Hiring a plane in the US

[What a Loop]

Folks

This is my first post in this so be gentle.


I am going to Florida with the family in late July, and have been giving a free pass for the third week to go flying, (I think the real reason is the girls want to go shopping and don't want Dad around to see what's being bought)

Anyway we have rented a place somewhere in the area of Disney and want to know if anyone can recommend a school or airport for rental. I am a fairly low hours PPL in PA-28 and would like to build some hours to go onto a IMC when I get back.

Any information on the best way to proceed would be appreciated.

[loglickychops]

Kissimee. Talk to Cabair, who have a school there (though there must be others). Also, try the back of Pilot or one of the other PPL mags

[floppyjock]

Or try Britannia Flight Centre at Winter Haven there quite close.

[Flyswift]

wot-a-loop!

Congrats on your first post.

Tell us how you got on when you return, 'cause I would like to do something similar. I'm also a lowish time PA-28 driver.

[Keef]

I've had nothing but good experiences wherever I've hired in the USA. But I've always gone on a recommendation from someone who's been there before and liked it.

I've also heard a few (FEW) horror stories.

So ask around, and go where others have been satisfied. I've never flown in Florida so can't help.

Keef

[Speedbird48]

While you are there don't forget to get an FAA validation of your UK ticket, before you try and rent. No charge, just take your UK licence and medical to the Orlando FSDO fill out a Form 8710, will need log book, and go and have fun.
Try Jack Browns seaplane school and get a fun rating. It is not far away in Winter Haven.
The various numbers are:- [phone] and Fax [phone]. There is also an evening number [phone] and a website @ www.gate.net/-seaplane. E.Mail [email protected].
This is not an ad and I have no connections just heard good things about them.

[Sensible]

I second floppyjock's suggestion, Britannia is a good friendly place and is quiet, ideal for a induction into US flying because it is a non towered airfield. http://www.britanniaflightcentre.com/

You could also do an IMC there. If you plan to come back to do an IMC with the family, check out Lake Ida Beach Resort.
http://www.lakeidabeachresort.com/

It isn't actually on a beach unless you count the shore of a lake a beach!! but the couple who run it are Brits and Margaret has her very own float plane which she flies from lake to lake!! The prices at the hotel are very low as well if you are a pilot!

[What a Loop]

Thanks for all the relpys so far, lots of useful information

Speedbird48

Thanks for the info, it was mentioned in this months Flyer, but was unsure as the best way to go about getting it validated

[dde0apb]

Have a look at www.airnav.com for lists of FBOs by airport. Kissimmee is KISM.

And I have found most FBOs bad at answering e-mails. If you're feeling flush take a look at www.warbirdadventures.com , and if not go to Tom Reilly's Flying Tigers museum. Or do both!!