|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOPA & TFC NEWS |
|
FUNERAL CEREMONY FOR ADJAN KRISDA -- The TFC is very sad to report that our dear friend and former President of the club, Adjan Krisda, has passed away. Adjan Krisda was very instrumental in the pioneering development of the club in the early days and he will be missed. His funeral ceremony is being held at Wat Benjamobpit, Sala 100 year, starting at 7pm on 14 January 2010. Present on the first evening were Khun Chuan (former Prime Minister) and Khun Suthep (Vice Prime Minister). The ceremony continues until 25th January with the Buddhist ritual lasting for 100 days. If you have any questions, please email Khun Worawoot -- manager@thaiflyingclub.com |
|
NEW AIRPORTS NEAR BANGKOK -- We have confirmed positions of two near airports near Bangkok -- Klong 15 in Nakhorn Nayok and Ongkarak. These are two different airports, but they are very close to each other. Exercise caution and proper pre-flight briefing. |
|
10 Jan 2010 -- TIGER BREAKS INTO TFC OFFICE -- BREAKING NEWS -- Last night a Tiger fell through the ceiling of the TFC office in pursuit of a cat. Now we know who has been eating all the cats at TFC. The Tiger proceeded to ransack the office and devour several portions of TFC T-shirts throughout the night. TFC Manager Worawoot said, "this was not a normal situation." TFC Secretary Damri said, "This is the Year of the Tiger, so we feel honored to have had such a visit." All TFC staff have been put on full alert to protect all cats from the Tiger in the future, because the cats have done a marvelous job of keeping the mice in check at the TFC. TFC Manager Worawoot has announced that, in light of recent events, all TFC members will receive one FREE partially eaten T-Shirt to celebrate the YEAR OF THE TIGER at TFC. Please ask Worawoot for your free Tiger Signed T-shirt on your next visit to TFC. |
|
KHUN VUTICHAI NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THAI DCA -- Khun Vutichai has been the new Director General of the Thai DCA since October 2009, and there have been so many positive changes to General Aviation in Thailand that everyone is very happy. This positive step in the right direction is a great boost to investor confidence in Thailand, to students coming to learn aviation in Thailand, to the promotion of aviation industry and aviation jobs in Thailand, and to high-income tourists visits in Thailand. One of the new positive changes in the DCA has been that now any aircraft can have as many pilots as the owner wants. Previously, you could only have one pilot "married" on one aircraft (with one spare). So it was impossible for people to keep their planes safe by having them flown often, and it was very hard for pilots to keep safe by being current. It was also not possible for young pilots to build time by flying with experienced pilots, because if they touched the controls, they would be flying illegally. Thanks to Khun Vutichai, this has all changed and now Thailand General Aviation can move forward again. Congratulations Khun Vutichai and thank you. You still have to submit some forms to the DCA with the names and information on the additional pilots, but now there is no limit. We will put the forms up here soon with specific information on how to add names to your plane. |
|
8-10 Jan 2010 -- OSHTAK SUCCESS IN UDON THANI -- Oshtak 2010 in Udon Thani was a great success. There were over 60 airplanes with great aviation pioneers Khun Vutichai, the Director General of the Thai DCA, and General Pracha who hosted the event and Khun Porntep from Udon mastertech who sponsored the fuel and hotels. The Royal Thai Army flew up a Black Hawk and Apache helicopter and there was a Royal Thai Airforce Alpha Jet low pass along with a Royal Rainmaking Kaset Formation Flight. Everyone was extremely pleased with the turnout, especially the 5,000 children who were thrilled on National Children's Day. Thank you very much to everyone for making this year a tremendous Oshtak Event. View previous Oshtak event. Any questions -- sunnysportflying@yahoo.com |
|
26-28 Feb 2010 -- PHUKET FLYIN AT PHUKET AIRPARK -- Khun Suchard has announced that there will be a Phuket Flyin at Phuket Airpark this February 26-28. Phuket Flying Club President Captain Watana will be the guest of honor and he will be flying the club Zenair for an airshow performance at Phuket Airpark. Khun Suchard now reports that the grass is growing on the runway and the club is looking fantastic. Phuket Airpark is the first airpark in Phuket and in Southern Thailand and it has been extremely popular for aviation enthusiasts. Come and join the fun in Phuket. Bring your tent or stay in the bungalows on the airfield. Everyone is welcome -- www.phuketflying.com |
|
|
|
Jan 2010 -- CHIANGMAI FLYING CLUB NOW CLOSED -- The distinguished Chiangmai Flying Club closed in August 2009. All of the Chiangmai club aircraft have been sold and the office is closed. The club is still registered, but there is very little activity. The club used to operate out of Lampoon airstrip South of Chiangmai. |
|
Jan 2010 -- KLONG 15 IN NAKHON NAYOK NOW OPEN -- Khun Tao now reports that his new airport at Klong 15 - Nakhon Nayok in Bangkok (near Ongkarak Airport) is now open. These two airports are very close to each other, so be aware of the proximity of other aircraft. If you have any more information on radio frequencies, etc, please advise us, so we can update the webpages. Thanks Mac for all your research. Thanks Khun Tao for making a great airport. |
|
Jan 2010 -- 1/2 SHARE IN C206 HS-AZZ FOR SALE 3 MILLION BAHT -- There is a C206 at Thai Flying Club which has a half share for sale now for 3 million Baht. The other owner is club Secretary Khun Damri who is a very enthusiastic aviator and owner of Mooney, Beechcraft, and Grumman. Anyone interested in buying the share of the C206 and being a partner with Khun Damri, please email the club -- info@thaiflyingclub.com |
|
Jan 2010 -- KHUN PEE BUILDING 5 NEW HANGARS IN BANG PHRA -- Khun Pee, the president of Thai Flying Club, is now building 5 new hangars at his end of the runway. These will be closed hangars with a storeroom and toilet. They start construction in Jan or Feb 2010. There is one left. If you are interested, email info@thaiflyingclub.com |
|
Apr 2010 -- CHIANGMAI LANNA AIRPARK IN BANTHI WILL RESURFACE RUNWAY AND EXTEND TO 660 METERS -- Khun Robert has reported that Ban Thi will be resurfacing their runway with tarmac in April. They have excellent news to report that they have now sold 2 plots at the Chiangmai Lanna Airpark, they have 3 plots in negotiation, and there are 8 plots still available. The Lanna Airpark is one of 4 AIRPARKS now in Thailand including Best Ocean (Bangkok), Pattaya Airpark, and Phuket Airpark. For more information, contact Khun Robert -- www.thai-airpark.com |
|
12-13 Feb 2010 -- AOPA CONFERENCE IN PHILIPPINES -- IAOPA will be conducing a General Aviation Conference in the Philippines. This will be during the Philippines Balloon Festival and we will update with more details when able. |
|
Jan 2010 -- SKYDANCE HELICOPTERS IS UP AND RUNNING -- Thailand is finally allowing Helicopter Charters and tours. The company Skydance is marketing tours for Advanced Aviation with a EC135 based in Bangkok and a EC130 based in Phuket. They sell the price per seat for Tours, and some tours are as low as 4,900 Baht per seat. Shuttles and Charters are also available. For more information, visit -- www.skydance.aero |
|
PAINT YOUR AIRCRAFT AT TFC -- Khun Damri has been overseeing some of the most beautiful paintjobs we have seen of aircraft in Thailand. He has recently christened the most recent "fire engine red" Grumman fresh out of the TFC paintshop. This extremely fine paintwork has been performed by a student of Damri's friend Kruu Chetpa from Tammasart. The cost of repainting your plane is running around 30,000 Baht. For more information on repainting your plane at TFC -- email Worawoot -- info@thaiflyingclub.com |
|
Jan 2010 -- TIGER MOTH FLYING AT NOK -- Apparently, the Tiger Moth at Nok Airport in Chiangmai is up in the air. This is only a rumor, but if we receive any confirmations or photos, we will let you know. Yin Dee. |
|
|
|
22-24 Jan 2010 -- KHON KAEN FLY-IN -- Fun trip to Khon Kaen organized by SFAT. |
|
|
|
KOH KUD UPDATE -- If you want to land in Koh Kud, you will have to stay in Evason Resort. The cost is about US$1,500 per night (estimate) |
|
CATC UPDATE - Khun Sonny reports that CATC now has over 100 students, including foreign students from USA and Singapore. This means that the previous regulation that foreigners could not learn at CATC must now have been revised. Congratulations to CATC for your great success with teaching students to fly. |
|
NEW OBSTACLE AT PATTAYA AIRPARK RUNWAY 10 - If you are landing on Runway 10 at Pattaya Airpark, be advised that there is now an obstacle at the Dolphin show which is on final for 10. If you have a picture of this, please send us. Thank you. |
|
TFC MEMBER TONY FLYING TO VIETNAM - The first private tourist flight into Vietnam by a Cessna 180 was in October 2001, and now TFC member Tony is planning to fly his Commander into Hanoi. We will keep you updated about this exciting trip. |
|
Jan 2010 -- BEST OCEAN PROGRESS - Best Ocean Airpark now has 2 new Virus Aircraft. The Hangars are in process and will be finished in the end of February. The Showroom is in progress and will be ready in the end of February. They are in the process of setting up a club. Congratulations on your great progress. |
|
BEST OCEAN'S FIRST FLY-IN-BREAKFAST WAS A GREAT SUCCESS -- On 23 August, 7 aircraft from Bang Phra, Pattaya Airpark, and Don Muang flew into Best Ocean Airpark for Breakfast. The group of 7 aircraft were greeted by DCA Deputy Director Khun Vutichai and Best Ocean Owner Khun Sittichai and an armada of golf carts and staff from Best Ocean Airpark and Golf club. Everyone was very impressed with the quality of the new airstrip. TFC member Khun Pracha was the last to land and he sprung into action after a quick brunch to hit the golf course. Khun Sonny then took Khun Sittichai's son, Golf, up for some touch and go's and the 7 aircraft returned. Amidst the intrepid pioneering aviators were Shmirmaxie and Khun Rolf on the cusp of 1000 hours, Commander Worawoot freshly soloed on a solo cross-country adventure, Khun Suchard all the way from Phuket, Commander Tony and Dave "you're damn right," trip idea originator Alonso Fernando, Khun "Thai Cessna" Dana, and special appearance from Khun Nawaporn and AJ. If you have any questions about Best Ocean, you can call Khun Sukanya on Best Ocean Airpark. |
 |
|
|
|
BANGKOK RAIN RADAR ACTIVE -- Thanks Paul for the link to the active Rain Radar to show updated precipitation activity around Bangkok and Rayong and Central Thaialnd. An excellent link to click before you go flying -- http://www2.tmd.go.th/radar/dmg120Loop.html |
|
ESSENTIAL REPORTING POINT INFORMATION -- the latest on how to report around Bangkok ATC safely |
|
AVIATION FIRE EXTINGUISHERS -- We have found a good source for aviation fire extinguishers using NAF-P-III. This is a non-CFC material for use on Solid, Liquid and Electrical fires. They also have Halon extinguishers available -- www.imperial.co.th/English/Product/NAFP3.html |
|
|
| FLYING CLUB INFORMATION |
 SAWADEE KAP |
 HOW
TO FIND USThe Thai Flying Club is located at Bang Phra Airfield (VTBT) about 3 Kilometers East of the small village of Bang Phra. We are about a 1 1/2 hour drive Southeast of Bangkok or a 30 minute drive North of Pattaya. If you are coming from Bangkok Airport (Don Muang), you can take the AIRPORT BUS (#A3) to Ekkamai Bus Station (or you can take the BTS "Skytrain" from any station to Ekkamai). There are buses leaving from Ekkamai Bus Station (in Bangkok) every 30 minutes that can drop you off in Bang Phra at the 7-eleven shop on their way to Sri Racha or Pattaya. From there, you can take a "tuk-tuk" (taxi) to "Snambin Bang Phra" (Bang Phra Airport). The airport is located on the agricultural campus of the "Kasetsart Rajamangala" (Rajamangala Agricultural College) and you enter through the campus and drive across the runway with caution. It is important to note that there are two airports located in Bang Phra - Thai Flying Club at BangPhra Airport (for light aircraft) and Chonburi Flying Club near the highway (for radio-controlled and ultralight aircraft). Print both maps below to help you, because finding the airport is not easy. |
 HOURS
OF OPERATIONThe Thai Flying Club is open seven days a week. Monday thru Friday: 08:30-17:00 hrs. Saturday and Sunday: 08:00-18:00 hrs. These hours are "local time" (Thailand local time is GMT + 7hours). A detailed road map shows directions how to find the club if you are traveling by road from Bangkok or Pattaya. Bang Phra is about 8 Kilometers North of Sri Racha on Sukhumvit Road. Please note that you can use Sukhumvit Road or the Motorway to reach the club. There are several Golf Courses near the club. The club can be opened on holidays for landing and departing aircraft (cost 1,000 Baht fee for standby mechanic). TFC Pilot Shop CONVERSION RATE The US$ to Thai Baht conversion rate is approximately US$ 1 = somewhere between 30 to 40 Thai Baht. Check current exchange rate for Thai Baht. We accept credit card or cash payments or wire transfer. The club currently has approximately 600 members and 40 aircraft. |
BANG PHRA
AIRFIELD |
 REPORTING POINTSThe Following are "Reporting Points" around Bangkok used by Bangkok ATC for VFR aircraft. The points are in relation to BKK DVOR (117.7 frequency). HIN KONG - below 3500' -- Radial 028* / 34.8 DME BANGNUM PREAW - below 1000' -- Radial 097* / 26.4 DME BANG PAKONG - below 1500' -- Radial 137* / 34.3 DME KOH SICHANG - below 4500' -- Radial 167* / 45 DME SAMUT SAKORN (SIERRA POINT) - below 4500' -- Radial 221* / 27.5 DME LAMBUA LUANG -- Radial 314* / 23.5 DME AYUTTAYA - below 2,500' -- Radial 356* / 28.3 DME |
 AIRPORT
DIAGRAMThe Bang Phra airfield has a mountain on one end of the runway and high-tension wires on the other (click diagram to enlarge). The airfield is very safe once you have been checked out by one of our instructors. Bang Phra is in a beautiful location - surrounded by white beaches along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, several international standard golf courses, a fresh water reservoir with a bird sanctuary, and several National Parks for viewing wildlife in Thailand. There is very good hotel accommodation available at the Bang Phra Golf Club (a 2 minute drive from the airport) and at the Natural Hill Golf Club for approximately 1,000 - 2,000 Baht per night. Cheaper accommodation is also available in Sri Racha and Pattaya (600 Baht per night) and the club has its own "Turn & Slip Inn" guesthouse (100 - 200 Baht per night). |
 LOCAL FLYINGThere are many local Aircraft and Ultralight airstrips in the Chonburi area. This area is under U-Tapao Approach control, so General Aviation has been allowed to actively grow. The procedure is to fly with your transponder on and maintain radio contact with U-Tapao Approach on VHF frequency 119.7. - Print a MAP of Local Airstrips (A4-size Map to use while flying locally). - View a LARGE detailed MAP of Local Airstrips (to study the area). - Caution Flying Hazard near Jomtien Beach (Cable Car and Tower 900') |
 OUR
AIRCRAFT FLEET |
 AIRCRAFT PRICES -- UPDATED Jun
2008- Cessna 150 (100 H.P.) - 4,150 B/hr* - Cessna 172 (150 H.P.) - 4,750 B/hr* - Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 (150 H.P.) - 3,900 B/hr* - Instructor - 700 B/hr *Note - add 1,000 Baht/hr for non-members. Attention - these hire rates are approximate and may change without notice, so please contact the club first for confirmation. Email the club to reserve an aircraft. The Bushpilot Clubhouse. The "Turn-and-Slip Inn" |
 MEMBERSHIPLife Member: 50,000 Baht initial + 2,000 Baht per year. Annual Member: 10,000 Baht per year. You have full voting rights after one year as an Annual Member. Annual Members can become Life Members on their sixth year of membership if they 1. have been an Annual Member for 5 consecutive years, 2. own a share in an aircraft, 3. are in good-standing, 4. pay the annual fee and the life per annum fee on the sixth year (thereafter Life Member fees are only 2,000 Baht per year). Please contact the Flying Club office if you have any questions. This picture shows the Robinson R22 helicopter on a flight to Dokkrai. Form to join the Thai Flying Club. Wiring money to Thai Flying Club |
|
FLIGHT TRAINING |
 OUR
INSTRUCTORSThe Thai Flying Club instructors have been professionally trained and are all highly experienced with more than 3,500 hours instruction each. They speak English and have a very high concern for flying safety. During the weekend, the instructor's fee is approximately 700 Baht per hour. During the week, the instructor's minimum fee is approximately 1,500 Baht (for up to two hours) then the normal 700 Baht per hour after that. Prior arrangements must be made with the club to fly with instructors during the week. If you are new to Thailand, please come and visit us to find out more information. We are very busy on the weekends, so please be patient or try to contact us sometime during the week. Aviation Medical Examiner (FAA Medical in Asia) FAA Mechanics & Contacts in Thailand FAA flight instructors in Thailand HELICOPTER INSTRUCTION Currently, there is no helicopter instruction available in Thailand. However, there is helicopter instruction available in Malaysia. |
 GROUND
SCHOOL & FLIGHT
INSTRUCTION The Thai Flying Club offers PPL (private pilot) flying courses. To date, the club has trained and certified many Thai and Foreign students. The club can also help you apply to validate your foreign pilots license for flying in Thailand. The flying course can be completed between 40 and 60 flight hours (the more frequently you fly the better) and the total cost of learning to fly is about 350,000 Baht (click to view details). To obtain your Thai PPL, you must complete an aviation medical examination, an approved aviation ground school and log 40 flight hours before you take the DCA written exams (given once every 3 months). The ground school in Bang Phra is very affordable. We need a minimum of 6 students to start the Groundschool. You can join anytime, and it is a lot of fun. A prospective student must first submit documents for the SPL (5,000 Baht) and then join the club (10,000 Baht) and then pass the Medical Exam. The DCA has overhauled the SPL system, so now you can obtain an SPL in 2-3 weeks. CONGRATULATIONS to Thailand for this great improvement (it used to take 7 months for foreigners to obtain a SPL). Students can only begin to log hours in their logbook after they have received their SPL. If you think you want to learn to fly, then begin this process immediately, so that you can start flying as soon as your SPL is ready. The club charges an hourly rental rate for the airplane (rates vary with type of plane) and the club charges an hourly fee for instructors (see plane and instructor rates). A prospective student may solo with consent of the instructor (usually after 12-20 hours, depending on frequency of flying) after he has his SPL. 30 minute "INTRODUCTION FLIGHT" - 3,000 Baht weekends (during week is 4,200 Baht). Learn more about Ground School in Bang Phra -- CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT ONLINE |
 DOCUMENTSThe Private Pilot (PPL) course. You should bring the following documents to the Flying Club: - Copy of Passport or ID card (write "certified true copy" and sign it yourself) - Work Permit or permanent address - (4) 1"x1" photos - Membership Application Form - Student Pilot License Application Form Validating your foreign pilots license to fly in Thailand. You will need to do the following: - Join the Thai Flying Club (10,000 Baht Annual Membership fee) - Validate foreign pilot's license Form - Documents - Passport, Pilot logbook, Medical, Photos ("certified true copy" & signed). - The Club will write a letter to the DOA for validation. - Pay 1,000 Baht fee The procedure takes about 2 weeks. - Procedure for validating your foreign pilot's license - OFFICIAL PAGE of DCA documents |
|
AIRPORTS IN THAILAND |
|
MAINTENANCE |
|
 AIRCRAFT
MAINTENANCEThe Thai Flying Club has qualified aviation mechanics on hand at the club. All of the maintenance activities at the club are supervised and adhere to the strict aviation safety standards of the Thai Department of Civil Aviation. If you have any questions you can call email -- manager@thaiflyingclub.com -- Khun Worawoot speaks English very well. Maintenance fees are approximately 600 Baht / hr. Pictured here is Khun Damri -- the new Secretary General at Thai Flying Club -- and he has been working hard with Khun Phu and the manager to overhaul the maintenance and keep it in top form. |
|
|
OWNERSHIP |
|
 AIRCRAFT
OWNERSYou can base your aircraft at Thai Flying Club for 7,000 Baht per month (full service pre-flight, post-flight inspections, and two-weekly ground runup checks included). The club now also has an Experimental Aircraft Wing (for faster ultralights and light experimental aircraft). These planes can be kept at the club for 4,000 Baht per month. You must be a Life Member to base your aircraft at the club. If you fly your plane more than 20 hours a year, you receive a one month rebate. If you fly your plane more than 40 hours a year, you receive a two month rebate. If you fly your plane more than 60 hours a year, you receive a 3 month rebate. If you pay the parking fee on year in advance you will receive an additional one month rebate. If you have any questions, please call or Email the Club. |
|
|
WEATHER |
|
 The weather in Thailand
is warm, tropical and very pleasant for flying. If you would like to see
the current satellite image of the cloud cover in Thailand, please click
the following. There are many links, because sometimes some don't work:
Satellite Images
of Asia Satellite
Photo
WEATHER.COM ICAO
METAR (4-letter Airport ID) Metar
in SE Asia Singapore
Satellite Wx (240nm radius) Thailand
RAIN RADAR (excellent update of rain activity) Current weather
in Thailand (or anywhere) Short rainy season: Mid-March to Early April. It is
hot and humid in April. Heavy Thunderstorms in May. Long rainy
season: August through October. Rain stops in October and the wind
direction changes direction to favor Runway 05 (17oct2004) (17nov2005) with warm
dry wind. December is dry with a lot of smoke from
fires. Cool winter nights cause fog in the valleys of Northern
Thailand. |
|
|
CURRENT WEATHER IN CHONBURI
|
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION |
|
 FLYING CLUBSThe Thai Flying Club has good relations with many flying clubs throughout the region and has conducted several joint flying excursions with some of these clubs. Thai Aviation History Tango Squadron Young Eagles Training Center (Bangkok) Civil Aviation Training Center (Hua Hin) Bangkok Aviation Center (Bangkok) Nakhon Phanom Training Center 604 Flying Squadron (Bangkok) Chiangmai Flying Club Nok Flying Club Phuket Flying Club Pattaya Flying Club Cambodia Flying Club Hong Kong Aviation Club Malaysia DOA Johor Flying Club Royal Selangor Flying Club (updated) Singapore Youth Flying Club Singapore Flying Club Fliers Philippines Philippines Flying Omni Aviation (Clark) Buleleng North Bali Club Dubai Flying Club |
|
TOURISM |
 For more general information about Thailand -- Basic Information on Thailand -- Tourism Authority of Thailand THANK YOU... Kap Kun Kap Thank you for visiting the Thai Flying Club webpage. We look forward to seeing you in Bang Phra. PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK
|
Webpage designed by Tom Claytor
www.claytor.com
|
|
| www.thaiflyingclub.com |
09 Jan 2010 -- ENTHUSIASTIC AVIATOR ED HEADING
SOUTH FOR DUGONG SURVEY
EXTRA
300 AEROBATIC INSTRUCTION -- NAKHON PHANOM
