Members of flying clubs/fields near Reading?

[PeteStewardson]

Just wondering if anyone here is a member of a club around the Reading area? I've not started flying yet ( still building my first heli then getting some more tutoring from flyinfish ) but looking for somewhere to go for flying once I'm set up.

I mailed a couple of places found on the BMFA website. One replied saying they require an A certificate before you can join so is of no use for a beginner, one replied to say they're full and have a long waiting list, the rest didn't reply.

I can probably start off in my local park as it's very quiet, but once I get past hovering I think it'll be wise to fly somewhere with a lot more space

[Gate88]

Just wondering if anyone here is a member of a club around the Reading area? I've not started flying yet ( still building my first heli then getting some more tutoring from flyinfish ) but looking for somewhere to go for flying once I'm set up.

I mailed a couple of places found on the BMFA website. One replied saying they require an A certificate before you can join so is of no use for a beginner, one replied to say they're full and have a long waiting list, the rest didn't reply.

I can probably start off in my local park as it's very quiet, but once I get past hovering I think it'll be wise to fly somewhere with a lot more space

Slough's not a million miles away, but I'm not sure if they're taking on any more heli novices this year as we have already taken quite a few applications.

It might be worth asking though..

contact Phil Dowd www.srcmc.co.uk

But its definitly worth joining a club, I cant tell ya how quickly it brought my flying on being around other fliers.

[JohnJ]

HI Pete. There are a few of us that fly in Bracknell but. The local club has a long waiting list and not that heli orientated!

What Side or area of Reading do you live on?

John

[PeteStewardson]

Thanks will get in touch with them.

I think the issue is the clubs are inundated with newbies so they all have long lists.

I actually have a place to fly in mind close to work, it's a business park and one area where they will build eventually is just gravel. I'm going to ask the land owners if it'd be OK to fly there, because it'll be good to nip out at lunch and run a few batteries off, and it'll be out of everyones way.

[PeteStewardson]

HI Pete. There are a few of us that fly in Bracknell but. The local club has a long waiting list and not that heli orientated!

What Side or area of Reading do you live on?

John

I'm in Woodley, outside Reading on the Wokingham side.

[JohnJ]

That's very handy if you can get out as often as possible especially while your learning the early stages!

Your not far from where I fly on the north side of Bracknell but I too have steered clear of clubs for various reasons.

I'm still trying to locate a large private site but I'm looking around the north west of my place so will let you know if we get lucky!

John

[PeteStewardson]

That's very handy if you can get out as often as possible especially while your learning the early stages!

Your not far from where I fly on the north side of Bracknell but I too have steered clear of clubs for various reasons.

I'm still trying to locate a large private site but I'm looking around the north west of my place so will let you know if we get lucky!

John

Yeah please let me know if you find something

[Guest]

Hi Pete,

Are you still looking for a place to fly? I live in Lower Earley, engaged in some guerilla flying for the last year, and finally picked up the courage to approach RADMAC who fly on the Oracle ground by the Thames (off Suttons Business Park).

(google map)

They don't have heli instructors, but they are very nice people, and once you have an 'A' and can satisfy them that you can fly safely, seems to me to be a fine place to scoot around practicing whatever Dave's given you to work on.

When I approached them a month ago, there was no waiting list, and there was no talk of only being able to take on new members at certain times of year. Their web site is pretty off-putting, but in person they're really nice and I got a very warm email from Ron, the chairman, which encouraged me to go along and visit them.

If you've got nothing else to do on a Saturday or Sunday morning, I strongly suggest wandering along to see them. Best time is 10AM-12PM, Saturday is when most of the fixed wing guys are there, and Sunday morning the helis, but there's always some of each. It'll be worth the time even if you don't want to join.

Got my safety assessment flight on Saturday morning, hope all goes well..

Maybe see you there some time.

[igottomanyhelis]

go fly at the rugby ground,just up the end of the road thats where i go when i pass through,clubs are full of moaning gits

[PeteStewardson]

Hi Pete,

Are you still looking for a place to fly? I live in Lower Earley, engaged in some guerilla flying for the last year, and finally picked up the courage to approach RADMAC who fly on the Oracle ground by the Thames (off Suttons Business Park).

(google map)

They don't have heli instructors, but they are very nice people, and once you have an 'A' and can satisfy them that you can fly safely, seems to me to be a fine place to scoot around practicing whatever Dave's given you to work on.

When I approached them a month ago, there was no waiting list, and there was no talk of only being able to take on new members at certain times of year. Their web site is pretty off-putting, but in person they're really nice and I got a very warm email from Ron, the chairman, which encouraged me to go along and visit them.

If you've got nothing else to do on a Saturday or Sunday morning, I strongly suggest wandering along to see them. Best time is 10AM-12PM, Saturday is when most of the fixed wing guys are there, and Sunday morning the helis, but there's always some of each. It'll be worth the time even if you don't want to join.

Got my safety assessment flight on Saturday morning, hope all goes well..

Maybe see you there some time.

I did email RADMAC and got no reply at all. I'm thinking of joining the FMHC which is 45mins away but they replied to me and the people I met were helpful.

[Paulice]

go fly at the rugby ground,just up the end of the road thats where i go when i pass through,clubs are full of moaning gits

Very strange first post, Not informative at all!.
How about introducing your self properly in the new members forum??

[Guest]

I'd almost given up waiting for a reply too.. they're a bit old school, used to people just showing up and asking questions. Facebook generation they are not, but that's fine by me!

Farnham sounds great, must be easier than having a mixed site too. RADMAC only 8 mins away though

[gazza131]

basingstoke is not amillion miles from you pete, and very friendly group there -- wonderful place to fly to..

[PeteStewardson]

basingstoke is not amillion miles from you pete, and very friendly group there -- wonderful place to fly to..

Where is that one?

[Mikej]

I'm in Henley, so if you find somewhere local please keep us informed