The Umm Al Quwain Flying Club, which offers a range of flight training options, was opened by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Umm Al Quwain Emiri Guard.

Sheikh Mohammed said the club, using new aircraft, will offer training in micro-light flying, fixed-wing flying, helicopter flying and skydiving. At the end of the course, a trainee will be able to obtain a certified pilot's licence or an "A" licence for skydiving.

He said the Umm Al Quwain aeroclub will be like a private executive airport and cargo hub where air-conditioned and weatherproof hangars are part of a future plan. The club has a shop that sells all the items any flier needs.

Courses for a private pilot's licence have been approved by the Federal Aviation Authority. Forty flying hours are needed for a private pilot's licence which costs Dh22,290. The club has adopted a "pay as you fly" plan.

The fee break-up is: enrolment and membership Dh500; course study material Dh600, pilot's medicals Dh940; written examination Dh200 per sitting; final flight check fees (GCAA Examiner) Dh400; licence fee Dh850; 40 hours of Cessna flying Dh18,800.

Trial 30-minute flights can be booked for Dh300 and they include a briefing. Capt. Mohammed Zakariya, Chief Flying Instructor, said that candidates will be trained in Cessna aircraft, of which the club has two and another is expected shortly.

Visiting pilots wishing to fly the club's aircraft must first obtain a UAE licence, he said.