Membership Currently Closed due to large waiting list

For those who are fascinated by flight and who want to make the effort to pursue their dream of flying an aircraft themselves, clubs such as Galway Flying Club provide the ideal environment in which to get support, encouragement and assistance.

Like all the best clubs, Galway Flying Club is a voluntary organisation in which the members contribute their time and expertise for free.

The club’s qualified instructors take new members, who have never before sat in the cockpit of an aircraft, through the various stages of training to the point of qualification for a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) .  Having acquired this licence, the new pilots are free to use club-owned aircraft for their private use to enjoy and share with friends the pleasures of flight.

Galway Flying club no longer train to Private Pilot Licence (PPL) level. Instead we teach to the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) level which is more suited to club flying . PPL is more suited to people wanting to move into to the commercial world and training for this is facilitated by numerous other flying schools in Ireland

Please Note: The club is there for long term members who want to give to give back to the club as much as they get out of it. If you are looking to start a career in aviation our club is not for you and a Flight school is a much better option. Those are located in Dublin, Waterford, Cork and other locations.

  • Time
    • Normally takes 2-3 years. Depending on instructor availability and weather
    • The student pilot sets there own pace and takes as much time as needed to reach the required standards
    • Minimum of 30 hours of flight training per regulations but normally takes many more
  • Medical
    • A medical certificate showing reasonable good medical fitness is required before a student is sent on their first solo
  • Practical side
    • Flying starts with learning basic skills in the vicinity of the airport
    • When proficient in the basics, they are sent on their ‘first solo’ flight
    • More advanced training in aircraft handling and navigation
    • Complete the Private Pilot Licence (LAPL) skills test.
  • Exams
    • The club holds ground school classes to help club members pass these exams.
    • 7 Exams have to be completed at the (Irish Aviation Authority) IAA in Dublin

Frequently, a group of student pilots who join at about the same time, work through the training process together and provide each other with additional help and support.  This all adds to the social interaction of a group of people with a shared passion and contributes to the vibrancy of the club.

It must be emphasised that Galway Flying Club is not a training school for those aspiring to be professional pilots or those solely interested in building flying time towards a professional qualification.  Neither is it an aircraft hiring facility or for PPLs hour building for commercial licences .  It is a club that facilitates its members in the pursuit of flying as a leisure activity and in the social activities shared by people with an interest in flying.  As such, it offers members and demands from members much more that just aircraft flying.

EI-MCG Cessna 172R
To find out details about joining Galway Flying club contact

Marian at 087 638 6450 Or Email membership@galwayflyingclub.org