Gaining Your Private Pilots Licence

To the uninitiated, learning to fly seems a formidable task, full of technical terms and abbreviations - almost a foreign language. However once you begin to study our Private Pilots Licence (PPL) you will find that the syllabus builds steadily into a practical and theoretical knowledge of flying, with guidance from your instructor at every level. No aspect of learning to fly is difficult but it does require a lot of determination and perseverance to complete your licence so there is great achievement at every step of learning.

The UK has two routes to gaining a PPL, although the basic training is the same for both, they vary in the navigation element and the restrictions on the licence.

The Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) PPL is awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after successful completion of the flying training and associated ground subjects syllabus laid down by them. The minimum number of flying training hours for application is 45, but it does not automatically mean that you will be up to test standard in that time, so you may need further training to complete all their requirements. At the end of your training you will be doing a solo Qualifying Cross Country navigation flight and "Skills Test", which examines both your navigation and general flying ability. There are 6 written exams to be completed before the Skills Test is undertaken, all of which are explained later. Additionally a medical must be passed with a CAA Authorised Medical Examiner before flying solo and we will be pleased to advise you of a doctor close to your home. Once qualified you will be able to fly at your own discretion into licensed and unlicensed strips at home and abroad, with or without passengers, as long as the flight visibility is above the legal minimum.

A student must be aged 16 or over in order to completed the solo requirement of the application, although the dual training may be started prior to this. Flights are preceded by a thorough briefing , working stop by step through the syllabus. Your instructor will 'walk round' the aircraft with you pointing out such things as ailerons, flaps, elevators etc. and explain what is checked prior to flying each day. Your first flight will be to familiarise you with both the aeroplane and the sensation of flight. In the air you will acclimatise yourself with the exhilarating experience of flying and see just how easy it is to climb, turn and descend After a few hours you will be doing all of the flying without prompting by the instructor and when he is satisfied that you are ready, you will be on your own for your first solo circuit. After the official certificate and congratulations (the beers will be on you tonight!) you will be back in the air again to consolidate on the rest of the syllabus.

Once you have successfully completed the training, tests and exams you will be able to apply for your very own PPL - a fully fledged pilot at last. Our aeroplanes are available for hire and our staff and Club Members will be pleased to pass on their advice and many experiences.

NPPL

The National PPL (NPPL) is awarded by the National Private Pilot's Association in conjunction with the CAA. The minimum number of flying hours for application id 32, subject to further training requirements if necessary. There are 6 written exams to be completed before the Skills Test is undertaken, all of which are explained later. Additionally a medical to DVLA Group 2 standards must be passed with your doctor before flying solo and we will be happy to send you the necessary form for your doctor. Towards the end of your course you will be doing a Navigation Skills Test which will allow you to complete your solo Qualifying Cross Country navigation flight and then with a short amount of further training you will be doing your General Skills Test. Once qualified you will be able to fly at your own discretion into licensed and unlicensed strips within the UK, by yourself or with up to 3 passengers, in slightly greater legal minimum's than the JAA PPL.

Clacton Aero Club : Affordable ~ Fun ~ Enthusiastic ~ Reputable

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