A couple of my Mates have Pilots licences. Big Dollars and addictive A Chopper licence costs even more! Not a hobby for the average Joe's wallet Si I feel (Not saying your an average Joe BTW, just sayin' like!)
NPPL costs about 5k, it's over around 40 hours of flight time plus about 6 exams. You will get it if you want it. Oh, and you won't see any WET LAY carbon!
My dad had a license (expired now) spent my childhood in all manner of planes, thought it was the best thing ever, clubhouse mascot getting flights off dads pals... And dad letting me fly all his mates planes lol It's not cheap, but can get why folk do it.... Was convinced recently time was right to do my ticket, one taster lesson and that was that.... It's zzzzzzzz compared to bikes! Shocked me how I was bored in 15mins.... Something I used to love so much. Once you've been to all the airports, Isle of Man, France and picked the aunti up in Norwich to for a BBQ, you tend to run out of places to go... Hence why snr gave it in. Don't get me wrong Si, you could love it, but the whole "as the crow flies" isn't quite the Black Forest twisties or paddock hill bend. Book up and do a taster. Be interested to see what you make of it and how long it'd take for the novelty to wear off.... Oh and couldn't tell you the ££ as I decided it wasn't for me. Sorry useless post lol
my mate has his pilots licence. No idea on cost but I know to do the job he has now which is nothing major. Flying in Indonesia it cost him 30K to get to be able to fly larger planes above getting his private licence Bush Flying Diaries, Indonesia
Bout 175 for a taster.... You may love it. Was convinced if sign up this time round but wasn't the same buzz, looking down on roads I'd rather be riding on lol. Either way - good luck mate.
I've Got in touch with these guys: Flying Lessons Formby | www.myflyinglessons.co.uk They do a package for £2,875 inc VAT. I'll go along for a taster like jim said before i book them.
I had a lesson many years ago and it was cool but I don't think it's something I could get into long term. Not unless I could be affording the likes of something jet-powered that would allow me to go long distances at speed. Have you considered gliding, Si? I'm guessing it's cheaper and more fun.
I had a go at flying when in the ATC. Used to get the chance to fly Chipmunk trainer planes, and also got flights in various other RAF planes such as Hercules, Nimrods, Chinooks, Sea Kings and some lucky ones were taken up in Hawk trainers. Also did done glider pilot training, which was mentally scarier. Had a short lesson given as a present a few years ago, and it was ok too. But I could never afford the lessons to gain a license.
I started 30 years ago. Got fed up not being able to go up due to weather. If its slightly wrong when training you don't go up.... Too windy, rainy,cloudy, airy. you name it. It's said you can have a holiday in the USA/Australia and do a licence cheaper, and have a good holiday. guaranteed weather etc. Good Luck, Mike. http://www.usaviationacademy.com/private-pilot.php
I have had a pilots licence for over twenty years and part own a single engine aircraft based near York,there are various types of licence you can get,depends what you want to do in the future with it,if you want to just fly for pleasure an NPPL is the way forward,it is a licence for single engine aircraft to carry no more than four people flying daylight good weather only.The other licence is the JAA licence that does the same thing but you can add instrument ratings/twin ratings to it,you would need the JAA licence if you planned on flying commercially.
Realistic budget for NPPL is £5000,£8000 for JAA ppl,don't know where you live Si but if you fancied going up for an hour would take you up to see what you thought if you haven't been up in a light aircraft before.Time scale depends on weather and your availability,quite a few go to the USA/Aus/NZ to do the PPL in a 3-4 week period which is do-able because of the better weather but it's no holiday,you eat and sleep flying the whole time you're there.
