Getting your license is a challenging and extremely rewarding experience. At Compton we have over 200 members ranging from 14 year old girls to 74 year old boys…whatever your reasons for learning to fly we tailor make the course to suit your individual requirements. Compton has been in its current hands for over 20 years, and due to our financial stability (and also due to the fact we reckon once you start you won’t want to leave us!) we don’t require any upfront payment at all. You book your flight in at a time to suit you, and pay after your lesson. No catches, and no extras, as all prices are inclusive of everything from VAT to landings. As we own and operate the whole aerodrome, there are none of the frustrating delays that can happen at other aerodromes. This reduces your expenditure and maximises the training time you receive with your instructor. At most aerodromes you will spend a considerable amount of time flying out of the shared and controlled airspace in order to practice handling the aircraft. At Compton we have it all – as soon as you are up the air you have the freedom to do these manoeuvres - with no time or money wasted getting to a practice area. And of course the views are fantastic which all adds to the enjoyment.
Although we do a whole range of courses (have a look under the headings in the main menu) the two main licenses that we do are the National Private Pilots License (NPPL) and the JAR Private Pilots Licence (JAR PPL). Which one of these you choose depends on what you hope to achieve from flying – whether you are interested in starting a career in aviation - or you would just like to pop over to the Isle of Wight for lunch!
If you have been flying before then we don’t need to tell you how great it is – just pop up for a coffee, a chat and a look around. We’ll introduce you to the people, facilities and the aircraft and help you out with any questions. If you haven’t been in a light aircraft before then we suggest you come and see us for a ‘trial lesson’. We’ll show you the effects of the controls so you get a real sense of how the aircraft works and what you’ll be doing throughout your course. Then, if you enjoy it, the time in the air counts towards your license. All you need to do then is join the club and book in for your first official lesson!
We are open 320 days of the year, 7 days a week. We recommend that you fit in at least 2 lessons per month, which keeps up the continuity and familiarity, and ensures that you get your license done efficiently and in the least time possible. However, if you want to do your license leisurely, that’s fine too! All training is taken at your own pace - condense it in to a little over a month, or spend a year or so learning.
Being in England, we do have a couple of back up plans for bad weather! If your slot time is hindered by bad weather we just defer you to the next available slot. We also have a motion simulator here which is used for training and is ideal for bad weather use. Or, you can have some ground school tuition, and brush up or prepare for your exams with your instructor and a cup of tea. Although Summer months are generally regarded as being the best time to fly, the aircraft actually perform better in colder weather, and Winter can bring some beautiful flying days with fantastic visibility – flying is not just a Summer pastime.
The cost is not necessarily as much as you might think. Being a financially stable company we don’t require upfront payment, you just pay as and when you fly. We trust that you will be happy and progress well with us, and we understand it is often easier to set aside a certain amount per month rather than come up with a lump sum at the beginning. It only costs £80 to become a member for the year which entitles you to all sorts of benefits. You are covered by the necessary insurance, have access to our aircraft and instructors, and attend our club nights and fly out events (if you need an incentive then the BBQ’s and cost price beer and wine usually helps!). We have some of the most competitive prices in the country, and considering the free ground school, the absence of upfront payment, the well maintained fleet of aircraft, the well qualified instructors and the friendly and comfortable surroundings, we reckon you get a pretty good deal!
