Ulster Flying Club or Belfast Flying Club?

MrPoker

Hi

I intend to go up north to complete my CAA PPL in a C172. I was planning to visit both Ulster Flying Club in Newtownards and Belfast Flying Club in Aldergrove this week but am stuck in Dublin due to the weather. Can anybody share their experiences of either school to help me make up my mind. The main information I would be seeking are conditions of planes, quality of instruction and generally any good/bad experiences.

Thanks in advance.

MrPoker

yaeger

Can't say I have much experience with either. I have dropped in on the belfast flying club once or twice and they were very friendly and approachable and seem to have a nice little operation there. Best go visit them both or go with the cheapest !
Might I ask why your chasing the CAA PPL, Are you not in dublin base.

Either way good luck with your choice and keep us posted.

donkey balls

I know a lad the flys out off ARDS as he calls it:D they seem to have a good setup there according to him and aircraft seem to be in good nick.
Next time im talking to him I will ask him about rates availibility.

logie101

MrPoker wrote: »

Hi

I intend to go up north to complete my CAA PPL in a C172. I was planning to visit both Ulster Flying Club in Newtownards and Belfast Flying Club in Aldergrove this week but am stuck in Dublin due to the weather. Can anybody share their experiences of either school to help me make up my mind. The main information I would be seeking are conditions of planes, quality of instruction and generally any good/bad experiences.

Thanks in advance.

MrPoker

Without doubt Ulster Flying Club is the place to go. Friendly club, excellant training and new cessna 172 sp with glass screens. The UFC must have one of the most modern fleet of aircraft in Ireland.

I started my PPL at Ards and went solo there. But due to studies and finances had to stop.

Although trying to complete a PPL and travelling up from Dublin might be difficult. If you need any further info pm me. Good luck.

MrPoker

Hi

Thanks for the advice so far lads, much appreciated. Yaeger, the reason i am heading up north to do it from a Dublin base is because i have done the CAA written exams out in Florida. I have just returned after spending some time out there and have very little left to do. I had to return due to work commitments.

The Ulster Flying Clubs aircraft seem very modern and i seen a couple of youtube videos with the glass cockpit which was very impressive. Travel is not a problem as the M1 will get me up to Belfast in a couple of hours. I just hope weather doesnt let me down over the next couple of months as I hope to start my ATPLs in March. Thats one thing you cant rely on in Ireland!!


MrPoker

Ald

I did PPL in 'Ards... Nice club and nice aircraft! It's well positioned for both controlled airspace and airspace for upper air work. Can't say I've had any major issues. Instructors are busy up there! Kept going... So don't expect them to organise your training. You'll have to keep that momentum going yourself.

Tip: You can cut through from Hillsborough - Carryduff - Comber - 'Ards.

I know you say you want to do it there so to finish off in CAA jurisdiction but there are some increasingly competitive rates down South now for when you're hour building 'cause the drive is a pain when weather is marginal and you don't get to fly...

áth mór!

nag

MrPoker wrote: »

the reason i am heading up north to do it from a Dublin base is because i have done the CAA written exams out in Florida.

Have you checked whether or not the IAA would accept your CAA exam results? I would be surprised if they didn't.