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| AOPA & TFC NEWS |
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Dedicated to "Learning the Rules - so we can "Follow the Rules" |
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03 Jul 2009 -- AD HOSTS FRIDAY DINNER AT EASTERN -- Khun Ad is having a Pattaya Flying Club party at Eastern Airport. 7pm. |
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3-5 Jul 2009 -- SFAT UBON FLYIN -- Khun Niwat called to invite us to the candle ceremony in Ubon Ratchatani. Program: Fly in Friday 3, Fly past down the river to drop flowers Sat 4, Return Sun -- More information contact SFAT |
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7-9 Jul 2009 -- ASIAN AEROSPACE SHENYANG CONGRESS IN CHINA -- Participate in the next growth spurt of China’s civil aviation industry -- www.aashenyangcongress.com |
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9-13 Jul 2009 -- XSTOL VISIT TO S.E.ASIA
-- The New Zealand P-750 XSTOL aircraft will make a flying visit up to
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos should anyone be interested in having a look at
the aircraft. The schedule will be: |
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18-19 Jul 2009 -- SAREX 2009 AT SONGKLA -- This years SAREX sponsored by the DCA and the Military will be in Sangkla |
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24-26 Jul 2009 -- THAI DCA CIVIL AVIATION
EXHIBITION 2009 AT DON MUANG --
The Thai DCA is hosting a Civil Aviation Exhibition at Don Muang in July.
Thai Flying Club aircraft are flying in on 23 June before 4pm. Landing and
Parking fees are free. If you wish to fly in, then email TFC to join. The
events are as follows --
http://www.aviation.go.th/Safety/civil-aviation-exhibition.htm |
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26 Jul 2009 -- GA SEMINAR -- Enthusiastic Airman Ed has indicated there will be a GA seminar for pilots in Thailand to coordinate and communicate with the Thai DCA about changes and updates relevant to aviation safety. For more information, email Ed -- eduardo@flying-ed.com |
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NO MORE LANDING FEES AT SRIRACHA AIRPORT -- TFC Manager Worawoot has announced that TFC President Khun Pee and Khun Nophorn of Sriracha Airport have had a discussion and agreed to waive the landing fees at Sriracha Airport for all TFC members. Previously all aircraft that landed were required to pay a 100 Baht landing fee. This is a great step forward for General Aviation in Thailand and we want to thank Khun Nophorn and Khun Pee for this great initiative. |
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EXOTIC DESTINATION -- KHAO KHEOW ESTATE BOUTIQUE SAFARI -- Thailand has its first Luxury Tented Camps Resort. The Estate - deep in the jungle at Khao Kheow - has beautiful air-conditioned tents in a very beautiful setting. If you are looking for an "adventure" near Bang Phra, then this is the place to go. Off season rates are 1,800 Baht. There is a beautiful tented restaurant. Worth a visit -- www.estateresort.com |
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WATER CONTAMINATION IN FUEL -- Khun Paul recently reminded us about the dangers of water contamination in your fuel when refueling. Water in your fuel tank is extremely dangerous and it usually causes engine failure right after take off on the climb out -- the most dangerous stage of flight. This is a good time to remind people about Mr Funnel -- www.mrfunnel.com -- and this is one way to prevent water contamination. Remember: Complacency kills. |
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AIRSTRIP UPDATE -- We conducted a visual inspection of Koh Chang and Trat Military airstrips recently and have good news to report the excellent condition of these airstrps. We will put new photos up shortly. |
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23-25 Oct 2009 -- FAI KINGS CUP COMPETITION -- KLONG 15 AIRPORT "SAWAPA" (ONKARAT DISTRICT) -- Khun Virayudth Didyasarin has announced that Tango Squadron will organize King's Cup Ultralight and Microlight competition at Klong 15 Airport (OnKarat) on 23 October. The King's Cup competition will be for UL (Medium and Low Power) and for Microlight (one class). These will be the two events. Aviators are welcome to attend. If you have questions, you can call Tango Squadron Tel: 025345012/13 or 025238725. More information on Tango Squadron -- Khun Tang recently visited Pattaya Airpark to drop off the application forms for the King Trophy for UL competition on Oct. 24th at Onkarak Airfield. The event organized by The Royal Aeronautic Sports Association of Thailand (RASAT). Plan to Fly-in on the 23rd and out on the 25th. More information -- Email FAI |
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TFC STUDENT STATUS (MAY'09) -- Thai Flying Club now has seven students currently training. JACKIE and IVAN have both recently completed their first solo. OLIVER and ANAEK are in their pre-solo check phase and should be soloing very soon. NIWAT, ADAM and ANDREAS are in training and progressing rapidly. We also have new students MOHAMMED from Kuwait and KOJU from Japan who have successfully passed their Medical exam and are ready to begin the next Ground School Course. THE PROCESS TO JOIN THE GROUND SCHOOL -- 1. Come to the club and find out how to register for the Medical Exam. 2. After you pass the Medical Exam, you can join the club. 3. When we have 6 students who have passed the medical, we will start the next Ground School (we have 2 now; need 4 more). Any questions, Email the club manager -- manager@thaiflyingclub.com -- and visit our TFC Flying School Page |
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JOIN THE NEXT GROUNDSCHOOL CLASS -- TFC is now putting together a list of students for the next groundschool. We need 6 students to start. Our first student has arrived at TFC and signed up. If you are interested in joining -- info@thaiflyingclub.com -- and here is a list of the students so far: Greg White whitegw@gmail.com tel: 0818909460 // Samuel Desmier samuel.desmier@gmail.com 0899671629 // Shan Wang wangshan.mail@gmail.com from beijing in sing +65 98261610 // Peter Read peter@pattayatoday.net tel: 0806442511. // John Carter JDCarter@montpeliergroup.com // Alan (guy who called Worawoot) // Dominique Perregaux (based in Hong Kong and wants to join) // |
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FAA BFR WITH TREVOR DAVENPORT -- Captain Trevor Davenport is a FAA CFI, CFII, MEI, LMT with certification to teach Aviation English. He is based in Bangkok and is available to assist with FAA BFR currency if needed -- tjdsa@yahoo.com |
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14 May 2009 -- NEWS FLASH -- HS-PIA C150 NOW READY TO FLY AT TFC -- Club Manager Worawoot has gleefully informed us that HS-PIA is now under TFC registration and available for members to use. Another C150 to the fleet. |
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4 May 2009 -- GENERAL AVIATION HELPS WITH POLICE SEARCH -- On 04 May 2009, Bamrung called the Eastern Flying Club after there was a Gold Shop robbery, grenade explosion and M16 shooting in Jomtien. The thieves made off with 1/2 million Baht in gold. Officer Nipop (from Tunong Pleu Station) arrived with one other officer at Eastern Airport at 11:15AM. General Aviation pilots Alistair Stewart and Paul Keohane volunteered their time and aircraft and flew 1 hour each from Route 36 to Rayong and back and then to Plek Dang in search of a gold Vigo Truck and black Fortuna vehicle. The police officers were very grateful for the opportunity to search for these vehicles from the air and Eastern was pleased to be able to help the officers with their mission. This is a good example of one of the benefits of General Aviation to society as we saw during the Tsunami as well. Thank you to everyone for their support and promotion of General Aviation in Thailand -- www.iaopa.org |
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IAOPA NEWS FROM KENYA -- The Aero Club of East Africa is a very old and established flying club in Kenya. It is similar to Thai Flying Club in that it is the representative to IAOPA. This is a link to recent General Aviation news from Kenya -- IAOPA KENYA NEWS |
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SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST AT EASTERN 8-10AM -- Everyone welcome. 150 Baht. Just show up at sunset and have great fun with pilots and delicious food. Jim will be cutting a hole in his fence, so people can move between the clubhouse and the porch. |
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ROTAX UPDATE FROM PAUL & JIM -- Just to keep everyone informed and address current safety issues concerning Rotax Engines: Rotax has issued a new service instruction about operating fluids for the 912 -- http://www.rotax-owner.com/SI_TB_Info/ServiceInfo/SI-912-016.pdf -- Summary and Jim’s recommendations: FUEL: Gasahol E10 (10%) has been approved for use. However there are two problems. 1. Check with the manufacturer if your fuel system is suitable for gasohol because it may attack certain fuel lines and fibreglass tanks. 2. If the aircraft is not used regularly, water will separate out of the fuel. Jim recommends continuing to use normal 95 fuel. Avgas 100LL is not recommended but can be used. OIL: Mobil 1 SAE 15W-50 full synthetic. Top up with the same oil. The oil should reach at least 100 C once every operational day. COOLANT: Evanscool waterless coolant is recommended. Standard 50% water-glycol can be used but may boil at 120 C. Never mix Evanscool with standard coolant. |
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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 |
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NEW AIRSTRIP NEAR BUDDHA MOUNTAIN -- We hear that there is a new grass airstrip near the Buddha Mountain near U-Taphao. If you see this, please send us a photo and a name and perhaps some runway and contact information -- info@thaiflyingclub.com |
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NEW AIRSTRIP IN BURIRAM -- click here. Tel: 044-602466 / 083-7757070. Please check with DCA to make sure this airstrip is licensed and approved. We do not know. |
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NEW AIRPORT UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEAR BANGKOK -- Khun Sittichai has announced his plans for Best Ocean Airpark near Bangkok -- www.bestoceanairpark.com -- construction of the runway is in progress and should be completed in the end of February. There are plans for a 54-hole golf course. 18 holes are already open. |
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ESSENTIAL REPORTING POINT INFORMATION -- the latest on how to report around Bangkok ATC safely |
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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 |
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DCA PPL VALIDATION TEST DATES -- TFC Club Manager Worawoot is informing all TFC members that the DCA is now requiring applicants for foreign license validation to take a Thai Air Law and Human Factors written exam before rendering foreign licenses valid for flight in Thailand -- view the new validation procedure flowchart. If you want to take the test on any other date, the fee is 1,500 Baht. You can check Thai Air Law on www.aviation.go.th/Thailaw/AviationActE.pdf -- for Human Performance details or any other questions, contact Worawoot -- email Worawoot |
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OLD TFC NEWS -- Click here to view past TFC NEWS archive. |
| 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 |
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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 |
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AIRPORTS IN THAILAND |
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MAINTENANCE |
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 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. |
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OWNERSHIP |
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 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. |
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WEATHER |
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 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. |
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CURRENT WEATHER IN CHONBURI
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OTHER INFORMATION |
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 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 |
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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
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Webpage designed by Tom Claytor
www.claytor.com
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| www.thaiflyingclub.com |
