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Since there was no message we thought we would start off!!
We regularly go down to Winterhaven airfield and hire light aircraft - generally Cessna 152/172 and Piper Warriors from Brittannia Flight Centre. The aircraft cost approximately one third of the UK hire cost and flying in Florida is alot more fun.
It is only about 20 minutes by plane from Winterhaven to the Disney - looks awfully different from up there!
If anyone wants more details please contact us
:)
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
16-02-2002, 02:07
Hi Sandi
The thread was transferred from:
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=179
Are you PPL's yourselves?
We love flying over Disnet although those banner towers are a pain sometimes :). Animal Kingdom must be the hardest to spot as it looks the same as the surrounding area unlike other more developed areas of Disney.
Where (and what) do you fly from back home?
John
PPL/IMC
Manchester Barton
Piper Arrow PA28R-180
G-AWFJ
Ok - I'm new to this forum - I've only just found the other messages about flying.
Someone asked about flying post Sept11 - well I flew over the Xmas period - most of the additional restrictions have been removed - when you ring for your weather briefing (free) you will be advised of what restrictions are still being applied. Otherwise its back to normal very relaxed and its down to you to remain safe!
One point you can now get your US license by taking your JAA PPL to Joh Brown at Jack Browns. He has FAA authorisation to issue licenses - however no one seems to have told the FAA offices at Orlando or Tampa.If you go to the latter you now need to make an appointment - one week in adavance. If you go to John Brown you just give him a courtesy call first and he can process the paperwork in ten minutes for a $25 admin fee.
Be warned he will then try to persuade you to go seaplane flying - $120 per hour - looks fun!
John Brown operates out of Winterhaven airfield - for informatio you can also hire a T-33 here for circa $500 per hour! there is probably even one T-33 for sale.
If anyone fancioes a nice trip fly over to Vero Beach - twice a week - Friday and Tuesday? Piper aircraft offer free trips around their plant - very interesting.They were building Malibus and Warriors when I was there.
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
16-02-2002, 02:09
You mean Jack Brown's seaplane base.
I've always wanted to try flying a seaplane - it's on my list for next time I'm over there :). Are they very busy or can you just phone them when you are there and arrange a couple of lessons?
John
Well I seem to have started something off here!! Glad to hear there are other aces out there!
I am going to admit I have got so fed up paying silly prices in the UK that at the moment I am flying purely out of Winterhaven in Florida. We are averaging about 2 trips out to our villa a year (well in 2001 there were plenty of unsold weeks). So I get fix of flying o each trip.
I use Britannia Flight Centre(BFC) - I am paying around $50 per hour for a C150 or around $60 for a C172/Warrior. The aircraft are well worn like alot of planes in the US - but it is still better than paying £135 per hour for a clapped out C172 at one of the N London airfields (no names to save litigation).
BFC are the only flying school there - they mainly train Europeans for their JAA PPL - but some students are doing CPLs.
PS. I do mean John Brown - he's Jack Browns brother!
In my experience everyone at Jack Browns seaplane base is really friendly. Last time I was there I got chatting to a guy who had just bought the Lockheed Starliner that had been parked at Sanford for many years. He told me he had just flown it in to Fantasy of Flight - Grass runway - apparently the runway has been "strengthened" to take Kermit Weeks B29 - that is currently being rebuilt - this will take several years!
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
16-02-2002, 14:01
Have you ever thought of joining a group and thus sharing the cost of the aircraft?
We own a 5th share in a Piper Arrow at Barton and it works out very economical - £42 per hour wet (including fuel, for the non pilots out there). The only Arrow I have seen for rent in Florida is at OFT (Kissimmee Municipal) and it was for $105 per hour wet!
I find it's actually cheaper to fly your own plane at home, but also enjoy the difference of flying in the US.
I suppose the only problem with owning an aircraft is if something big needs replacing, but with 5 in the group, the cost is split 5 ways so it's not as bad as it first seems.
John
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
16-02-2002, 14:04
Wow! I'd like to see the B29 trying to land on that short grass runway at Fantasy Of Flight.
I'd like it even more to be on board at the time <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>.
John
Sandi,
We have a villa not far from Winter Haven but hubby always end up going to fly at Kissimmee. ge went one yeat to Winter Haven and came back disappointed baecause they only had one aircraft, it was a bit on the tatty side and as there was only one it was in constant demand. It sounds as if things have changed there and we'll have to give it another go.
This Brittannia Flight Centre is at Gilberts Field isn't it?
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
16-02-2002, 15:24
Yes, that's Britannia Flight Center. I did hear their aircraft are a little on the tatty side as they are well used by student PPL's though.
I always use Kissimmee Aviation as they do not seem to have any UK renters and so the availability of aircraft is excellent!
John
markemma
16-02-2002, 15:58
Mark flew out from Jack Browns and said it was the best thing he had ever done, he really enjoyed and recommends it to anyone.
Emma
We always end up going to Orlando Flight Training when we're there. We started off at Marathon Flight training over one side of the airfield but the foolowing year we went to a place called V-One Aviation, where the people there were just great. Unfortunately neither of these exist anymore. We then tried Aquila, or something similar before going around the front of the building to Orlando Flight Training. Mind you last year, hubby had a few things to say to them about the servicing of their aircraft and refused to take out 2 of the ones they offered him as they were unsafe in various ways. Still better to be a live pain in the bum than a dead one!
Jacqui
markemma
16-02-2002, 23:47
We have always flown out of Merritt Island just by Cocoa Beach, mark got his PPL there and find them very friendly with good rates.
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
17-02-2002, 00:41
Where do the pilots out there fly out of at home and what do they usually fly?
Our aircraft is shown below for you non-flyers who don't know what a Piper Arrow looks like. It was built in 1968 and is still in the original colour scheme - now classified as a Vintage Piper!
http://www.lancsaeroclub.co.uk/gallery/gawfj.jpg
John
Edited by - floridadreamvilla.co.uk on 17/02/2002 19:23:37
Edited by - floridadreamvilla.co.uk on 17/02/2002 19:24:51
Edited by - floridadreamvilla.co.uk on 18/02/2002 12:53:29
markemma
17-02-2002, 12:43
Mark used to fly out of Luton International Airport when he had is share in the PA28 but now they have sold it he has to go to RAF Henlow, at extra cost now I might add, I expect he will make up some time in Florida.
Emma
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
17-02-2002, 23:21
Where's RAF Henlow - I think I've heard the name but cannot place it.
What do you fly out of Henlow Mark?
John
markemma
18-02-2002, 02:14
hi john
Henlow is about 5 miles n.e Luton on about the 120 radial from Cranfield.
I have not flown much lately just a couple of hours C152 .They have a C172 and Archer but i need a check out.Its a bit of a blancing act do i fly or do i put the money in the RV engine fund,(hard times i think i might send robert up the chimleys)
Do you know of any lycoming 0320/0360 engines going up in your neck of the woods?
I think I will have to have a good look at sun and fun,also see if i can sponge a ride in an RV.
mark
steph_goodrum
18-02-2002, 12:03
You've probably heard of it but my niece has just finished working for a publication called "Aeromart", Exchange and Mart for aircraft and spares etc. Might find some of your engines etc. cheaper in there.
Give you a bit more money to spend on your villa.
Before my daughter was born I worked at GEC Avionics, (now part of BAe) and as so many of the engineers on the projects I was on were taking advantage of the cheap flying scheme often used to be able to go out lunchtimes when they were trying to get their hours in. Almost worth going back to work for.
steph
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
18-02-2002, 16:49
Hi Mark
That's the kit plane you are making I take it? Is it one of those RV6's I saw on the cover of one of the pilot magazines a few months ago.
If so, I had a good look at one in the hangar at Retford/Gamston last time I was there and it looks great fun!
I used to fly in the Thorp T211 group out of Liverpool (see http://www.ad-holdings.co.uk/thorp/Piccies.htm) which is a kit build (I still fly it sometimes) and I've always enjoyed it as you can get it into even the shortest field and the handling is just perfect!
Don't know of any engines going spare round our way unfortunately:(
How's the build going so far - I guess you should find it quite easy given your job :).
John
Edited by - floridadreamvilla.co.uk on 18/02/2002 12:51:32
Edited by - floridadreamvilla.co.uk on 18/02/2002 12:52:21
Edited by - floridadreamvilla.co.uk on 18/02/2002 12:56:09
Another kit plane enthuthiast hey. Hubby is hoping to build a Velocity, been his dream for a few years now and was hoping to make it come true last year as we were going to relocate to Minneapolis. Sadly that fell through, but next year could be on again so I guess I'll be spending a lot of time looking over the 'kites'(sorry old RAF habit of my parents) on the Velocity stand.
Jacqui
markemma
20-02-2002, 16:21
HI John and Jaqui
yes another kit builder all be it a slow one.The rv6a is coming along
slowly just riveted the second wing lower skin on last week.I have been at it for about 3 years now and have a fuse kit on order thats why im looking for an engine right now.So im sure after sun and fun i will be back with renewed vigor.
John which date do you intend to go to sun and fun?
Jaqui is the velocity like a long-eez on steroids and made out of fiber glass(to itchy for me)
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
20-02-2002, 16:55
Hi Mark
We're not sure what date to go to Sun N Fun. We arrive on 9th April so it'll have to be in the few days after that as I think it finishes on the 12th.
What date do you intend going as we could be flexible and tag along with you if you like.
John
markemma
21-02-2002, 01:13
Hi John
We are not flying out until the 11th so it will have to be on the 12th. We will check the website because mark seems to think it is on until 13th.
Will speak soon
Emma
Yes Sun N Fun does finish on the 13th so you'll definitely have to go on the 12th. You may find some of the aircraft have already left but it should still be good.
If you're planning next year's hol to coincide, it will be from 6th April to 12th. I've already booked my villa to make sure.
Forgot to mention.
Yes Mark you're right about the velocity. Very posh looking inside too with 4 seats. It's only been the last year or so that people have been allowed to build them here in the UK and boy do they cost! That's why hubby wants to get into the states first before he buys a kit.
Do you belong to the PFA Mark and have you ever been along to one of their rallies in Cranfield? They used to be fairly good but now they've got rid of the air shows there I think they've gone down hill a lot - not a patch on Sun N Fun.
For all aviation enthusiasts who are going to Sun N Fun, before you buy your tickets go into the EAA booth and sign up to become a memebr. It's not expensive, $66 for hubby and myself and for that you'll get into the event cheaper and geta magazine a month.
We found we could also get in cheaper at the PFA rally with one of the EAA cards but unfortunately it didn't work the other way round.
Jacqui
Also for Mark, do you take the American mag Kitplanes? If not visit their booth at Sun N Fun and sign up. It normally works out that little bit cheaper renewing here so you'll have a few more pennies to spend on your Rans. Our subscription is due for renewal then.
Check out the real estate pages in the back of the mag. Some of them just leave you green with envy - can't see us ever getting any air parks over here. If they did you'd have to do a bank job to be able to afford one. That's hubby's ultimate goal in life and if you pass one of the many booths at Sun N Fun stop and have a chat with the people selling the lots. They're all real friendly and will usually invite you to fly down and check them out.
Jacqui
orlandobabe
23-02-2002, 00:22
What's that place in Kissimmee where you can have a trip in an old war plane.
My hubby is dying to have a go-but begrudges spending the money on himself-I don't mind at all!
Has anyone tried it and is it worth the money!
Orlandobabe
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
23-02-2002, 00:26
It's Warbird Adventures on Hoagland Blvd by the Flying Tigers Museum.
I'm told it is absolutely fantastic but the cost has put me off so far - $114 for 15 minutes and multiples thereof. I do know lots of other pilots who have done it.
You get a chance to pilot a Harvard (Texan for you US viewers :)) and the pilot will do some aerobatics with you on board if you like. Better than any rollercoaster any day!
John
John & Sarah Rooke
Orlando Villas
If you really want some fun - don't go for Harvard. At the same airfield there are two SF260s equipped with laser guns, videos and smoke systems. Go up be a real ace - then get presented with a video of your flight to take home and show to all your friends.
Or if you are really flush with cash - go fly the F51 Mustang - one of the few two seaters available - I hear it costs $1500 per hour - but it is supposed to be fantastic.
My favouraite used to be the red WACO that Reillys used to hire out - beautifully balanced controls - you didn't so much fly it as think of the manoeuvres you wanted to do - and the plane would do it. Unfortunately somebody crashed it.....
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
23-02-2002, 02:09
What's an SF260?
John
John & Sarah Rooke
Orlando Villas
Good question John, one that slipped from my lips when I was reading the posting. Another question for you Sandi - do they convert the video to PAL so you can play it at home? I know they do at Universal 'cause I got to do the Star Trek video thing one year with the family and we were able to have it converted.
Spooky
A SF260 is an Italian advaced trainer/light ground attack aircraft. Built by Siai Marchetti (hope I spelt it right) it looks a bit like a Falco on Steroids. They are flown by the Swallows Belgian aerobatic team and were used by Sabena/Air France for pilot training. They are powered by 260 hp Lycoming piston engines and can carry up to 3 crew members. Just go take a look - you will want to fly it!!
There are a couple on the UK register but they are pretty rare and very sought after.
To answer the 2nd query - don't know what format the tapes are in - don't worry about it - enjoy the flying. You could always buy a new video player as I understand these days they are able to play different formats.
To answer the 2nd query - don't know what format the tapes are in - don't worry about it - enjoy the flying. You could always buy a new video player as I understand these days they are able to play different formats.
Anabella
02-05-2003, 04:22
HI!
it is nice to see that you guys here have a part of the forum dedicated to fly :)
when I was young and single LOL I was a pilot and had a Luscombe
now with 2 daughters and a 3rd one on the way it is imposible
Anabella
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
02-05-2003, 14:05
Anabella
I've always wanted to try a Luscombe - they look great fun to fly. Maybe you can take up where you left off in a few years - we have a 2 and 4 year old and they both love to come flying with me - especially if the destination has a beach like Caernarfon :D.