Flying lessons

[MyfanwyCymru]

I would love to give my husband flying lessons for Christmas/birthday. Trouble is, they are very expensive - especially if a pilot's license is what you're after ultimately. He is 50+ so too old for any branch of the RAF which might, had he been younger, have taught him to fly. This would be a dream come true for him. We live in Sussex, near Hampshire. Would travel. Any suggestions for reasonably priced flying lessons gratefully received! Thanks.

[Rev Sermon]

Have you considered flying lessons in a microlight aircraft. It's still expensive but a lot cheaper than flying a "real" plane both because you burn less fuel and the requirements to get a license are much lower.
There are microlight types nowadays that look and fly more like a proper aircraft than the lawnmower / hang glider combinations.
Depending on where you are in the country, you could try the flying school at Popham in Hampshire (I'm sure they'll have a website) or the BMAA (British Microlight something or other) who definitely have a website.
R.S.

[MyfanwyCymru]

Thank you so much, RS. I will look into these possibilities - and, of course, burning less fuel has got to be a bonus. Best wishes, Myfanwy

[Clanad]

Although Rev Sermon's heart is the right place, I would caution you to either check the condition of your husband's life insurance... or better yet take a look at the accident statistics for, what are known here in the U.S. as ultralight vehicles (their not known as aircraft, since they don't have to meet any of the same requirements, including pilot certification, at least here in the U.S.). These, usually, have no manufacturing requirements for strength and pre-production testing. As a professional pilot for many years, I sympathize with your plight. We see many Europeans and Brits coming to the U.S. to further their aviation careers since the cost is significantly less for real airplanes. I might suggest checking into flying clubs at the smaller airports. They're able to keep the costs down somewhat by the shared expenses of the aircraft. Either that, or come on over to the U.S.! Best of luck!
By the way, here's a link to a typical article about the accident rates... happens to be Australian, but it is typical...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~slamble/Why_us e_CAR.htm

[sddsddean]

Have you thought about gliders? I used to be a glider pilot and it is significantly cheaper than powered flight (and in my opinion more skillful; anyone can switch on an engine and follow it!! [sorry Clanad]). Most gliding clubs do gift vouchers so you can have a trial lesson and see if he likes it. Nearest clubs to you may be Lasham, which is near Alton, or Southdown near Pulborough,but you can do a google search.

[Cetti]

The Bournemouth Flying Club situated at Hurn Airport is one of the best in the UK, if it's not too far for you.

Over the years I've given both my husband and son lessons as presents. They've loved it so much and the Instructors are top class. Here's their website:

http://www.bournemouthflyingclub.co.uk/index.h tm

[Cetti]

Husband has just said from the Hampshire end of Sussex to Hurn would take no longer than an hour on the motorway - so well worth a thought.

[MyfanwyCymru]

I'm very grateful to all of you who've responded to this request for info. I'm so much better informed than I was and am now looking at the possibility of trial lessons in Bournemouth or the Southdown Gliding Club. Trial lesson costs are very similar in these two clubs so I'm looking careful at all the comments in these replies before making a decision. Again, many thanks!

[MustafaTickl]

Just to mention Cranfield Airport.
40 minute lesson �45
80 �90
120 �130
Private pilots licence starter pack �399
UK Pilots Licence �3599 payable in 4 instalments
www. billinsair,freeserve,co.uk
Tel: [phone]

[smudge]

My husband bought me a Helicopter lesson for my 50th birthday. It was a day I shall never forget - brilliant!

This was at Cranfield Airport too!

[madamspud169]

There is a flying school near Southampton airport which do lessons from a half or full day course to an entire course including taking your licence.
I booked my husband a full day course two years ago and he absolutely loved it. I can't remember the exact price but it was under �100.