Aircraft hire in Orlando/Sanford?

**Courtman** · 10-02-2003, 17:01

Hello!

Just come back from the States and now want to go back and do some flying. We will be going back October time and want to hire an aircraft and fly around Florida (down to Keys, Miami, possibly even north of Orlando too). Where can we go to hire an aircraft? Orlando-Sanford would be first choice, coz that's where we'll fly into...

I'll fly just about anything, my wife is training at the moment on a PA28 and should have got a fair number of qualified hours by then. I'd quite like to hire an Cherokee Arrow, something a little 'hot' but familiar enough that she can do differences training on it quickly.

Your recommendations greatly appreciated

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 10-02-2003, 17:04

Welcome to the forums Courtman!

Have you tried our flying in Florida section at http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums...sp?FORUM_ID=26 ?

**Courtman** · 10-02-2003, 17:39

Yep, not much there on recommended flying schools. Tips on places to go would be great as well if anyone can help...

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 10-02-2003, 18:13

Hi again

I've always rented from Kissimmee Aviation at (you've guessed it) Kissimmee Municipal. I get a C172 that is in good condition for around $60 per hour wet.

At home I own and fly a Piper Arrow (see below) based at Barton near Manchester. I have to admit to getting frustrated with the C172 in Florida as it's so slow compared with the Arrow and not half as much fun (why drive a slow mini when you can drive a fast sports car

).

[img]/forums/Data/200321014643_gawfj.jpg[/img]

I believe Orlando Flight Training (advertise in the back of all pilot magazines) have an Arrow or two for hire but they are not that cheap ($105 per hour wet last time I asked) if that suits you.

We have done the tourist tour of Kennedy Space Center - 500 foot flypast over the visitors center and shuttle landing runway - which was awesome - not sure if they still allow this post 911 - probably not.

Also landed at Sanford once which was the busiest frequency I have ever had to talk to on the radio - I was hard pressed to get a word in and certainly did not get chance to read back clearances - you are just expected to comply.

I hear the trip down to Key West is great too - we plan to do that one day.

Other great place to visit is Cedar Key. Runway is like landing on an aircraft carrier - very short and water at both ends (see picture below). When you initially call on Unicom the local taxi firm comes on air and asks if you want a ride into town. I'm told you can get some really good seafood there.

[img]/forums/Data/2003210141623_cedarkey.jpg[/img]

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask away with any other questions you have.

**sandi** · 12-02-2003, 02:59

Try www.sunstateaviation.com - they offer 2 C172SPs for $105/hr , C182 FOR $145 or C152 for $59. All aircraft are immaculate.

If you want something a bit quicker try the TF-51 Mustang (2 seater) for $3700/hr (so I am told) also based at Kissimmee

Sandi

**sandi** · 12-02-2003, 03:01

John,

I should have added to my last message your Arrow looks great.

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 12-02-2003, 13:52

Thanks Sandi

.

If only the good weather would come sooner, as I'm dying to get out for a good loing flight!

**caroline** · 12-02-2003, 14:11

How far afield do you fly John?

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 12-02-2003, 14:57

Caroline:

I've been all over the Uk and even to France for lunch which was really nice (plus a great way to bring duty free back

).

Some of the other members of our group recently took the Arrow down through France and Spain to tour round Morocco. It's also been to Norway, Denmark, Poland, Czekoslovakia, Germany, Belguim.

I can do Manchester to the middle of France in one hop

.