Florida with a long-term view to gain ATPL. I have the funds available and am in a full time job so it will have to be done over a month (maximum). Have 20 days holidays a year with work so will more than likely take all these. Going to go the modular route and try keep the costs to a minimum.

Just wondering what the total price of this would be (including flights over, accom, exams etc). Basically just a final price. Any advice/info would be great from someone who has gone down this route.

Also any suggestions for a school would be great.

Thanks

Crey86 · 05-12-2011 12:27pm

I can't quote you a price as I did my PPL here in Ireland. But, there's probably a couple of things you can do before going out to the States. One thing to do would be try and have the exams done before you go out, or at the very least be ready for them with all the study done. Remember though if your going to the states it'll be under the UK CAA so you'll need to do their exams.

One thing that might be worth your while doing, is joining a club here first and getting a few hours under you belt before going out. You might not be under as much pressure when you go out there and it's a chance to figure out whether flying is really for you or not.
Another benefit of doing the few hours here is that you'll be well established in a club here and it might make it easier for you to settle into flying in Ireland. Chances are you'll be expected to do the same couple of hours anyway to get checked out if you arrive into a club here with your fair weather license.

In hindsight that's the way I would have done it. In the end I stuck it out with my flying club(glad I did in a way). The only down side to it was that it took so long nearly 3 years, but I could have got that down to a little over a year I'd say if I'd put a bit more pressure on myself.

Just one final point, I did my PPL at a flying club and not a school, Limerick Flying Club to be exact. From my experience and bank balance I'd high recommend joining a club over a school. Taking into account every single expenditure I had from my initial membership to LFC, my flight log, exams(including flight test), 55 flight hours, the whole thing cost me 7960euro. My average flight hour was just over 100euro/hr(130e and later 140e per/tach hr). These kind of rates will make hour building much more affordable than the 180e the flight schools look for. Having done about 20ish hours in the Pipers/Cessna's I much prefer coming back to the Tecnams especially for potting around Ireland and they're so much cheaper to operate.

Anyway best of luck with whatever route you end up taking. Happy flying.

Contrails · 05-12-2011 5:59pm

If you do it right you won't regret doing it in Florida, it's what I did and can't really complain about my experience at all.

I reckon you're looking at about €9500 from start to finish (excluding class 1 medical if you go ahead with that first, that's an extra 650). That's basically what I spent. The actual course itself will be about 7k with accom included. Then you'll need to buy your ppl books, pay visa fees to the us embassy, flights, food and drink when you're over there and some equipment, like headset, maps etc..

I was doing it in Weston initially before deciding to stop and head over there. All things taken into account I saved at least 2-3k. It's a good experience and if you put in the work before you fly out, you'll get what you went over for, the PPL. It can be stressful though, managing your money, if the weather turns crap you can run out of time (I did my skills test on the day I flew home cause of ****e weather for the 3rd week, got it by the skin of my teeth!!), coping with the study, flying, exams and the long days.

But I did it in the end, in one month... bish bash bosh.

Ald · 05-12-2011 6:49pm

cherrytaz wrote: »

Hi all,

Seriously considering doing my PPL next year Florida with a long-term view to gain ATPL. I have the funds available and am in a full time job so it will have to be done over a month (maximum). Have 20 days holidays a year with work so will more than likely take all these. Going to go the modular route and try keep the costs to a minimum.

Just wondering what the total price of this would be (including flights over, accom, exams etc). Basically just a final price. Any advice/info would be great from someone who has gone down this route.

Also any suggestions for a school would be great.

Thanks

What's your location? The North of Ireland could be an option. You could drive up & fly when you have time off and for those 20 annual leave days you have off rent a room for a month and get your cross countries and exams done.

cherrytaz · 05-12-2011 7:03pm

Thanks for the replies all. Just found out that taking a month solid off work in a no go (I only started recently) so it looks like I will hve to do ppl in Ireland.

I am based in Dublin Mon-Fri and Cavan most weekends. Got a few quotes from NFC/ Skytrace etc but they are very pricey (in my opinion). Any recommendations for cheapish hours? Looked into Trim/Eniskillen but just not sure.

Thanks

Ald · 05-12-2011 7:18pm

I think there's 2 or 3 up North. Derry, Aldergrove and Newtownards. Ring ahead and visit them. If you're a good negotiator you'll get 1/2 years free membership thrown in 'cause subs are a lot cheaper up there. Good luck...

cherrytaz · 05-12-2011 7:42pm

Just looked up Newtownards and its very reasonable but its a 2.5 hour drive which I think is too much. Abbeyshrule and Enniskillen are both fairly close so might see what the story is with them.

Would be handy to be able to fly mid-week during the summer but that means finding somewhere drivable from Dublin. Most places around Dublin seem to be seriosuly expensive

Ald · 05-12-2011 7:50pm

Try Trim, Waterford and Kilkenny.

Kilkenny is actually reasonable on the flying rates but the subs put me off. It's a pity there isn't more business sense there 'cause it would get a lot of business being just over an hour's drive from Dublin... And it's a joke that you have to book and pay for an instructor for 2 hours minimum. www.joke.ie

cherrytaz · 05-12-2011 8:10pm

Just checked out Trim there. Are my figures below correct based on this:

http://www.trimflyingclub.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=58

Initil joining fee:500
Yearly memberrhsip:420
Minimum 45 hours:45*130

Total:6770

I know I am been very conservative with 45 hours but just for comparing like for like with other schools. Also add in Class 2, esxams etc, still seems ok?

Trim is ideally locacted between Cavan an Dublin also

Ald · 05-12-2011 8:16pm

It would be €150 per hour for you. You'd also have to factor in exam costs too and fee for the PPL skills test and examiner fee. You will also need the books, CRP, confuser and logbook.

IAA is a bit cumbersome in comparison to the CAA. With the IAA you have to go to a central examination centre to sit the exams and book an IAA examiner for the skills test. With the CAA you can sit the exams when you like so long as there is a CFI about the club and can have an examiner in the club test you for skills test once you haven't flown much with them before the test.

cherrytaz · 05-12-2011 8:25pm

Ok thanks. Still seams "fairly reasonable". I think I might give them a call and see what happens. I have a few hours from Abbeyshrule but not their biggest fan.

Would be ideal to get a few mid week hours in during the summer. Less than an hours drive from my house in Dublin

Xpro · 05-12-2011 8:36pm

Ireland is a rip off mate, 200quid an hour to fly is a bloody joke. They could atleast do something for you like charging by tach but instead you are getting whacked out of it the minute you start the plane.
Im also doing my ppl at the minute, i fly a lot when i can weather permiting and im trying to get it done as quick as i can but very hard tbh. Weather here is a big disadvantage thats the only thing that puts me off.
Half thinking of heading to states myself and get this done:rolleyes:

cherrytaz · 05-12-2011 8:42pm

I'd love to go the Florida route but its simply not an option for me. Just started a new job as a graduate and would look awful if I asked for a month off in my first year. Might be a bit easier to pay it off over a longer time here also.

Trim looks like a good option for me

cherrytaz · 22-07-2012 6:55pm

Just updating my situation again, apologies for delay I have decided to go the Florida route early next year (around April or May) and have gained approval from work to take a month off. Currently looking at either FlyEasa of EFT but looking more likely FlyEasa due to costs.

I plan to complete my CAA PPL Exams here prior to going and leave all my time there for flying. I currently live in Dublin mon-fri and Cavan at the weekends so I suppose Enniskillen may be the best place to do the exams? (open to siggestions).

On another note is it possilbe to study the ppl course on my own time (evenings etc having purchased required books myself) and then just sit the exams? Just suggesting this as want to try and keep the costs to a minimum.

Thanks

Bsal · 23-07-2012 10:00pm

On another note is it possilbe to study the ppl course on my own time (evenings etc having purchased required books myself) and then just sit the exams? Just suggesting this as want to try and keep the costs to a minimum

I don't see why not, the PPL exams are fairly simple.

Crey86 · 25-07-2012 4:12pm

Bsal wrote: »

I don't see why not, the PPL exams are fairly simple.

You need to be signed off by the CFI confirming you have completed ground school tuition.

cherrytaz · 25-07-2012 4:25pm

Is this also the case for CAA exams as I will be doing them in northern ireland?

Crey86 · 26-07-2012 9:37pm

I'd imagine so, find the application form on the CAA and see if it has a section that requires a sign off by a CFI, if it does you have your answer.

cherrytaz · 28-07-2012 10:43am

I think you can just sit the exams without mandatory ground school as the courses in FlyEasa and EFT don't mandate ground school as part of the schedule.

I've done this up over the past few days to try and get as accurate of price as possible, what do yous think? Will include a contingency also.

I plan to complete all exams here (in Northern Ireland) before I go and leave the time out there to just flying. I am in the process of purchasing the ppl books, have bought a headset and basically looking to keep costs to a minimum

phonypony · 28-07-2012 12:05pm

cherrytaz wrote: »

I've done this up over the past few days to try and get as accurate of price as possible, what do yous think?

You could save yourself a few quid on the pick-up from Orlando Intl. by getting a bus. You could also combine your FAA class 3 and JAA class 2 with the same AME in Florida.
Bear in mind the package you are looking at has in the small print 'You must purchase prior to your arrival the EASA/AFE Study Pack. Failure to purchase the AFE Study Kit will result in a surcharge of 116 GBP in addition to the package price.'
Will they refund you the price of the written exams as you will have already taken them?

Also bear in mind any payments you make will be in dollars, not the Euro price quoted. The Euro hasn't been doing great against the Dollar. At the moment the equivalent Euro price is closer to €4550. If you're paying them by credit card the exchange rate may be less and you will be charged a fee....

Well done for getting a DC headset for €100!

cherrytaz · 28-07-2012 12:57pm

Yep I have considered busing it to and from Orlando International and so will look into the costs. Would you think that the combined Class 2 and FAA Class 3 would work out cheaper out there or by enough to warrant it?

I noticed that alright the small print re the pack which seems a bit harsh. I will get in contact and see if there is any sort of reduction with regards to having all exams done before departing Ireland (I somehome doubt there is!!)

True that regarding the exchange rate. Will add a few hundred I suppose in total. Yes I got a good deal on the headset and hopefully similarly with PPL books/confuser which I plan to study myself and just complete the exams. Planning on going at some stage around April/May next year so plan on having as much as possible out of the way and planned before then

Alfagtamini · 28-07-2012 1:23pm

I completed all my ground school exams in the Uk in one week. Took a week off work and went on a intensive ground school course. Flew out Monday morning and back on Saturday evening. Cost me around €850 with flights, accommodation, course cost, food etc.
If you would like details drop me a PM.
It may also me worth looking at the UK CAA courses in Europe.

There are also lots of schools in England that do intensive courses. I did my PPL on the Isle of Wight in 4 weeks. ( i had ground exams completed and 10 hours logged from Ireland)
There were only 3 days out of the 4 weeks i didn't fly due to weather/technical issues with A/C.

I found when i worked out costs Florida was not any cheaper.

Also when you do get back to Ireland from Florida very few clubs will sign you off to fly without a few hours of training for Irish airspace and Weather.

any more questions just ask.

phonypony · 28-07-2012 4:21pm

And if you're the type that likes to cook, there's a lot to be said for buying in bulk at the start of your 4 weeks, rice, pasta, grains, beans or whatever you're into, rather than eating out every day, a huge saving to be made there!! RE: the medical, I'll try dig out my credit card bill from the time, I did both FAA/JAA with the same AME

cherrytaz · 28-07-2012 4:32pm

phonypony wrote: »

And if you're the type that likes to cook, there's a lot to be said for buying in bulk at the start of your 4 weeks, rice, pasta, grains, beans or whatever you're into, rather than eating out every day, a huge saving to be made there!! RE: the medical, I'll try dig out my credit card bill from the time, I did both FAA/JAA with the same AME

Yep I'm up for any suggestions that will reduce overall costs, such as the food you mentioed above. Thanks for that, be interesting to see the combined cost. Out of interest did you do your exams prior to travelling and if so where? I'm currently looking into doing them up north

Stovepipe · 29-07-2012 9:33am

Hi there
You don't appear to have mentioned two important things: your passport and insurance. You have to have the ESTA(?) form filled in so now is a good time to check that your passport is in order. You cannot take the risk of going without insurance so get some good advice on this.Also, if you use a credit card issued outside the USA, they will charge you 2 to 3% for using it, which can add up, unless you happen to have a US-issued card. Do not ever, ever pay up front. Ever. Ever. Did I say ever? Pay as you go, ie, pay each day for your day's flights. Have a contingency fund of at least the price of a week's accomodation and a flight ticket home and a few bucks for grub and buses. You won't do it in 45 hours, more like 55 so budget appropriately.

regards
Stovepipe

cherrytaz · 29-07-2012 11:13am

Yep my passport is in date for another 7 years so good on that front but will look into ESTA as you said. I have all the M-1 Visa information looked over so in the process of sorting that out. I will be using my Visa Debit Card from here which does not incur any charges to the best of my knowledge. That is the plan alright to pay day by day. Any more advice please throw it at me

phonypony · 29-07-2012 4:29pm

cherrytaz wrote: »

Yep I'm up for any suggestions that will reduce overall costs, such as the food you mentioed above. Thanks for that, be interesting to see the combined cost. Out of interest did you do your exams prior to travelling and if so where? I'm currently looking into doing them up north

I did my exams in Florida, I wasn't pressed for time so it worked for me. So my combined FAA/JAA medical came to $395 which at the moment is €320, more than you quoted. One thing does come to mind though, you may not be able to do your initial medical in Ireland applying for a CAA licence. As far as I'm aware under EASA your initial medical establishes your state of licence issue. One other thing I notice in my CC statements from that time, the CAA application for licence issue came to £265, which is €340

Edit to add my insurance from Trafford's (including flight training cover) came to £260

veetwin · 29-07-2012 7:10pm

Stovepipe wrote: »

Hi there
You don't appear to have mentioned two important things: your passport and insurance. You have to have the ESTA(?) form filled in so now is a good time to check that your passport is in order. You cannot take the risk of going without insurance so get some good advice on this.Also, if you use a credit card issued outside the USA, they will charge you 2 to 3% for using it, which can add up, unless you happen to have a US-issued card. Do not ever, ever pay up front. Ever. Ever. Did I say ever? Pay as you go, ie, pay each day for your day's flights. Have a contingency fund of at least the price of a week's accomodation and a flight ticket home and a few bucks for grub and buses. You won't do it in 45 hours, more like 55 so budget appropriately.

regards
Stovepipe

I was under the impression that if you are going to the US for pilot training you needed an M1 Visa. I was also under the impression that if you had a visa then you didn't need to do the ESTA which I understood replaced the old visa waiver scheme.

Having to do 55 hours instead of 45 would make a fair hole in any contingency fund!

Would love if you kept us updated on your progess OP. The PPL is a distant dream of mine but if I thought it could be done close to the budgets advertised by the FTO's I would be very tempted...

cherrytaz · 29-07-2012 8:54pm

Yep me bad, you do in fact need the M-1 as outlined in my costs. Just got all PPL books, Confuser and Jeppesen flight computer for 60 Euro so a good start. Although exam costs are included in the EASA PPL Course in Florida I really want to have the exams out of the way before I go so contacted Enniskillen where I can sit them for £45 each (a bit steep but perhaps thats the going rate?). So I will try sit all 7 before departing, should spread the cost nicely over the next few months. I plan to go next April to train. Really want to keep the hours as close to 45 as possible

Also have a pretty decent flight simulator setup which might be of some use (flying online on VATSIM to help the ATC and general procedures). Every little helps I suppose..

Stovepipe · 29-07-2012 11:55pm

Hi there
Really, you should budget as if you have to do 55 hours instead of 45. You won't do it in exactly 45 on the dot so it pays to have a buffer which is closer to reality. Most flying schools over there schedule the student in two-hour slots, so you can expect to fly about 90 mins of that, doing two slots a day, which changes as the task changes, ie, the dual cross-country, the solo cross country, night flights and so on.It helps if you have an hour or two done over here before you go, as you will be familiar with the early basics and it speeds things up.You will lose days to weather( too hot/too windy/too thundery), aircraft unavailability, instructor unavailability, sickness,etc,etc., so be prepared to hit the books on the slack days, in prep for your flight test.

regards
Stovepipe

LeftBase · 31-07-2012 5:45pm

I was having a read through this thread and I have to say that for getting a PPL you are spot on to blow this overpriced hotdog stand and go to florida.

However what spurred me to comment was that you mentioned that you are looking at going all the way to ATPL. As it happens a friend of mine was literally telling me yesterday about his and other's bad experience with going this route in Florida. If I am to throw my few cents in I would say do not do any sort of CPL/IR training out there after your PPL as the experience of some(but maybe not all) of the guys I know who have done their CPL out there is that airlines here look down their nose at it. The standard can also be called into question too as some FTOs there allegedly have a "close relationship" with Florida examiners. FR and RE seem to favor those who train in Europe at present(EI seem to favor god know's what criteria).

Before you pay anything in Florida be sure of what you are getting as there is a lot of messing that goes on out there. Some schools ask for money on account meaning that you cannot actually see when money is taken and where it goes.

If I am to submit an opinion it would be to get a PPL in Florida and then come back here to finish off the route to ATPL. But that's just my opinion.

cherrytaz · 31-07-2012 5:52pm

Thanks for that. I suppose long-term ATPL is the goal but it really is far down the line so PPL is as far as I will go for the mean time. Your right though with your remarks on CPL out there.

I have gathered a lot of information over the past few weeks (and will continue to do so) on every likely cost (right down to bus transportation, ringing up as many flying schools in northern Ireland for the cheapest cost of sitting ground exams, purchasing 2nd hand PPL books and confuser etc.)

Hopefully it will all be worth it. I plan to keep this thread updated along the way with my account of things

cherrytaz · 03-08-2012 8:00pm

I've hit a stumbling block with regards to costs. Enquired if it was possible to pay in segments (i.e. day to day) and got this reply:

"Unfortunately we only offer two payment options for the PPL program.

1) If you want the highly discounted package price you must pay in full.

2) Pay as you go, but you will pay our regular rates for the training hours required. This does not entitle you to the ‘package price’.

If you have any other questions please let me know!"

Not sure how to progress now

Stovepipe · 03-08-2012 8:05pm

Then you ask them how your money is protected, if you have to come home early or something else goes wrong. Ask about an escrow account.they should be able to facilitate you.

regards
Stovepipe

donkey balls · 03-08-2012 10:53pm

I know a fair few lads who done their PPL hour building &CPL in the USA and left the IR training to be done back in Europe and still managed to get jobs working for FR,Now the only airline I heard of(rumour) that don't like lads doing modular is EI.

cherrytaz · 04-08-2012 3:29pm

I've enquired about an escrow account so will see what comes off that. I have begun studying for Air Law Exam and plan to take it in the next 3 weeks in Enniskillen. Seems to be fine,just a fair amount of material. Using Q and A Simplifier, Air Pilot's Manaul and AirQuiz so all going well I should be ok

LeftBase · 05-08-2012 9:28pm

donkey balls wrote: »

I know a fair few lads who done their PPL hour building &CPL in the USA and left the IR training to be done back in Europe and still managed to get jobs working for FR,Now the only airline I heard of(rumour) that don't like lads doing modular is EI.

Well the lads that I know were flat out stonewalled by FR and RE in the Spring of 2011 because they did their CPL in the US. PPL seems to be ok but CPL seems to be an issue. RE contacted them by email to inform them of this. With EI if you went modular anywhere they aint interested at fATPL level.

As far as the money issue I think the recent cross pond debacle has taught anyone who didn't already know not to pay a penny up front.
There is a lot of carry on that goes on in US schools and you may arrive and decide a day later that they are a shower of ***** and want to leave or that they lied about facilities etc...if they have your money that may not be so easy...they may of course also go bust. The extra you pay for the "standard" rate could be viewed as financial insurance.

cherrytaz · 07-08-2012 6:59pm

Reply below regarding cancelling fee etc

"Those are great questions. In the event you have to terminate/cancel your package early, you would be subject to paying regular rates for everything you’ve done up to that stage. Additionally, we would charge a cancellation fee of 25% of the remaining credit value and then issue a refund back to you for the remaining balance.

We don’t operate with an escrow account but I would be happy to send you a copy of our rental agreement if you would like which outlines the cancellation policies and procedures.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!"

So it looks like money up front or a no go. Seriously considering doing the training here. Not overly happy to give over the entire fee in one ego. Presently looking into the Leinster Aero Club or similar (I'm based in Dublin mon-fri and Cavan at the weekends)

rallye150flyer · 07-08-2012 7:39pm

i done my ppl in flyeasa then OBA, in regards to sitting the exams before hand i say do what i did do all your study before you go and then just sit the actual exams there but make sure you do all your study, i was only 16 when i did mine it was alot to do in the 3 weeks the exams and flying.

i echo whatn people say in that budget for about 55 hrs to be safe and a few days extra if you can !

Xpro · 07-08-2012 10:37pm

I was in the same boat as you. I started my training over here and then got frustrated with bad weather, paying irish fees,etc,etc thinking it would work out much cheaper to do my ppl in the states.
I did look about different options in the states , but after alot of homework, i decided to continue in ireland.
To be honest, there is lots of hassle involved with training in US, visa,accomodation, transport,food,etc it all adds up.
Plus when you do get your PPL, you will nearly 100% have to do another few hours with irish instructors for various checkouts before they even let you fly/hire their planes unless you own one yourself. Just to get used to flying in ireland, different Atc procedures and so on.
I put my head down, got my ppl in 8months 48hours so it wasnt to bad even tho i was whinging when i first started. It was worth it in the end.

Regards,

CharlieOscar · 08-08-2012 2:59pm

I think every Student PPL'er at some early stage will compare the Florida 3/4 week route v the 12-18 month route in Ireland. For most, they will get a PPL and that will be the end of it, maybe additional ratings to their PPL.

When it boils down to it, the cost of your airfare and transport is likely to be equal to about 6-7 hours flying over here. You can study here and do your IAA PPL exams here, so why would you go to the states to get a PPL.

Afterall, it is for enjoyment your initially getting your PPL, so why cram it all into 3 or 4 weeks, you will learn more and enjoy the process of getting your PPL more by acquiring it in Ireland.

Also, taking 3 or 4 weeks off work is not the easiest of tasks. You say that you are in Dublin Monday through Friday, why not book 3 or 4 flights a week in Weston, you'll certainly get at least 2 of them a week taking account of the weather and all.

That was my rationale behind chosing to stay in Ireland, unfortunitely the finances ran a little dry so I am only flying maybe 2-3 times per month at the moment, but nearly finished my Solo hours, and at PFL and I am at about 21 hours.

By the way, EIWT is open till 20:00hrs so you could be out flying either at 17:00hrs or at 18:30hrs and have your PPL in now time at all, of course weather permitting and finance permitting.

cherrytaz · 08-08-2012 5:26pm

CharlieOscar wrote: »

I think every Student PPL'er at some early stage will compare the Florida 3/4 week route v the 12-18 month route in Ireland. For most, they will get a PPL and that will be the end of it, maybe additional ratings to their PPL.

When it boils down to it, the cost of your airfare and transport is likely to be equal to about 6-7 hours flying over here. You can study here and do your IAA PPL exams here, so why would you go to the states to get a PPL.

Afterall, it is for enjoyment your initially getting your PPL, so why cram it all into 3 or 4 weeks, you will learn more and enjoy the process of getting your PPL more by acquiring it in Ireland.

Also, taking 3 or 4 weeks off work is not the easiest of tasks. You say that you are in Dublin Monday through Friday, why not book 3 or 4 flights a week in Weston, you'll certainly get at least 2 of them a week taking account of the weather and all.

That was my rationale behind chosing to stay in Ireland, unfortunitely the finances ran a little dry so I am only flying maybe 2-3 times per month at the moment, but nearly finished my Solo hours, and at PFL and I am at about 21 hours.

By the way, EIWT is open till 20:00hrs so you could be out flying either at 17:00hrs or at 18:30hrs and have your PPL in now time at all, of course weather permitting and finance permitting.

Looking more and more likely that I will train at home. What school would you recommend at EIST? Ive actually booked myself in a trial flight at Trim Flying Club this saturday evening so I will see how that goes. It is around an hour both from Cavan and Dublin and rates dont seem too bad, however there is the membership fees to include also. Want to try and get a few evening hours in before the end of the summer

CharlieOscar · 09-08-2012 10:52am

I am with NFC and to be honest in my opinion they are the only Flying School this side of the country that anyone should use. They have many many full time instructors, they have a lot of aircrafts, while they might be a little pricey at €200 p/h, I cant fault the instruction.

If you are in Dublin from Monday to Friday, why not pop out to them and go for a trial flight there. Trim is a good 45 mins from most places in Central/West Dublin, and Weston is only about 20 mins from most places in Dublin full stop.

While the rates are attractive in TFC, I am not too sure what the instructor and aircraft availability are like, and if you were in a hurry to get your PPL, then a club probably would not be the way to go. Once you have your PPL of course, if you were not going for your CPL/ATPL's, a club would be ideal.

A vote for NFC anyway.

cherrytaz · 09-08-2012 5:16pm

Cheers for that. 200 p/h really is a lot I have to say. I'll see how my trial flight goes on Saturday with Trim and enquire about availability etc. The thing with Trim is that it is reasonably close to Cavan and I anticipate a lot of my lessons I will be coming from there and Dublin during the Summer. Not it any mad rush to get PPL but would be nice to fly once a week during if possible.

rallye150flyer · 09-08-2012 5:22pm

i am based in EINC alot of guys doing lessons there with a full time instructor based there i would check that out if i where you the wicklow wings idea seems a good rental option

cherrytaz · 11-08-2012 6:38pm

Just back from intro Flight in Trim. Very impressed with the setup, seems to be a nice little club with good availability of both aircraft and insructors. Lovely day also for flying, think I will press ahead and join the club.

Had the gps on on my phone for the duration so managed to track the flight as per below:

PPL in Florida-Total cost

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