Welcome

The Ormand Flying Club located at Birr Airfield, is a club passionate about making aviation fun and accessible to all. We specialise in training for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and are a registered training facility with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

Book your introductory flight now!

Birr Airfield, Birr, Co Offaly
057-9121300
info@ormandflyingclub.ie

Introductory Flight Experience

The best way to experience what we have to offer is to book an introductory flight experience with us here. Weather you have always wondered what it would be like to fly an aircraft, are thinking of a career as a pilot or are looking for a unique and special gift for someone, our introductory flight experience is an experience like no other.

On the day you will get to fly one of our club aircraft with one of our certified flight instructors. The day will start with our instructor giving you a safely briefing followed by an introduction to the basic controls of the aircraft. Before you know it you will be airborne, experiencing fantastic views of the countryside, you might even get to see your house!

Our introductory flight experience price is all inclusive with no hidden fees for landings etc. Book your experience here today

Learn to fly with us – EASA/National Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), EASA/National Private Pilot Licence A (PPL A)

At the Ormand Flying Club we believe we can train anyone, with the right attitude, to learn to fly.

We train for the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) and Private Pilot Licence A (PPL A). All licences allow you to act as pilot in command of an aircraft for private use. You may carry non fee paying passengers (family & friends). We have some of the most competitive flying rates in the country and also do not charge any additional fees such as landing fees.

For more information on licences and which one suits your needs click here

About us

The Ormand Flying Club has been in operation at Birr Airfield for over 30 years. The club is a Registered Training Facility for private pilot licence training with the Irish Aviation Authority.

The club has an active membership of students, private pilots and aviation enthusiast. Many commercial airline pilots learned to fly with the club and now fly for a living with airlines like Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Emirates to name a few.

The club is located at Birr Airfield, 1 NM (1.9 km) south of the town of Birr in County Offaly, Ireland. It was originally called Birr View Air Strip. The area for many years has been closely linked with aviation, dating from the time of the British Army air strip which was very near the present airfield.

Find us: https://goo.gl/maps/ZTbGLvAgyYdDyXsM9 For visiting pilots: http://iaip.iaa.ie/iaip/Published%20Files/AIP%20Files/AD/EI_AD_2_EIBR_EN.p

Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) VS Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

What are the differences between the two?

Firstly before going into the various licence types we need to look at the regulators for these licences. There are 3 main regulators:

  • ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organisation
  • EASA – European Aviation Safely Agency
  • IAA – Irish Aviation Authority

ICAO regulates aviation safety worldwide. EASA regulates aviation safety in Europe. Only the IAA can issue pilot licences in Ireland. The IAA can issue these licences to EASA or National standards.

The EASA PPL (A) will allow you to fly European registered aircraft around the world as it is recognised by ICAO (worldwide). Aircraft are limited to a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 5,750Kgs.

The minimum training requirement for an EASA PPL is 45 hours of which 10 hours must be solo. Within these solo hours 5 hours must be solo cross country including 1 cross country of 150 NM landing at 2 airfields.

If you wish to pursue a career as a commercial pilot you must complete an EASA PPL (A).

The EASA LAPL will allow you to fly European registered aircraft around Europe. Aircraft are limited to a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 2,000Kgs. The minimum training requirement for an EASA LAPL is 30 hours of which 6 hours must be solo. Within these solo hours 3 hours must be solo cross country including 1 cross country of 80NM landing at 1 airfields.

The National PPL (A) with an SEP (LAND) rating is an ICAO compliant licence providing similar privileges to the EASA PPL (A). This licence allows you to fly Irish registered aircraft worldwide. Aircraft are limited to a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 5,750Kgs.

The National LAPL has similar privileges to the EASA LAPL. This licence allows you to fly Irish registered aircraft around Europe. Aircraft are limited to a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 2,000kgs and carrying a maximum of 3 passengers.

Similarities

All Licences allow you to fly light aircraft. With an EASA LAPL or National LAPL this is limited to a maximum take-off weight of 2000kg. Most light aircraft such as the Cessna 172, Piper Warrior or even a Cirrus SR22 have a maximum weight below 2000 kg. For all licences you have to pass the same 9 theory exams and a Skills Test.

Conclusion

At the Ormand Flying Club we encourage our students to train for the EASA PPL (A) as it gives you greater flexibility for marginally more training. Remember your pilots licence is a lifelong investment and although you may not envisage yourself flying you family around Florida right now, in a few years this could be exactly what you want to do! However, if you do choose the EASA LAPL or National licence options you can always upgrade to an EASA PPL (A) with a bit of extra training at a later date.

Our Aircraft

The club operates two aircraft, the Cessna 172 and EV-97 Eurostar. For PPL training the club uses the Cessna 172. For LAPL training the club use the EV-97. Either aircraft can be used for hour building, including hour building towards a Commercial Pilots Licence.

EV-97 Eurostar

Cessna 172

Cruising Speed (p/hour)

80kts/145km

105kts/195km

Range

480nm

640nm

Max TO Weight

450kg

1120kg

Seats

2

4

Fuel

Mogas

Avgas

Cessna 172
EV-97 Eurostar

Hour Building Packages

Do you already hold a pilot’s licence and are looking to build hours towards a commercial licence? Or are you looking for somewhere fun, accessible and cheap to fly? We offer hour building packages on our club aircraft with some of the most competitive rates in the country. We have great mid-week availability, a centrally located airfield and no additional fees such as landing fees.

Hangerage

We offer secure, easy to access hangerage in our modern club hanger. Birr Airfield has no landing fees with both Avgas and Mogas self-service facilities available.

Please contact us to see if hangar space is available.

Pricing

Most people will consider the cost as the most significant factor in obtaining their licence. Although 45 hours is the minimum required before doing the PPL flight test, and 35 hours for the LAPL flight test, students can expect to exceed these minimum hours depending on varying abilities and differing amounts of training required before obtaining their license. Statistically, students flying regularly (for example once or twice a week) will get their license quicker than those who fly irregularly and / or less frequently.

Cessna 172 (PPL training aircraft)
Hire with Instructor Self-Hire
Minutes Cost Minutes Cost
60 €200 60 €165
EV97 Eurostar (LAPL training aircraft)
Hire with Instructor Self-Hire
Minutes Cost Minutes Cost
60 €145 60 €110

Club Membership €480 per year.

Materials/Equipment Initially you will need an aviation headset and a log book to start logging flight time. As you progress, you will need a current navigation chart, flight computer, protractor, ruler and kneeboard, sunglasses. Many pilots will also buy theory books for the ground school course.

Licence, Medical & Exam Fees are regulated by the IAA. See here for current charges.

About

The Ormand Flying Club has been in operation at Birr Airfield for over 30 years. The club is a Registered Training Facility for private pilot licence training with the Irish Aviation Authority.

Visit Us

Birr Airfield,
Birr,
Co.Offaly

Phone: 057-9121300

info@ormandflyingclub.ie

Info

Call us to book your flight
057-9121300

Club PRO: 085-2760367

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