General info needed by experienced ppl(m) holder

[Gally2]

Hello everyone,

I have begun my ppl training but due to finances I do not think it is affordable for me to continue. I have done some research into a ppl(m). Firstly is it much cheaper than doing a ppl(A) ??

Secondly where in Ireland can I do my training for it?? Or would it be cheaper to do it in the UK ? I am from county Kerry just to let you know if you have any contacts there!

Thanking you in advance

[Figle]

You can try birr in county Offaly or abbeyshrule in county Longford for mppl training in Ireland not sure if some of the hours you have done for your ppl A will count but no harm in asking
Good luck in the future

[aviatorsguide]

If cost is an issue, I would consider getting a credit union or bank loan for it and perhaps do it in the states and knock it out in one go. The FAA licence is under estimated, as it's not in anybodies interest here to promote it but it will allow you to fly Group A, Turbines, Annex II and Microlights. There is alot to be said for Derek Davidson in the UK if you want an EASA PPL. He can get people through the exams and the flying in record time. The PPL is built up to be a bigger event than it needs to be.

Its alot like losing your virginity. When its all over you'll wonder what all the fuss was about

William

[mark]

Hi Gally2,

There's a full list of clubs / schools that instruct for the PPL (M) listed on the IAA website at https://www.iaa.ie/registered-training-facilities" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . The schools with a (M) after their name provide microlight training. Generally you will find that the PPL(M) is cheaper than the PPL(A), but maybe someone from the clubs that offer the training can post some accurate cost details. Whether it's a PPL (A) or (M) you will need to take into account extra costs such as equipment, books, ground school, written exams etc. but they will be common across all schools / clubs.

I did my microlight conversion with Ultraflight at Abbeyshrule so I would recommend them (http://www.ultraflight.ie" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). The fly using the Samba XXL.

Regards,
Mark

[IMA]

Hello Gally2
As Mark has already pointed out a full list of microlight RTF's is listed on the IAA website. If you would like to go to the irish microlight association web site http://www.irishmicrolightassociation.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; you will find more information regarding learning to fly microlights in Ireland, a list of the microlight flying schools and the contact details of the flying instructors.
Depending on the type of microlight you may wish to learn to fly, the various schools operate different types from the basic traditional microlight to the very modern somewhat more expensive types
The type you may wish to learn to fly may be influenced by the type you wish to fly once you have achieved your licence.
The average cost is in the region of €120.00 per hour for instruction.
The minimum hours required is 30 and the hours you already have done can be counted fully towards your PPL(M).
If you require any further assistance or information please feel free to contact us at the irishmicrolightassociation@gmail.com or by telephone to any of the microlight flying instructors listed on the Irish microlight association web site.

Regards
IMA Committee

[greenlid]

Hi all,

I have been doing some research into getting a Microlight licence for the last few months, so I am very interested in everyone’s input. I, like the OP started out doing a PPL but finances have put that on hold. I have been down to Limetree airfield a couple of times and had a look at the various aircraft there and I think I am a 3-axis man myself. I am lucky that I am based in the midlands so I am flexible enough on where to go for training. I have visited & spoken to the guys in Ormand in Birr and also the lads in Ultraflight. Both are great places for training so it’s really down to personal choice or the type of plane that you want to fly. From talking to a couple of students in both places they are very happy with the instruction they are getting. I wasn’t aware of the IMA (Irish Microlight Association) until I read this thread. It looks like four lads are the committee and the four of them are also instructors in various places. Has anyone heard of the quality of training they provide, what type of aircraft they operate or what level of test passes they are getting. I might call them in the next couple of days.

[Figle]

Hi green lid I can only speak for the lads in birr and abbeyshrule they have a great pass rate and club structure.The truth is any one can learn to fly will all do it are our own pace, you can go out and buy a licence in some clubs in intensive flying but this does not make you a pilot you learn most of you airmanship in the club house and from other club members which you won't get in a intensive course.
Enjoy learning to fly and make great friends along the way. I know the lads in birr are a great bunch of lads and except new members with open arms are not just after your money.

[damienair]

I can only speak from my own experience. I started my NPPL(M) in Kernan Aviation just outside Tandragee in Co. Armagh in Sept 2005. I had my licence in 5 months. I know it is a long way for you to travel to, but they offer intensive training where you could go up for a week once the weather window is good and get a good chunk of the course out of the way. I know people who have trained in Kernan from Limerick and Kerry. I was finished in just over 30 hours and can highly recommend Kernan Aviation. They have 3 or 4 instructors on site and are excellent. Check them out on Facebook.
I have also being hearing great things about the School in Abbeyshrule in Co. Longford. They are having plenty of students qualifying in just over 30 hours also and seem to have a great training structure. Worth speaking to the guys in the NMAI , http://www.nmai.ie" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; who will make sure that you don't go too far wrong and will recommend reputable schools. Just make sure to research and speak to the right people. Mark Dwyer and Padraig Higgins are worth giving a phone call to, details will be on the NMAI website.

Best of Luck with your decision

Damien

[willo]

Hi Gally2 & Greenlid

Gally2 - I think we emailed before, but if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to give me a PM

Greenlid (& Gally2) - we are Ultraflight, based in Abbeyshrule, which I think a few of the guys have mentioned above.

Both are you are welcome to chat to our CFI Bob Linehan & if we can help you get into the air, be glad to. You are more than welcome to drop in anytime we're active & chat to the students; instructors or myself. As Damien & a few others have said, geography can be an issue, but there are a number of clubs around the country.

Best regards

Brian
Ultraflight