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THE
PPL COURSE...
Once
you have decided to continue, training for the PPL
will now follow a structured progressive path. The
course is based upon the Joint Aviation Authority
(JAA) recommended syllabus, which is divided into
two parts. One part concerns the theoretical
knowledge required (more of this later) and the
other is the actual flight training.
FLIGHT
TRAINING
The
flight training section of the course will be the
most stimulating, but you do not need outstanding
ability to operate an aeroplane in a safe manner.
However, you will need a degree of determination
and patience, particularly in the early
stages.
During
your flying training you will have to complete a
minimum flight time of 45 hours. Of this 45 hours,
a minimum of 25 hours will be under dual
instruction, and at least 10 hours of solo flying
must be carried out including at least 5 hours solo
'cross country' time; this will include a
qualifying 'cross country' flight of at least 270
km (150 nm), during which you will land at two
aerodromes other than your base airfield.
The
minimum dual and minimum solo hours equal 35 hours,
leaving 10 hours to be completed as either dual or
solo flight, or partly of each.
Prior
to each flight throughout the course, whether dual
or solo, you will have a detailed pre-flight brief
with your instructor, who will go through each
element of the exercise. After the flight, there
will be a thorough debrief, when you will be
encouraged to discuss the flight with your
instructor and when he or she will answer any
questions you may have.
The
early days of training will be spent in local areas
around your airfield, when you will how learn to
handle the aeroplane competently. This is followed
by 'circuit training', when you learn how to
take-off and land the aeroplane safely. When you
have confidently flown your first solo circuit, we
then take you on and teach you how to navigate your
aircraft from point to point. A description of the
air exercises that you will be instructed in to
meet the JAA requirements are listed below.
Exercise
No. 1. Familiarisation with the aeroplane
- 1E.
Emergency drills
- 2.
Preparation for and action after
flight
- 3.
Air experience
- 4.
Effects of controls
- 5.
Taxying
- 5E.
Taxying emergencies
- 6.
Straight and level flight
- 7.
Climbing
- 8.
Descending
- 9.
Turning
- 10A.
Slow flight
- 10B.
Stalling
- 11.
Spin avoidance
- 12.
Take-off and climb to down-wind
position
- 13.
Circuit, approach and landing
- 12/13E.
Emergencies (on take-off/landing)
- 14.
First solo
- 15.
Advanced turning
- 16.
Forced landing without power
- 17.
Precautionary landings
- 18A.
Navigation
- 18B.
Navigation at lower levels and reduced
visibility
- 18C.
Radio navigation
- 19.
Basic instrument flight
There
are no real age limits in learning to fly.
Providing you are 14 years old or over, you can log
all your flying towards the PPL course, although
you must be at least 16 years old to be able to fly
solo. The minimum age for the issue of a PPL is 17
years. But you can never be too old! All pilots
must undergo an aviation medical (Class 2 for PPLs)
conducted by a CAA authorised medical practitioner
(a current list of names and addresses can be found
at www.srg.caa.co.uk under the section 'personnel
licensing'). Providing you meet the JAR medical
requirements, there is no upper age limit at all.
THEORY
EXAMINATIONS
Learning
how to fly the aeroplane is only one part of the
course. There are a number of theory subjects,
which you will need to know in some detail in order
to pass seven written exams. The subject matter is
not difficult, although at first glance there may
seem to be quite a lot of it!
Nevertheless,
having a good solid understanding of all aspects of
aviation will make you a safe and competent pilot,
as well as adding to the richness of a fascinating
and fulfilling pastime.
Once
you have taken your first written exam, you will
need to complete the other six written exams within
a 12 month period. However, you do have 24 months
from the date of that first pass in which to
complete your flight training.
We
are a JAA registered examination centre, so the
written exams are taken at your flight centre under
exam conditions. The exams are:
- Air
Law (This must be taken and passed before you
do your first solo flight).
- Human
Performance and Limitations
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Flight
Performance and Planning
- Aircraft
General and Principles of Flight
- Radio
Telephony
All
written examinations are in a multiple-choice
format, with a pass mark of 75%. Most students
choose to work towards the written exams under a
programme of self-study, with guidance from their
instructor. We do, however, offer ground school for
any of those areas where you may wish for a little
extra help!
There
is also a practical Radio Telephony exam, which
again can be carried out at your Flight Centre with
a resident RT Examiner.
 
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