Learning to Fly
Learning to Fly
For information on licence privileges please refer to Schedule 8 of the Air Navigation Order. Details can also be found in LASORS (see the links opposite).
PPL
The course consists of at least 45 hours flight time as pilot of an aeroplane. 5 of these hours may be completed in a Flight & Navigational Procedures Trainer (FNPT) or a Flight Simulator. The Flight Simulator must be an approved training device.
The course has to be completed at an approved Flight Training Organisation (FTO) and must include:
- 25 Dual Instruction with a Qualified Flight Instructor.
- 10 Hours Solo
The 10 hours solo include 5 hours of cross-country flying, which in turn also includes a solo qualifying cross-country flight of at least 150 Nautical Miles (NM), during which the student lands at 2 other airfields differing from the point of departure.
As for the ground study, there are a number of theoretical knowledge examinations you will have to pass. These are in multiple-choice format in the following subjects:
- Aviation Law & Operational Procedures
- Human Performance & Limitations
- Navigation & Radio Aids
- Meteorology
- Aircraft General & Principles of Flight
- Flight Performance & Planning
- JAR-FCL Communications (PPL), otherwise known as Radio Telephony (RT)
As a holder of a PPL, you will also have to complete a practical RT session for issue of the RT Licence that allows you to operate the voice radio equipment.
You will need to hold at least a Class 2 medical certificate issued by an Authorised Medical Examiner (AME). Your flying club will advise where your nearest AME is located.
On completion of the syllabus, and when you have achieved the necessary level of ability, you will be issued the PPL on successful completion of a Skills Test with a CAA Authorised Examiner.
NPPL
The National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) has been available in the UK since July 2002. More information can be found at:
The course consists of 32 hours flight time. On top of which the applicant is to pass a Navigation Skills Test and a General Skill Test. The course includes 10 hours solo flight time which in its self includes 4 hours solo 100 NM cross-country flight time and one qualifying cross-country.
The Navigation Skills Test is a minimum of one hour and must be taken prior to the qualifying cross-country flight.
The General Skills Test is also a minimum of one hour in duration.
The theoretical knowledge requirements is the same is the JAR-FCL(A). The medical is completed by a declaration of medical fitness by the pilot. The required form has to be endorsed by a doctor with access to your medical records; basically, your GP.
A copy of the training syllabus is found on the NPPL website via the following link:
Night Qualification
Night Qualification (Aeroplanes)
The Night Qualification can be completed as part of the course of training for the JAR-FCL(A) or as an addition to the licence at a later date. Night is defined as 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
The Night Qualification is carried out with a Qualified Flight Instructor who is also authorised to carry out training for the Night Qualification. There is no skills test involved but you have completed the following requirements and have demonstrated competency to the instructor:
- 5 hours night flying that includes at least 3 hours dual instruction, which in turn includes 1 hour dual night navigation.
- 5 solo take-offs and full stop landings at night as Pilot In Command (PIC) of an aeroplane.
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Rating
This is a rating that is not available to holders of an NPPL. Privileges of this rating can also be found in Schedule 8 of the ANO and may only be exercise in UK airspace. The training consists of 15 hours flight time following PPL issue and 20 hours (minimum) of ground study.
The course is broken down in to 2 stages:
- Basic Stage
- Applied Stage.
The basic stage includes, instrument attitude flying with basic flight manoeuvres on full panel, limited panel (simulated loss of the attitude indicator and gyroscopic direction finder) and partial panel (simulated loss of pitot/static instruments). The applied stage will teach you to use approach charts and let-downs to your lowest allowed heights/altitudes. Let-downs include the Instrument Landing System (ILS), Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) approaches and even Surveillance Radar Approaches (SRA) and Precision Radar Approaches (PAR) from suitably equipped airfields.
You will be required to pass a ground exam and a Skills Test with a CAA Authorised Examiner.
Privileges of the UK IMC Rating:
- Fly outside controlled airspace in visibility less than 3km.
- Fly special VFR in a control zone in less than 10km but not less than 3km vis.
- Fly in Class D & E airspace IFR.
- Fly out of sight of the surface.
- Take-off and land in vis below cloud not less than 1800m.
- Fly to approach minima though the UK AIP recommends and increased DH(A)/MDH(A).
Training
All the courses briefly outlined above give the minimum training requirements. The instructional hours my go beyond the required amounts depending upon the student’s aptitude, previous experience and consistency. The courses are a challenge with guaranteed satisfaction and sense of achievement. For more details information, please visit the links provided or contact your nearest flying club. Advice on reading material will be given to you by your instructor.