roelsl
04-11-2011, 02:13 PM
Hi guys,
First post here, so sorry for the questions already answered. Here's my story: I am a Belgian guy that recently moved from Europe to Moncton, New Brunswick. I hold an American PPL and was flying certified Cessna's in Europe (N-reg machines). I am converting my FAA PPL to a Canadian PPL right now.
The rising cost and stricter rules are making it almost impossible for an average GA pilot to stay current in Europe. Here in NB (Canada in general), it's a better deal, but still the costs are rising too. The thing is, I would love to fly around 50h/year but I just cannot afford that as a PPL pilot so I end up every year with only 20h flight time in my logbook, so sad but a classic story among us.
That's why I wanted to get an UL license. For half the cost, I could do a lot more flying. Real fun flying! I'm very much charmed by the advanced ultralights (challenger, zenair, rans, ...). I love the fact they give you the original joy of flying and still, you can land at a controlled airport and go somewhat faster than your average 'lawnmower-with-engine' (all do respect for these machines, by the way, the sky belongs to everybody!).
I started my research about UL flying several weeks ago and I read everything there is to read about UL's, great forum this is! Now, to cut this story short: I don't see a lot of UL activity in New Brunswick. As the holder of a PPL license, I just need a few hours of getting used to the different flying techniques of UL's but I cannot find any instructors in the province.
And let's say I DO find one and get cleared to fly ultralights, where would I rent one to fly?
Maybe it's better to buy an afforadable AULA? Even with a small loan, it's cheaper to fly this puchased UL that a rental Cessna in Moncton. Ok, but are there any Rotax Repair shops in NB? It's nasty to drive my ultralight all the way from Moncton to Montreal just to have the annual done, no?
Well, I would appreciate your feedback on this, guys!
Cheers and keep it safe!
First post here, so sorry for the questions already answered. Here's my story: I am a Belgian guy that recently moved from Europe to Moncton, New Brunswick. I hold an American PPL and was flying certified Cessna's in Europe (N-reg machines). I am converting my FAA PPL to a Canadian PPL right now.
The rising cost and stricter rules are making it almost impossible for an average GA pilot to stay current in Europe. Here in NB (Canada in general), it's a better deal, but still the costs are rising too. The thing is, I would love to fly around 50h/year but I just cannot afford that as a PPL pilot so I end up every year with only 20h flight time in my logbook, so sad but a classic story among us.
That's why I wanted to get an UL license. For half the cost, I could do a lot more flying. Real fun flying! I'm very much charmed by the advanced ultralights (challenger, zenair, rans, ...). I love the fact they give you the original joy of flying and still, you can land at a controlled airport and go somewhat faster than your average 'lawnmower-with-engine' (all do respect for these machines, by the way, the sky belongs to everybody!).
I started my research about UL flying several weeks ago and I read everything there is to read about UL's, great forum this is! Now, to cut this story short: I don't see a lot of UL activity in New Brunswick. As the holder of a PPL license, I just need a few hours of getting used to the different flying techniques of UL's but I cannot find any instructors in the province.
And let's say I DO find one and get cleared to fly ultralights, where would I rent one to fly?
Maybe it's better to buy an afforadable AULA? Even with a small loan, it's cheaper to fly this puchased UL that a rental Cessna in Moncton. Ok, but are there any Rotax Repair shops in NB? It's nasty to drive my ultralight all the way from Moncton to Montreal just to have the annual done, no?
Well, I would appreciate your feedback on this, guys!
Cheers and keep it safe!