Hi all. I’m planning on training for the NPPL this year. Has anybody any thoughts, good or bad, regarding my local airfields where flight training is available: Stapleford and Andrewsfield? Stapleford is closer, but i’ve heard Andrewsfield is more friendly. Obviously Andrewsfield is quieter too, which means less holding etc, but on the other hand i’d prefer to learn somewhere busy.
My eyesight is marginal for the PPL, hence i’d rather just get the NPPL for now, then mess around with extra eyesight medicals etc later on with a view to gaining the PPL and further.
Both Stapleford and Andrewsfield have websites, but both mentioned the PPL without any mention of the NPPL. I called them both to ask whether they offer the NPPL as well and both do. However, the attitude of the people answering the calls differed markedly – Andrewsfield were very helpful answering my queries, whereas whoever answered at Stapleford was terse and clearly didn’t care and just wanted me off the phone asap. Is this indicative of the service i would get while learning to fly?! Obviously i’ll take a trial lesson at both places, but any input from those who have used either would be appreciated.
By: Neil G - 3rd March 2007 at 21:33
I learnt back at Stapleford back in 1991, and my Grandfather was an AFI, and latterly (up to 2000), ground & radio instructor/examiner there. I have many happy memories of the place. Somewhere, I have an “outstanding” video of the club social club band (in which I played) known as “Fokker & the Wulfs” (c.1993) cranking out cheesy rock & roll to a very well oiled audience of club members & family.
My experience of Andrewsfield is limited to a few visits. My guess is that A/field is more like Earls Colne (where I flew 2000-03) in which case I would say I found the more relaxed and less commercial pace (as well as the quieter sky) preferable to the more insense place I found (having not visited since 2001) last summer. Mind you, I’m now flying “down on the farm” at Monewden, so much looks busy in comparison!
None of this is intended to run Stapleford down. They trained me and train alot of other people well. The fleet is big (mostly C152’s but with some 172’s and various PA28’s and PA34’s) – so plenty of availabity. I don’t know about A/fields fleet, but no doubt others can comment.
Now to see if I can find that old video and post it You-Tube…
Neil G
By: Ewan Hoozarmy - 22nd February 2007 at 14:04
As I know both CFIs, I would recommend either, but if pushed to choose, would go to Andrewsfield. But then I have a license and hindsight is a great thing.. If I could do it all again, I would still go where i did for my PPL, if they were still there (Southend)
By: Stampe - 17th February 2007 at 23:04
Andrewsfield no doubt Carole Cooper the CFI runs a very good club and is an excellent instructor.I, ve renewed my instructor rating with Carol over the last ten years a very impressive small and friendly set up.For recreational flying its the obvious choice in that area.Good luck and happy flying!!.
By: ozplane - 17th February 2007 at 16:33
One thing to bear in mind is that Andrewsfield is a grass strip and I believe has been closed recently due to the heavy rain. Stapleford on the other hand has a hard “starter extension” to the main runway and so isn’t affected. I’d agree with Moggy, go and try both but don’t part with any money until you are sure.
Incidentally don’t let either of them put you off the NPPL. I had to relinquish my CAA PPL for the NPPL and it hasn’t affected the type of flying I do at all. Basically it’s day VFR in a Glos-Airtourer.Sorted!
By: A225HVY - 16th February 2007 at 22:45
I fly from Andrewsfield. It’s an excellent field being a grass strip as well!!
There has just been a new management taken over and alot of the facilities are being renewed or updated.
They also have a new (not new in the new sense of the word!!) fleet of aircraft with a very well equipped C172 which I fly.
Try the website http://www.andrewsfield.com/
They are a great bunch here and lots of social activities:D
A225HVY
By: wessex boy - 16th February 2007 at 09:20
NickC, good luck with your endeavours and welcome to the forum!
I have no experience of either centres, but I would echo Moggy’s comments. years ago I was forced by circumstance to use a club with a cliquey atmosphere, over one that I knew to be inclusive, and that probably compounded my decision to give up flying.
Some other tips and questions:
Try and talk to some of the members on the QT to get a view of the club
What is availability like?
Does the hourly rate include all Landings?
Are the Instructors, professional trainers or Pre-ATPL hours builders?
What is the social scene and the attitude post-PPL? (fly-outs, barbeques, continuous improvement, etc)
What range of aircraft do they have available for progression? (Complex, Taildraggers, Twins, Aeros, etc)
I belong to Conington club, they have an Arrow and a Beech Duchess available for post-PPL progression, and actively encourage night and IMC ratings. We have just hosted the VAC Valentine Rally, and I have already been invited on a Fly out to Le Touquet (timing wrong unfortunately)
I anticipate that I will also join NSF at Sibson as well later on, as they have a grass field, a Cub, Tiger Moth and Pitts…..
I am not sure what Direction I want to go in yet…long distance touring in the Duchess, or lazy Summers evening lolling about in a Cub with the door open…hmm decisions, decisions:D :rolleyes: 😉
Whichever, just go and commit Aviation, they can’t lock you up for it!
By: Pete Truman - 16th February 2007 at 09:15
Andrewsfield is fantastic, the staff are brilliant and it’s in a superb location, easily accessible from the A120 too, go for it. Don’t forget, it’s not far from Stansted so the airspace is very busy.
There’s also a very nice post flight pub in the village.
By: Moggy C - 16th February 2007 at 08:24
There’s one golden rule at this stage.
Buy yourself a logbook, then book a trial lesson at each.
When you turn up with your logbook and having done some research as to the PPL / NPPL course it is obvious you are a serious punter, not just somebody who has been bought a ‘trial flight’ as a present.
Then, go with your gut feeling. You’ll get a pretty clear idea of which school you are likely to get on with best. Go with that gut feeling.
But you will have lost nothing, because you can get each trial lesson logged in your book, so it will count towards your student hours.
Good luck, report back 🙂
Moggy
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February 15, 2007 at 10:51 pm