Home Page...


.

open up a whole new world...


Choose a trial lesson...

Information on flight training

The SFC Pilot Pages...

Our contact details




THE PPL COURSE...Ground school in progress...

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.

 

Go back to previous pageGo to topTo the trial lessons

HOME | Vouchers | Training | Weather
Notams | Contact Us | Privacy Policy















© Copyright Southernflightcentre.com 2000/2005 - Serial 198 226
UK Web Hosting | UK Activity Gift Vouchers