Truly Compare Airport Parking Prices and More
February 27, 2010
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING UK AIRPORT PARKING.
Compare or Beware.
When considering parking your car at any UK airport you need to be aware of the possible pitfalls when putting your hand in your pocket. Nowadays more than ever it’s important to check and compare things properly. By comparing car parks you can nearly always find the best price, but not only this, you can get up to date information on things like car park security measures, car park location, bus transfer times and car park facilities. For some people it’s not always about finding the cheapest car park, some people want the utmost convenience or the most comprehensive security measures for example, so a website which allows you to compare all of these is a website which truly compares. All of these things can make your travelling experience a lot easier, it just takes a couple of minutes homework.
Know what to do when you get there.
It does not end there though… you will also need to consider what sort of arrival and departure procedures you need to go though and this is what some websites fail to let you know. If you’re parking your car at Heathrow or Gatwick for example you can find yourself with a massive selection of different car parks to choose from and a lot of them have different procedures. For example some require you to arrive at a reception area, some others require you to use the credit card or debit card you used for booking online to enter the car park and some really up to date car parks now work on a car number plate recognition system.
There is also the Meet and Greet options which nearly always require you to phone just before arriving at the airport terminal and also require you to phone again when you’re just leaving the baggage pick up area. So as you can see it’s vital that when you book your airport parking you find a site which not only compares the price and security etc… but also makes sure you get all the other information to hand such as telephone numbers, addresses and arrival and departure procedures to make your experience as simple as possible. Some websites out there can offer you the very best chance of getting things right the first time so make sure you take your time to look properly.
Know your Terminal.
Another not so well known issue when booking airport parking is making sure you have the correct car park which serves the terminal you are using. For example if you are looking for Heathrow airport parking then it is especially important because there are five terminals to choose from. Make sure you check the information on the car park and make sure the transfer bus goes to the correct terminal. Can you imagine getting on the shuttle bus only to find that it has taken you to the wrong terminal !
So always read the car park information very carefully, the better websites out there will always have a “More Information” button for you to click on to get every piece of information you need.
Pre book Online and Save.
It’s no exaggeration to say that by pre booking online you can save as much as 60% compared to the gate price. The gate price is the price individual car parks will charge you if you simply turn up on the day to park and pay. Most of the major car parks at the major airports will always keep some parking spaces free for such eventualities, but rest assured you will pay a lot more. For example if you wanted Gatwick airport parking in the summer months for two weeks you could choose “Airparks” which is off airport and pay £64.99 by pre booking online, however if you just turned up on the day you would pay £135.00, that’s an amazing saving of £70.01. Another very commonly used car park at Gatwick is “Summer Special North” which serves the North terminal, if you wanted to use this car park for the same period it would cost you £82.80 when pre booked as apposed to the turn up and pay price of £121.50. So as you can see the advantages of pre booking is very obvious and well worth doing.
You would think that saving so much money would be reason enough to pre book but there is also another less known reason for pre booking your airport parking especially at the larger airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. When you pre book airport parking you are ensuring that a parking space is available for your car on your given dates. It is true that car parks do set aside some parking bays for people who do turn up on the day but these can and do get taken up especially in the summer months. Can you imagine turning up at the car park and finding that the car park is full, yes you could try another car park but what if you’re running slightly late for example or what if the next car park is even full.
Stay Overnight On or Near the Airport Before You Fly.
One of the best things about staying in a hotel on or near to the airport the night before you fly apart from starting your holiday a day earlier, is that you can seriously wake up the day of your departure much more relaxed and refreshed, your bags are already packed and you’re already at the airport. Staying in a hotel is especially useful if you have a very early flight time, imagine having to be at the airport for say four or five in the morning, who wants to get up at two or three and then drive all that way. For example lets say you want to book Manchester airport parking in summer for two weeks, for ON airport parking this would cost you anything from £49 to £99 depending on which car park you chose and OFF airport parking will cost you anything from approx. £37 to £88. Compare those parking only prices to a cost of only £68 for a double room at the Cresta Court Hotel (3 star) which is approx. 30 mins from the airport which also includes two weeks parking at a secure car park next to the airport. You could also choose the Crown Plaza Hotel (4 star) which is located on the airport itself with two weeks parking at the hotel for only £91.
A Rare Blend of Opportunity and Timing: the Light Sport Aviation Mechanic
February 27, 2010
Someone once said, “Someday your whole life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.”
Along the same lines, I read somewhere that about half of all people don’t really like their jobs. And I thought, “What a waste of a life that is to get up every morning and do something that you really don’t like.” So it is exciting to work with people who sign up for the 3 week long- 120 hour Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Course to start their own business, usually as a second career.
There are few occasions when a great opportunity crosses our path, and it is rarely when the timing is just right. So with great enthusiasm that both timing and opportunity were merging, Ted Finck signed up for Rainbow Aviation’s Light Sport Repairman Course offered in November 2008.
While the course itself is an incredible opportunity, Ted capitalized on the initial investment by adding the Powered Parachute and Weight shift modules. “These two modules just added a week to my trip, for a total of four weeks. But with the added ratings, I have tripled my customer base.”
But Ted went one step further, taking advantage of the opportunity to earn his Powered Parachute Instructor’s certificate at the same time. “It was a great opportunity. Morris Yoder and Lee Woodriff were also taking the repairman course at the same time and are both powered parachute instructors. So we would train in the morning before class, in the evenings after class and on weekends. I took my practical exam with Morris Yoder on the last week of the course and left with not only my Repairman Maintenance Certificate for airplane, weight shift and powered parachute and my Rotax repairman service level certification, but also my powered parachute instructor certificate.
Course participants comprise an incredible, diverse community, attending the course for a variety of reasons. Some owners take the course to maintain and inspect their own SLSA aircraft, some participants are already airframe and powerplant mechanics, others are aircraft manufacturers, and some are instructors who want to perform their own 100 hour inspections, but most, like Ted, are interested in starting their own full time or even part time business. And after participants earn their LSRM certificate their businesses comprise yet again an incredible, diverse community.
For example, Clyde Poser owner of Rule Aviation Services in Buckeye, WA is a retired airline captain. Clyde used the LSRM certificate as a stepping stone to earn his DAR authorization (designated aircraft representative), he then used his LSRM and DAR certificates to qualify to become a contract instructor for the 2 day Repairman courses. He also offers both powered parachute and weight shift flight instruction, so he gave flight lessons while attending the three week course in California. “There’s almost an advantage in some respects to waiting until mid-life to make a significant career change because often times,” Clyde explains, “the experience you had in your previous career can be utilized and can benefit the next chapter in your life.”
As you might have guessed most participants have high expectations for their businesses. Mike Zidziunas ( known as Mike Z.) is no different. Mike is a sport pilot instructor and realized early on that light sport was going to be the future of aviation so he earned his LSRM in August of 2006. “I was not prepared, however, for the incredible opportunities the certificate would offer.” And Mike is taking full advantage of those opportunities. He has opened a Rotax Service Center, he works with manufacturers assembling SLSA aircraft and he plans to expand his business by becoming an A & P mechanic. Maintenance is Mike’s primary focus and he will soon be able to include Amateur-Built aircraft inspections to the list of services he offers.
On the other hand, Aldo Sibi, who earned his LSRM in May of 2006, works full time for Indus Aircraft. He is the Manager and Director of Production and the head of Research and Development. He has made over 56 modifications to the Thorpedo design and has protyped and built the first Thorpedo Diesel engine/airframe combo. Like mIke, Alod is also in the process of becoming an A & P mechanic.
Roger Lee is retired from the Tucson Fire Department has a business in Arizona , Roger’s LSA Service & Repair. Roger works on all LSA aircraft, but he specializes on the Flight Design CT aircraft and the Rotax engines. Roger works as a LSRM out of his truck. He also takes his mechanical skills on the road performing maintenance and inspections at his customer’s location. “I didn’t want to go back to work full time, but there is enough work there to keep me plenty busy.” Roger comments. Roger is able to keep his overhead down and his customers appreciate the lower rates. “This (work) is quite a bit different than being a firefighter because I haven’t had to do CPR on an engine, start an IV in the fuel line or defibrillator a carb.”
The FAA has created an incredible opportunity with the Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Course for an individual to start a new career or a homebased, low-cost business that is rewarding- not just financially- but personally. Additionally, an individual can earn the certificate quickly- in just three weeks. This is incredible when you compare that to the 1900 hour requirement for an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. This powerful three week course is what entrepreneurship is all about: success.
Phoenix Airport at 12:30am
February 27, 2010
So I was stuck in the Phoenix Airport as part of a 17 hour trip back to Binghamton NY. More about that at www.blackentertainmentblog.com But I just wanted to share the thrill of being in the Phoenix Airport for 7 1/2 hours with everything closed, roughly 90+ degree heat outside, restricted areas to smoke, no seating for all of us stck here and other joys. But more will come about this.
Spyder MR1 Tactical Paintball Marker Gun SNIPER SET
February 27, 2010
Product Description
Black Spyder MR1 Paintball Gun Sniper Set. What’s Included in the Box. 2006 Spyder MR1 Marker. 12″ Muzzle Brake Barrel. 20oz CO2 Tank. GXG Stealth Mask with Visor & Anti Fog Lens. UFD Heavy Duty Coiled Remote with Quick Disconnect On/Off. 21″ GXG padded gun case. Premium 200 Round Hopper. Black Deluxe 6+1 Harness – Heavy Duty 140rd Tubes. 21″ Jerk Squeegee(color varies) Premium 1oz Empire Oil. Detachable Stock. Allen Wrenches. Barrel Plug. Elbow. Extra O’rings. Oper… More >>
Spyder MR1 Tactical Paintball Marker Gun SNIPER SET
Kingman Hotels, Arizona – Best Accommodation
February 27, 2010
While in Kingman you will find number of full service hotels providing clean, comfortable accommodations with a friendly, helpful staff. There are both offers both cheap and luxury hotels in historic tourist destination of Arizona.Kingman is the county seat of Mohave County located in northwest Arizona around 95 miles from Las Vegas.With historical buildings and 27 sites of interest, Kingman stands as one of the best tourist destinations of Arizona.This Heart of historic Route 66 houses many incredible tourist attractions, some of which include – Historic Route 66 Museum, the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, Railroad attraction or museum, Locomotive Park, Hoover Dam, Oatman Arizona and Valle Vista Country Club etc.While in Kingman you will find number of full service hotels providing clean, comfortable accommodations with a friendly, helpful staff.There are both offers both cheap and luxury hotels in historic tourist destination of Arizona.Luxury hotels – while here, to enrich your Kingman tour, you can stay in one of the luxury hotels.There are some excellent luxury hotels in Kingman including – SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kingman Route 66, Comfort Inn Kingman, Days Inn Kingman, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kingman, Best Western Kings Inn And Suites, Hotel Brunswick, Comfort Inn Kingman and Hotel Brunswick etc.These Kingman hotels are famous for offering international standard services and accommodation.Best Western Kings Inn and Suites – this is one of the best luxury Suites hotels offering world class services and accommodation with easy access to many of Kingman tourist attractions.Cheap Hotels
Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid: A Guide for Pilots, Instructors, and Virtual Aviators
February 26, 2010
- ISBN13: 9781560276708
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
PC-based simulations, though touted by many in the aviation community as excellent flight training aids, are not being used to their full potential. This guide and the accompanying CD illustrate how to get the most out of Microsoft® Flight Simulator with general suggestions, specific advice, and practical tools. Student pilots can use the comprehensive information to review specific concepts and prepare themselves for formal flight instruction, while certified pilo… More >>
Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid: A Guide for Pilots, Instructors, and Virtual Aviators
The Complete Guide to Single-Engine Cessnas
February 26, 2010
Product Description
This guide aims to make shopping for a single-engine Cessna easier. It chronicles the information that buyers need to make comparisons…. More >>
The Complete Guide to Single-Engine Cessnas
Flagstaff Hikes, Revised 6th Edition; 97 Day Hikes around Flagstaff, Arizona
February 26, 2010
Product Description
The best Flagstaff hiking guide! The 97 hikes in this edition have been totally revamped to include GPS coordinates. Each hike now features a color photograph and color map. The very user-friendly format features each hike shown on facing pages with complete directions to the trailhead, description of the hike, photograph and map. Also included is an elevation change graph, season-to-hike chart, difficulty/mileage graph and how-crowded icon. First released in 1992, … More >>
Flagstaff Hikes, Revised 6th Edition; 97 Day Hikes around Flagstaff, Arizona
Top 3 Reasons To Buy Used Cessna Parts For Your Aircraft
February 25, 2010
We all know that buying used Cessna parts is a good idea for aircraft owners and clubs. The top three reasons to buy used Cessna parts for your aircraft are saving time, saving money, and finding hard to find used Cessna parts. These three reasons are the main reasons to purchase used Cessna parts for your aircraft whether it is new or old.
Saving time is a no brainer. When we need a part, we do not know whether the shop we call will have that part in stock now, or if they will be able to get it very soon even. That creates a problem when we have a flight coming up and we need that part for the aircraft to be ready for the trip. You never know if the company you are calling has the part you are looking for on back order and that may take weeks for them to get the part in before they even get to turn around and send it to you. This is why you want to purchase from a salvage aircraft parts company, because if they sell it for you they are going to go out and get it for you and ship it right away.
The second reason is that you are going to be able to save money buying used Cessna parts. More and more Cessna owners are finding that they can save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on the maintenance, repair and upgrades of their aircraft by purchasing used Cessna parts. If you purchase just a few used avionics units or a used engine for your Cessna you will find yourself saving thousands over buying new. There are other parts available as well though. From doors to seats to control surfaces, you can save a ton of money with used Cessna parts for your aircraft.
Salvage aircraft companies tend to have those hard to find parts on hand and readily available if they are worth their salt. By purchasing used Cessna parts from a reputable aircraft salvage yard you increase the chances of getting the hard to find part that you need in a reasonable amount of time. When your parts locator company goes looking for hard to find parts, odds are good they end up finding them at a salvage company in Minneapolis.
Those are the top three reasons to purchase used Cessna parts for your aircraft. Saving time, money and finding the right hard to find parts are things I know I like to do and I am willing to bet you do too.
Parking for Disabled Badge Holders
February 25, 2010
Are you an orange/blue badge holder or have special needs that may require wheelchair access looking for airport car Parking?
If so, I hope this short article will help to explain what options are available and how you can go about making enquiries or bookings to ensure you have a comfortable and hassle free journey to the airport.
When planning a holiday or trip that involves air travel you need to know that the whole journey is accessible before you set out. Encountering a problem at any stage of the journey such as not being able to find assistance, or a particular vehicle not being accessible could ruin the whole experience, leave you stranded or even stop you from travelling altogether.
Whether you are a disabled traveller or require wheelchair access it is worth taking the time and trouble to plan your travel arrangements before you set out, so that you can enjoy your trip and the journey itself can be a pleasure.
If you are flying from a UK airport you may require airport car Parking. Recently I had an email from a customer enquiring about disabled Parking facilities. To my surprise we had very little information on our website and when I looked on other websites there was also a lack of information.
This led me to spend some considerable time putting together all the information a traveller with special needs may require when considering their car Parking arrangements at the airport. I have covered the five main UK airports below which account for over 60% of passenger traffic. I will be updating our information for other airports in due course, meanwhile you can visit our website…
www.Parking4less.co.uk
for the most up to date information regarding your departure airport.
Please note: at all UK airports, for security reasons, the blue badge (previously orange badge) scheme applies in car parks only. There is no waiting period outside the terminal buildings and no vehicles can be left unattended. Prices and information correct at date of publication (October 2005).
HEATHROW AIRPORT
Short Stay
All car park prices are displayed at car park entrances.
Clearly signed blue/orange badge Parking is available in all short stay car parks located close to terminal access routes.
Help points are located near these spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs.
Wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage will be provided. Lift the green telephone and request assistance.
If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine or by using a help point telephone and asking that the operator be contacted.
You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, press the help button.
Long Stay
On-airport at Parking Express serving terminal 1,2 and 3 or their second car park serving terminal 4. Disabled Parking spaces are located by the courtesy transfer bus stops and the buses have low floors with wheelchair spaces. Transfers run every 10 minutes between 4.45am and 11.45pm. Outside these hours service operates on request.
Pre-booked price from £8.58 per day.
Off-airport at easyParking (serves all terminals). Their office is accessible to disabled passengers and the transfer buses are fully adapted to carry wheelchairs. Transfers operate every 15 minutes 24 hours a day.
Pre-booked price from £6.25 per day.
For more information visit the Parking4less Heathrow Airport Parking page
GATWICK AIRPORT
Short Stay
Prices are displayed clearly at car park entrances.
Clearly signed blue/orange badge Parking is available in the multistorey car parks of both terminals, for short stay Parking. Accessible routes into the terminals are available and are signposted.
Help points are located near the reserved Parking spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs. Wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage can be provided on request, simply lift the telephone and request assistance, quoting your flight number. Please note that priority for assistance is likely to be given to those who have pre-booked with their airline or travel agent.
All the multistorey car parks have a general height limit of two metres, however there is a high sided vehicle park nearby if required.
If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine.
You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket payment slot, press the help button.
Long Stay
On-airport at Parking Express for either the South or North terminal. Disabled Parking spaces are located by the courtesy transfer bus stops and the buses have low floors with wheelchair spaces. Transfers run every 7 to 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.
Blue/orange badge holders can pre-book for long stay Parking and park in the short stay car park. Take a ticket on entry and leave your blue/orange badge on display (a photocopy will suffice should you need to take it with you). On your return visit one of the car park receptions offices and present your pre-booked Parking voucher along with your blue/orange badge and they will validate an exit ticket for you. See above for further details of the short stay car park.
Pre-booked prices from £5.59 per day.
Off-airport at BCP serving both terminals. BCP is located just 10 minutes from both terminals with 24 hour transfers. Courtesy transfer to and from the airport terminal in your own vehicle arranged after you have pre-booked by calling 0870 0134600.
Pre-booked price from £5.62 per day.
For more information visit the Parking4less Gatwick Airport Parking page
STANSTEAD AIRPORT
Short Stay
Car park prices are displayed clearly at the car park entrance.
Blue/orange badge Parking is available in zone D which is located close to the terminal building.
A help point is situated close to the Parking bays in zone D should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.
If you wish to park in the blue/orange badge space but need to take your badge abroad, please contact the car park operator via the help button on the entry barrier.
You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. Payment machines are located in baggage reclaim and in the car park close to the disabled bays. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, please press the help button.
Mid-Stay
The mid stay car park (EParking) is situated just over a mile from the terminal building, all transfer coaches are free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Please allow at least 20 minutes to transfer to the terminal building.
Blue Badge Parking spaces are situated close to the coach pick up shelters, the shelters also have help buttons.
On arrival at the terminal the coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you from the coach. Help phones are situated outside each of the revolving entry doors should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.
On your return, the transfer coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you onto the coach which will transfer you back to the mid stay car park.
Pre-booked price from £8.75 per day.
Long Stay
On-airport long stay car park (Pink Elephant) is situated approximately four miles from the terminal building. All transfer coaches are free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Please allow at least 45 minutes to transfer to the terminal building.
Orange/Blue Badge Parking spaces are situated close to the coach pick up shelters, the shelters also have help buttons.
On arrival at the terminal the coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you from the coach. Help phones are situated outside each of the revolving entry doors should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.
The transfer coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist onto the coach which will transfer you back to the long stay car park.
Pre-booked price from £5.60 per day.
For more information visit the Parking4less Stansted Airport Parking page
MANCHESTER AIRPORT
Short Stay
Prices are displayed clearly at all car park entrances.
Special Disabled Parking Bays are available in the short stay car parks, located adjacent to the lifts.
Wheelchair assistance is provided by the airlines, arrangements should be requested at the time of booking your flight or holiday. If you wish to park in a disabled bay but take your badge with you on you journey, please contact the call centre on 0161 489 3723 to make arrangements.
Long Stay
On-airport at Premier Park with Orange/Blue Badge Parking spaces situated close to the coach pick up shelters. A frequent courtesy bus with wheelchair access runs between the car park and all the terminals. Once you have pre-booked you can convert your booking to the short stay car park at no extra charge by ringing 0161 489 3723. You will be required to provide your flight details, dates of travel, car registration number and disabled badge number.
Pre-booked price from £4.65 per day.
Off-airport at Airparks Services with transfers operating 24 hours per day taking approximately 20 minutes. All buses have disabled access.
Pre-booked price from £2.99 per day.
For more information visit the Parking4less Manchester Airport Parking page
LUTON AIRPORT
Short Stay
There are dedicated disabled Parking bays for Blue Disabled Badge holders at the front of the Short Term Car Park. Free Parking is allowed for the first 60 minutes. Any overstay will result in the full payment being required from the time of arrival in the car park.
Customers wishing to claim the free 60 minutes should present their disabled Parking badge at the NCP desk within the terminal building for validation. The disabled Parking clock must remain on show within the vehicle.
Passenger Assistance Telephones are available should further assistance be required.
Pre-booked price from £15.75
Mid Stay
The Mid Stay car park is suited to stays of up to 5 days and has designated disabled bays. A fully accessible bus service is provided for transport to the terminal. Their drivers welcome the opportunity to assist disabled customers to board and disembark the buses on request. A Special Assistance Help Point is available enabling disabled customers to call for free assistance.
Pre-booked price from £11.05 per day.
Long Stay
On-airport the Long Stay car park also welcomes disabled drivers. A fully accessible bus service is provided for transport to the terminal. Airport drivers welcome the opportunity to assist disabled customers to board and disembark the buses on request. There is also a Special Assistance Help Point enabling disabled passengers to call for free assistance.
Pre-booked price from £7.55 per day.
Off-airport at Airparks Services with transfers operating 24 hours a day. All of the Airparks Services buses have disabled access.
Pre-booked price from £2.99 per day.
For more information visit the Parking4less Luton Airport Parking page
If you want to find out more information about the motoring needs of disabled drivers visit Aiding Mobility.
