Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub

The Umm Al Quwain aeroclub is now operated by Horizon International Flight Academy – the only skydiving centre in the Middle East – is instrumental in marking UAE’s place in the parachuting map. Umm Al Quwain, one of the seven members of United Arab Emirates, covers an area of 800 square kilometres and stretches from the beautiful mangroves lining the shores of the Persian Gulf, to the fertile oasis surrounding Falaj Al Moalla. The name Umm Al Quwain is derived from Umm Al Quwatain, which means "Mother of two powers", a reference to the powerful seafaring tradition of this emirate. There is no airport in Umm Al Quwain, however there are airports in nearby emirates Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah and Ra's al Khaymah.

Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub Skydiving

Parachuting, also known as skydiving for which the aeroclub is famous, is the action of exiting an aircraft and returning to earth with the aid of a parachute. It may or may not involve a certain amount of free-fall, a time during which the parachute has not been deployed and the body gradually accelerates to terminal velocity. Parachuting is performed as a recreational activity and a competitive sport, as well as for the deployment of military personnel airborne forces and occasionally forest firefighters.

Umm Al Quwain aeroclub provides an opportunity to learn accelerated free fall (AFF) or enjoy the thrill of tandem skydiving–strapped to the harness of an experienced skydiving instructor. Skydivers from the GCC and European countries make the bulk of overseas skydivers, besides the large number of UAE nationals and expatriate residents. People may have many different reasons for skydiving, such as their interest to experience the rush and excitement and to participate in a totally different event.

Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub Features

The Umm Al Quwain aeroclub was set up under the patronage of HH Brigadier Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mualla in June, 2001. The aeroclub can be recognised by the vintage Antonow-2 Bi-Plane and the enormous Iljuschin-76 Cargoplane on display. The airport has six spacious hangers, a 1.800m-30m wide runway, with N-VFR lighting and a spacious coffee shop. The surface of the runway has a Load Classification Number that accepts a medium sized passenger jetliner with a moderate weight capacity. The club is famous for its skydiving and parachute championships and has hosted the Asiana Championship 2005, Boogie 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub Facilities

The aeroclub provides the opportunity for flying, hot air ballooning, skydiving (single and tandem), parachuting and paramotoring in the UAE. Training and lessons are given throughout the year by experienced GCAA certified instructors and pilots. The aircrafts available include microlights, gliders, cessnas and a plane for aerobatics. The skydiving section has recently got a brand new `Airvan’ as drop platform.

Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub Training

A "CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) is operative at Umm Al Quwain aeroclub and is listed in the relevant international documents used by aviators. The training courses are completed on time with the help of a specially modified aircraft. The club provides jumping from an altitude of 12,000 feet and the medical and first aid personal present at the club makes the venture perfectly safe.

Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub Pilot Training

An added attraction of the Umm Al Quwain aeroclub is the Pilot Training. The Flying Training School of the aeroclub is an approved facility and is functional to handle anyone who aspires to get his Private Pilot License (PPL). The course is conducted by the Chief Flying Instructor on behalf of the management and final tests are conducted by the Inspectorate of the General Civil Aviation Authority ( GCAA) of the UAE. The UAE PPL is an internationally accepted pilot license.

Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub Pilot Training Criterion

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 for the PPL is as given below:

• Enrollment and membership Dh500
• Course study material Dh600
• Pilot's medicals Dh940
• Written examination Dh200 per sitting
• Final flight check fees (GCAA Examiner) Dh400
• License fee Dh850
• 40 hours of Cessna flying Dh18,800.

Pilot License Renewal and Pilot Proficiency Check flights are also undertaken in this aeroclub. The aeroclub owns a Robinson 44 helicopter and is the latest acquisition by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AL Mualla. Pilot plus three passengers are permitted to ride the helicopter.

Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub Rentals

Another feature of Umm Al Quwain aeroclub is their rental facility. The hangars at Umm AL Quwain are within secured perimeter fences, and can take more than a few fixed wing aircrafts. Aircrafts can be rented out for a day, a week, a month or any length of time for a very nominal charge.

Since Umm Al Quwain does not have an airport, the aeroclub can be looked upon as a private executive airport and cargo hub. The trial 30-minute flights in the aeroclub can be booked for Dh300. Visiting pilots wishing to fly the club's aircraft must first obtain a UAE licence. Usually there is a meeting of flying enthusiasts on Thursdays and Fridays, which is open to all interested.

Contact information

Email : uaqinfo@horizonacademy.ae
Website : http://www.horizonuae.ae/