Tampa area Aircraft rental

[vetteracer]

I am going to be in Tampa next week and would like to rent a light single (Cessna/Piper) for some sight seeing with friends. Not being from the area, and not knowing local rental protocol, what should I bring for credentials etc.

I would like to take 2-3 people, so ideally no instructor.

If someone could recommend a flight school, or a/c rental facility that would be great. If a verification is needed, I would be able to have my company POI from the local FSDO make a call or fax something on me behalf.

Thanks
Mark

 

[airchief]

I think most FBO's will require a checkout with their instructor, regardless of how may ratings/types/hours you hold. Nature of the insurance beast. No biggie, a quick flight to prove you can bring it back in one piece, show you some of the local airspace boundries and its yours to take your friends flying.

Where are you staying in Tampa? We are a bit out of the way, but have competitive rates at Plant City (KPCM)

Otherwise your choices are Peter O' Knight (KTPF) or Vandenburg (KVDF). If it were me I'd choose the former of those two.

PM me if you want more info.

 

[vetteracer]

Thanks for the info, I took your advice, and got checked out in the DA-40, took about 30-40 minutes, then took my GF up for an hour flight.

It was the first time I flew a single in a while and it was really fun. The DA-40 is a pretty neat little plane.

Mark