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Q & A with Oliver King on Hour Building: Hour Building Hour Building in Europe

Updated: Nov 30, 2023



Tell us a little bit about yourself...


Hi, my name is Oliver I'm from Sussex and a 20 year old Student Pilot who usually flies out of Shoreham Airport. My journey to the flight deck started this time last year with a school called FTA on an Integrated programme – due to the unfortunate event of FTA going out of business, I made the decision to switch to the Modular route – which I highly recommend due to how much fun its been so far!


What made you get into Aviation?


I suppose the cliché fits for me “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid” ; but now the reality of travelling the world and the freedom of being able to do it in a light aircraft and make friends with people who are equally obsessed with flying along the way, is my reason to be resilient with my dream.


Why did you choose Hour-Building?


After obtaining my licence I very quickly grew bored of the UK scenery , appalling weather and extortionate landing fees! So I started searching online for overseas flying and I found hour building - after a few phone calls with Clifford he had reserved me a plane. Essentially he told me the keys will be there for me to take and do what I like alongside the option of a safety pilot or bringing a friend out to fly with me - however do not worry he will help you along the way he’s always got his phone with him! The hidden bonus is I actually saved money alongside time , even whilst factoring in accommodation and food. I now see it as being on a 2 week holiday whilst flying 5+ hours a day -seeing places you wouldn’t usually see as a tourist! I Even got some downtime to explore the old town of Granada and experience the local amenities. Hour Building Hour Building in Europe

What would be your biggest takeaway heading into your Commercial Training after flying with us?


Do not always fly to numbers! Fly to what the aircraft is doing. Control the aircraft do not let the aircraft control you!


What was your favourite experience flying with Hour-Building?


I can’t quite pin it down. If I had to pick from two it would be between the 3 plane fly out to Morocco for a 2 night trip to Fes or the low pass of Gibraltar rock down the runway of Gibraltar airport!


UK Airspace vs Spanish Airspace, who wins?


It’s a close call due to how helpful the Uk ATC can be and the airspace in my local area. So there isn’t a clear winner for me as the Spanish are just as good as home.


What advice would you give to Pilots who’ve just got their PPL and starting their Hour Building phase?


Do not just fly around in circles use your licence to explore overseas! Challenge yourself and become a proper pilot.


What was your Favourite airfield you flew into whilst Hour Building with us?


Has to be Jerez! It made me feel like a proper pilot as I was taxiing around private jets and landing behind airbuses! Plus the food was pretty good!


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