I think I posted previously about moving back to UK from CZ (I was asking about iPad/tablet apps for navigation etc).
Well I’m here now and have a better idea where I’m going to end up geographically. Looks like I’ll be moving to Cheltenham in the new year. The obvious airfields are Gloucester (EGBJ) and Kemble (EGBP).
Both of these airfields have a few clubs. What I am looking for: nice range of aircraft, good availability, decent hourly rates, good social scene and training possibilities. My future intention in that respect are to obtain a night rating and at least IMCR/IR(R). Eventually I’d like to own my own a/c and maybe pursue an FI rating but that’s a way off.
Does anyone have any recommendations or tips? Thanks in advance.
Just one point: if your PPL is not UK-CAA issued (which I assume), then you can’t do the IMCR / IR(R).
Yep, I forgot to mention, I have a CZ issued EASA PPL. Do I have to go back to CZ to get ratings added?
Edit: I am aware that IMCR does not exist in EASA.
No you can’t have IMCr/IRR (rating on UK liceneces in UK airspace) but you can convert from CZ to UK then have an IRR but then you have to finish the “IMC course” before Mar2019: the IRR will disappear on Apr19 but we may have BIR coming soon nonetheless in the other hand no one has a clue what the BIR will be worth on a hard “Breakfast” on Mar19, I these very exciting times and the above odds/outcomes I would suggest you keep your CZ ;)
Gloucester looks like a dream GA airport me, enjoy the place !
Coda wrote:
ep, I forgot to mention, I have a CZ issued EASA PPL. Do I have to go back to CZ to get ratings added?
At the moment, I would strongly suggest to hold off moving your license to the UK until the Brexit fog clears. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen. Most people (myself included) are currently moving the other way.
So a mixture of tips so far, thanks for those, and no I won’t be surrendering my EASA license anytime soon. I would like some opinions on the clubs at those two airfields though, if anyone has some experience of them. It may be that I’ll just join one club at each airfield and see how that works out but I’d rather be committed to one, as I like to volunteer for stuff that needs doing, and I’m not retired (yet).
I believe @josh and @steveN were both based at Gloucester EGBJ.
It is a good airport but I don’t know anything about the school/club scene there. There are certainly schools there, and if there is a social scene you can call it a “club” 
There are likely also syndicates, which is the cheapest way to fly something decent.
Most people (myself included) are currently moving the other way.
That’s because they don’t live in the UK, and most of them believe the mainland media which says the UK will go into meltdown when it leaves the warm welcoming arms of Brussels Best to keep all options open.
Have a look at freedomaviation.co.uk at Kemble and Oakley Park – run by some friends of mine great setup including tailwheel and aeros and they specialise in some amazing club flying expeditions.
Ps it is far from certain that the IR(R) will go next year, I would strongly suggest further extensions willbe forthcoming
Hi Ibra
Where did you read “IRR will disappear on Apr19”?
Re Gloucester for a Club atmosphere then I’m a member of Cotswold Aero Club. The club room is excellent with Wall mounted TVs showing live views of the Runway and Apron.
They will do your IMC rating for you too when ready.
