FAQ

FAQ

This page is dedicated to answering any additional questions you might have. If you can’t find your answer here, or you would rather speak to someone in person, you can contact us via WhatsApp 07727 340223 or by visiting the Contact page.

FAQ

FAQ

This page is dedicated to answering any additional questions you might have. If you can’t find your answer here, or you would rather speak to someone in person, you can contact us via WhatsApp 07727 340223 or by visiting the Contact page.

How long do I have to join for?

There is a minimum joining period of 6 months. After that, you can leave the group with one month’s notice.

How are the costs calculated?

All rates are based on airborne time, with an additional fixed 7 minutes per flight added to cover ground operations (taxi, run-up, hold, etc.).

Are there any other costs?

Yes, there are a few additional costs:

• Monthly membership: £65 (payable by standing order)
• Refundable deposit: £300 (refunded when you leave the group)
• Insurance excess waiver: detailed below
• Checkout fee: paid directly to the instructor (we have 4 instructors available)

To join NWFG, due to the complexity of the surrounding airspace and North Weald procedures, we require a detailed ground briefing before the flying check flight. In addition, each aircraft model requires type familiarisation.

Do I have to pay towards the insurance?

All aircraft are fully insured, and the premium is included in the hire and monthly rates. However, each insurance policy carries a high excess, which varies by aircraft but is on average around £1,000.

We therefore offer and recommend our insurance excess waiver:

• £60 per annum
• Runs from 1 April to 31 March
• Charged pro rata at £5 per month, depending on your joining date

This fully covers your insurance excess liability should you be involved in an accident or incident that results in an insurance claim.

What are the landing fees at North Weald?

Currently, there are no landing fees at North Weald when you are a member of NWFG and flying a home-based aircraft.

Membership also includes access to Aviation Community, Pilots Lounge briefing area, garden with runway view, and free hot and cold drinks.

Can I take the planes away for trips?

Yes, you can take the aircraft away for trips, including overnight stays, at no additional cost.

There are a couple of minor restrictions/extra charges if an aircraft is taken away for longer periods, we’re happy to discuss this with you if needed.

Is there a minimum hourly requirement to join?

No, only requirement is PPL & Medical Class 2 or LAPL. There is no minimum hours requirement to join.

We hold full flying club insurance and are a CAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO 0332), so you can join as soon as you have your PPL.

How do I book an aircraft?

All aircraft are booked through our online booking system: CloudbaseGA.

How long is the checkout, and what plane will I use?

The checkout typically takes around 1 hour of flying if you have flown that aircraft type before. If you need familiarisation training, it may take longer.

Because of the close proximity of Stansted airspace, we also carry out a detailed ground briefing to ensure you are fully familiar with:

• The North Weald circuit
• Local procedures
• Surrounding airspace restrictions

In total, the checkout process generally takes around 3–4 hours.

Once I’m checked out, can I fly any aircraft in the group?

If you are checked out on a C172, this will cover all of the group’s current Cessna aircraft.

A separate checkout is required for Piper and Tiger aircraft.

What if I have never flown that type before?

No problem. Differences training can be incorporated at the same time as your check flight. It will simply take a little longer depending on your experience and how quickly you adapt to the type.

Are there any problems with availability?

Generally, no. With four aircraft in the group, availability is excellent year-round. We currently have 14 aircraft in the wider fleet, and the fleet is still increasing.

What else does the group have to offer me?

As an NWFG member, you’ll have access to a fleet of aircraft that are CAMO maintained, well presented, and operated with minimum hassle:

• Book your aircraft
• Turn up
• Complete your checks
• Go flying

If you have any technical issues, simply report it we handle the rest, at no additional cost. We also provide strong operational support and practical advice whenever you need it.

Would there be an opportunity to fly with others within the group?

Yes. We have a very active Fly Out community with local and cross-channel fly-outs.

A Cross-Channel checkout is also available.

How long do I have to join for?

There is a minimum joining period of 6 months. After that, you can leave the group with one month’s notice.

How are the costs calculated?

All rates are based on airborne time, with an additional fixed 7 minutes per flight added to cover ground operations (taxi, run-up, hold, etc.).

Are there any other costs?

Yes, there are a few additional costs:

• Monthly membership: £65 (payable by standing order)

• Refundable deposit: £300 (refunded when you leave the group)

• Insurance excess waiver: detailed below

• Checkout fee: paid directly to the instructor (we have 4 instructors available)

To join NWFG, due to the complexity of the surrounding airspace and North Weald procedures, we require a detailed ground briefing before the flying check flight. In addition, each aircraft model requires type familiarisation.

Do I have to pay towards the insurance?

All aircraft are fully insured, and the premium is included in the hire and monthly rates. However, each insurance policy carries a high excess, which varies by aircraft but is on average around £1,000.

We therefore offer and recommend our insurance excess waiver:

• £60 per annum

• Runs from 1 April to 31 March

• Charged pro rata at £5 per month, depending on your joining date

This fully covers your insurance excess liability should you be involved in an accident or incident that results in an insurance claim.

What are the landing fees at North Weald?

Currently, there are no landing fees at North Weald when you are a member of NWFG and flying a home-based aircraft.

Membership also includes access to Aviation Community, Pilots Lounge briefing area, garden with runway view, and free hot and cold drinks.

Can I take the planes away for trips?

Yes, you can take the aircraft away for trips, including overnight stays, at no additional cost.

There are a couple of minor restrictions/extra charges if an aircraft is taken away for longer periods, we’re happy to discuss this with you if needed.

Is there a minimum hourly requirement to join?

No, only requirement is PPL & Medical Class 2 or LAPL. There is no minimum hours requirement to join.

We hold full flying club insurance and are a CAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO 0332), so you can join as soon as you have your PPL.

How do I book an aircraft?

All aircraft are booked through our online booking system: CloudbaseGA.

How long is the checkout, and what plane will I use?

The checkout typically takes around 1 hour of flying if you have flown that aircraft type before. If you need familiarisation training, it may take longer.

Because of the close proximity of Stansted airspace, we also carry out a detailed ground briefing to ensure you are fully familiar with:

• The North Weald circuit
• Local procedures
• Surrounding airspace restrictions

In total, the checkout process generally takes around 3–4 hours.

Once I’m checked out, can I fly any aircraft in the group?

If you are checked out on a C172, this will cover all of the group’s current Cessna aircraft.

A separate checkout is required for Piper and Tiger aircraft.

What if I have never flown that type before?

No problem. Differences training can be incorporated at the same time as your check flight. It will simply take a little longer depending on your experience and how quickly you adapt to the type.

Are there any problems with availability?

Generally, no. With four aircraft in the group, availability is excellent year-round. We currently have 14 aircraft in the wider fleet, and the fleet is still increasing.

What else does the group have to offer me?

As an NWFG member, you’ll have access to a fleet of aircraft that are CAMO maintained, well presented, and operated with minimum hassle:

• Book your aircraft
• Turn up
• Complete your checks
• Go flying

If you have any technical issues, simply report it we handle the rest, at no additional cost. We also provide strong operational support and practical advice whenever you need it.

Would there be an opportunity to fly with others within the group?

Yes. We have a very active Fly Out community with local and cross-channel fly-outs.

A Cross-Channel checkout is also available.

Ready to Fly More Often?

Ready to Fly More Often?

If you want to make better use of your licence, build hours, stay current or enjoy affordable aircraft hire from North Weald Airfield, NWFG could be the right flying group for you.

Whether you are newly qualified, returning to flying or looking for a more flexible aircraft hire option, we would be happy to speak with you.

Get in touch today to discuss membership, aircraft availability and how NWFG can help you fly more.