Friend of Sydney Flight Training, Alan Wang, has shared his unique experience of flying in Thailand with the Thai Flying Club. With some spectacular scenery and a challenging approach to Bang Phra Airport, it offers a fascinating glimpse into recreational flying in Southeast Asia.
Recently, during a business trip to Thailand, I had the delightful opportunity to visit the Thai Flying Club at Bang Phra Airport, nestled conveniently between Bangkok and Pattaya. As the oldest flying club in Thailand, the Thai Flying Club is steeped in a rich history of aviation. The club currently boasts a fleet of three aircraft: one Cessna 172 and two Cessna 150s. In addition to its own aircraft, the club also accommodates private aircraft owned by its members.
In anticipation of my trip, I had made early arrangements to fly with instructor Yod in one of their Cessna 150 aircraft, specifically the one with the registration HS-CAT, for a scenic flight. The excitement built up as we prepared for take-off from Bang Phra Airport's runway 23. As we ascended, we headed towards the coastline, maintaining a cruising altitude of 2000 feet. Our first waypoint was the picturesque Ko Lan island, a resort island located approximately 60 minutes by ferry from Pattaya City.
Upon reaching Ko Lan, we performed a left-hand circle of the island, allowing me to take in the stunning views from above. We then adjusted our course towards Pattaya City, flying along the bustling Pattaya Beach in a northbound direction. The beach was alive with activity, featuring a vibrant array of resorts, shops, restaurants, and speedboats dotting the waters.
Continuing our flight, we overflew Laem Chabang Port, Thailand’s largest container port. The port's sheer scale and activity were impressive from the aerial perspective. A fascinating detail I learned was that just two days after our flight, the US nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson docked at Laem Chabang Port for a week-long R&R, adding a layer of historical significance to my experience.
Our journey then took us towards the inbound reporting point for Bang Phra Airport, a small island southwest of the airport known as Ko Loi.
The approach to runway 23 at Bang Phra Airport is particularly challenging and exhilarating due to the surrounding mountains. The runway's elevation is 90 feet, with a circuit height of 800 feet for the left-hand circuit of runway 23. One does not actually see the runway until making the base turn, at which point a mountain looms on the right at 650 feet. This approach necessitated some thrilling low-level flying as we turned into the final approach.
For my first flight, instructor Yod expertly handled the approach and landing, ensuring a safe and smooth experience. The entire flight was an incredible adventure, offering breathtaking views and a unique flying experience unlike anything I had encountered in Australia.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Thai Flying Club to anyone seeking to experience the joys of flight in Thailand. The combination of scenic beauty, historical richness, and the thrill of flying makes it an unforgettable experience.
Comments