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Travel & Leisure, in and around Pattaya
Pilot Mark Overend provides exciting, rarely
seen views of Pattaya and Jomtien in his Microlight two seater.
by Ken Bailey
“Motorcycles in the sky” - Pattaya’s
Microlight flights
Awesome, breathtaking, thrilling, incredible, gripping and stimulating only
partly describe the feeling when soaring above Pattaya, Jomtien and the
islands with Mark Overend in his Microlight two seater.
Being Eastern Flying School’s Microlight pilot and instructor, Mark pilots
these joy flights as well as conducting full pilot training. I have to admit
to a certain amount of anxiety as this motorized hang-glider sped towards
takeoff with me strapped in the rear seat. The exhilaration of our first
1200 foot pass over Jomtien’s spectacular beach panorama soon sorted that
out.
Operating now for five months in Pattaya, Mark is an internationally
qualified pilot instructor with six years experience, while his four
Microlights are actually licensed two seater aircraft. These are no flimsy
backyard jobs, but made in Australia to international safety standards.
Introductory, or joy flights, lasting 15 minutes or half an hour have you
zooming over Jomtien and Pattaya, with hour long soars taking in the nearby
islands. Mark explains that the best times to fly are early morning and late
afternoon. The air currents are smoothest, providing a gentle flight.
For those enthralled enough to want to fly themselves, Mark provides full
international standard pilot’s training. This course consists of ground
instruction and 20 hours of flying time which is a combination of
instructional and solo flights.
Mark says that after an average of 10 to 12 flying hours, most students can
completely fly a Microlight, then complete their 20 hours solo. This solo
stage is done under Mark’s scrutiny above the flying school’s small airstrip
at Bamroong Sailing Club.
Pilot training costs 3000 baht per hour for the instructional flying phase
and 1500 baht per hour for the solo flying phase. All ground theory and
instruction time is not charged for, while the learning manuals are provided
free of charge. Mark has already trained three pilots here in Thailand, one
Thai and two farangs. With two more commencing training in August, he says
that the popularity of this intoxicating pursuit is growing.
Should you fall completely in love with the experience, and have a bit of
cash stashed away, Mark can sell you your own Microlight. Prices range from
450,000 baht to 600,000 baht, with full pilot training thrown in free of
charge.
Pilot training may not be for everyone, but the joy flights must be one of
the most spectacular activities around town. In fact, for those with video
cameras there is no better way of capturing Pattaya and its surrounds. For
tourists and expats alike, film of Pattaya as you fly over it at 1200 feet
is an excellent way to show people at home what the resort looks like.
Mark points out that for aerial photography and video, Microlights are the
most suitable form of aircraft due to their slow speed and excellent
maneuverability. Diving, climbing and soaring, you can’t beat the views from
what Mark calls his “motorcycles in the sky”.
Anyone interested in this unique thrill can make flight bookings and further
inquiries with Mark on 01 650 0989, or Calvin at Jomtien’s Willow Cafe, Tel:
303 090, or the ANZAC Hotel on Pattayaland Soi 1.
Any attraction operators who would like their leisure activity featured in
Travel and Leisure, in and around Pattaya can contact Ken Bailey on 427 822
or 429 444.
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Thirteen dirty fibs to tell newcomers to Pattaya
by Barrie Kenyon
1. You can fish for twelve foot barracudas off Pattaya pier both
day and night.
2. It is considered good luck to tickle a tourist policeman.
3. The food in the immigration detention center is excellent.
4. Nude sunbathing is permitted only on the Beach Road, opposite
the Royal Garden Plaza.
5. A double yellow line on all highways indicates free parking
for two hours.
6. All baht buses offer free transportation to your hotel after
midnight.
7. If in court for a serious offense, it is obligatory to argue
with the judge over any sentence imposed.
8. Tipping is offensive to Thais outside of Bangkok.
9. When leaving a go-go bar, it is accepted practice to knock
one zero off the bill.
10. Wearing a crash helmet on a motor bike is unnecessary unless
it is raining hard.
11. All restaurants offering “the best breakfast in Pattaya”
serve black puddings and Cumberland sausage as an alternative to
two slices of toast.
12. City tour guides in the resort are called Khatoeys and may
be found stationed at most street corners.
13. Upon leaving the resort with your luggage, flag down any
passing Mercedes car to obtain a free lift to Bangkok airport.
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