Marakai

Can't tell ya about UK, but I sure have sticker shock from the prices in Oz. That's why I'm getting all my currencies back to minimize the time needed to fly dual for the conversion.

Interesting enough, it seems that the threshold in Oz of renting vs ownership is lower. Haven't done much research there yet.

What really drives prices up is ATC costs. In Aussie it's all privatized and they charge you everytime you as much as look at a tower. I find that most ironic - seeing as here in the US where the right wants to privatize just about everything, including Congress, you don't hear much about privatizing the ATC system. Ironic because the vast majority of pilots I've met are all staunch Replicants.

As a result I've thought nothing of calling up ATC at Denver Intl and doing some approaches with the big boys. In Oz I'd prolly need to take out another mortgage. Oh well, I've always liked flying in the system, but Australia is empty enough that I'll get used to flying uncontrolled.

Mike

Marakai

Dave,

Nothing beats flying. Well, *one* thing, but errr..... only barely!

In Australia from my current research it looks like you want to make sure it's a non-controlled/towered airfield. The cost of added in ATC is what blows the cost up.

I'm comparing Moorabbin and Tyabb and the differences are stark. You'll have to do SOME flying into controlled aerodromes, but later you'll avoid it for cost reasons.

Sad, as I love flying under ATC control, it's always great to have another guy on the ground looking out for you.
Mike

Dreamaway 10

Cheers Dave thanks for that I will get saving.

darkless

Me too!!!

I did a trial flight here in the UK and loved every second. I would love to fly a solo flight - how amazing would that be.

One day.....

Pollyana

Its the most unbelievable feeling ever, and I don't think you ever forget how good it was; its just you and the plane and all that space......your first solo is usually just a short circuit around the airfield - about 15 minutes or so in all. I learned at Shoreham, and part of the circuit there is over the sea. I remember seeing the sky above me, sea below me, poodling along at 1,100 feet in my trusy Cessna, Juliette, thinking "WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

You then spend the rest of the week walking round with a silly grin on your face!

Megalania

Micro-light aircraft?

Airborne Microlight Aircraft

darkless

That sounds great - I can't wait until I am in a position to do that. Unfortunately there are just a couple of more important things to do when we first get to OZ - jobs etc - Damm!!

Have you flown since you have been over there?

Dave

Pollyana

Haven't flown in Queensland yet - lack of cash, etc, but when I've been out before to visit friends in Tassie I've done a few flights down there - scenery is stunning!!!