Considering this being my first blog post, I will explain the process of essentially what is the first step of flight training and that is the PPL – the private’s pilot license. In addition, I will briefly share my experience of the PPL and I hope this is useful for anyone out there intending to get their PPL(A).
The PPL is split into four phases. Phase 1 being the phase where you learn the fundamental manoeuvres which are pitching, rolling and yawing so you get used to the controls. You’ll also learn how to do your external walk-around, starting the engine and taxiing. The second phase (phase 2) is where you’ll learn to do your take-off’s and landings as well as circuits, eventually leading to your first solo which will certainly be a memorable day for you. Phase 3 consists of advanced manoeuvres and procedures such as low-level flying and forced landings. The final phase (phase 4) is where you’ll do your cross-country VFR and basic instrument flying. Finally, you’ll have to complete 9 theory exams known as groundschool exams which are:
Air Law
Operational Procedures
Meteorology
Aircraft General Knowledge
Principle of Flight’s
Flight Performance and Planning
Navigation
Human Performance and Limitations
Communications
Depending on your flight school, you can attend your groundschool classes where instructors can cover the theory for you and if you have any questions regarding some bits of theory, you can always ask them there (that’s what I did). As of 2020, I believe the groundschool exams are online. However, in the past they were written multiple choice exams. The exams will still be multiple choice by the way with a pass mark of 75%.
So, once you’ve done all that and you pass your PPL Skills Test and all 9 groundschool exams – guess what? You have obtained a full PPL enabling you to fly solo or with others across the world and enabling you to proceed onto the next phase of your flight training, whether that’s the Night Rating or hour building(A) or even ATPL Groundschool depending on whether you’re doing your modular commercial pilot training or integrated commercial pilot training. Those are the 2 ways of landing a job in the flight deck – a topic for another time!
So, if you want to start flying – the first thing you do is go onto Google (or any search engine would do) and search for “local flying club” or “local flight school”. Whatever flight school comes up, see if they offer PPL courses and book a Trial Flight in a light aircraft with them to see whether you like it or not. You’ll fly a circuit and get hands on experience flying. If you like it and get a nice feel for the flight school like I did, enquire further about the PPL – make your notes AND DO YOUR RESEARCH! The internet is an awesome tool – use it to your advantage. The price of a PPL(A) will set you back between £8,000 to £11,000 depending on the flight school so choose wisely! It may seem a lot but if you think about it, it’s essentially the price of a second hand car and the privileges that come with a PPL make the cost worth while. Once you have the money to get the license, the next phase (and most important) is to book a Class 2 medical exam with your local aeromedical – these usually cost between £200-£300. You’ll need a class 2 CAA medical in order to fly solo in the UK and you don’t want to spend lots and lots of money only to find out, you won’t be able to pass the medical or fly solo so get the medical booked in advance to save you any medical problems/hastle in the future. You can get a certain type of insurance so if you don’t pass the medical, you can get some money back/compensation but trust me, I recommend doing the medical first before flying. If you’re moving onto modular or integrated commercial pilot training, I personally recommend getting a Class 1 medical – again, a topic for another time!
After you’ve got your medical sorted, it’s time to officially start the PPL(A) and book in the first PPL lesson. Depending on your flight school, you may be put on a waiting list. Otherwise, you’ll begin the first phase of training. If you purchase certain starter packs, you may also receive some of your theory groundschool books and checklists. I really recommend reading some chapters of the books prior to your lessons. Before your first lesson, read the first 4-5 chapters of Pooley’s Flight Training (1) book and go over your checklist a couple of times. Doing this, you know what to expect on your first lesson and during your lesson, you’ll be picking up certain things more quickly and you’re in essence more prepared. Something I also did, and a really good habit, is to check your aerodrome procedures on NATS eAIP section of the website and check the weather before the flight. Flight planning is essential and knowing your altitude restrictions and noise abatement procedures as well as your aerodrome’s chart before hand will enable you to see the theory into practice and you’ll pick-up a good habit because before every flight you do in the future, you’ll have to plan and prepare. Preparation is key in the aviation world as it prevents poor performance. Just before your first PPL flight, you’ll have a briefing with your instructor and after completing your first flight, you’ll have a debrief and time to fill in your logbook. You can then start booking your future lessons and you’ve essentially started your journey to become a pilot. Welcome to the aviation world! Your time in the skies will be enjoyable and fantastic.
Before being able to fly solo, you will have to pass your Air Law groundschool exam so whenever you’re not flying, I recommend you cover and learn the Air Law theory and read the Pooley’s books. I’ll go more into groundschool revision techniques and exams in the future. Go to your groundschool classes and anything you don’t understand, speak to your instructor – they’re there to help and support you throughout your training!
Some things you might need to buy during your training are: a kneeboard, a decent headset, a VFR/IFR Plotter, a high visibility jacket, your uniform (depending on your flight school), the Pooley’s Groundschool books and charts alongside stationary equipment such as pen, pencils, calculators, square protractors, compass’ etc. If your flight school doesn’t give you one, you would also need to purchase a logbook in order to record your flights! Feel free to email me if you need any information on equipment – I know the Flightstore has quite a few good products available as well as the AFE website.
My personal experience of the PPL(A) has been fantastic, I really recommend it and if you choose the modular commercial pilot training option, the amount you’ll pay to get into the flight deck as an airline pilot is quite less than the integrated route. The flight school I first trained at was LAC (Leicestershire Aero Club) and I really recommend them – they have a great airfield with friendly instructors and staff. The PPL(A) was my first step on my journey to become a fully qualified airline pilot and I’m sure it is for many others. Any further questions you have regarding the license, please email me on shalin2013@outlook.com or Direct Message me on my Instagram page which is: PilotShalinOfficial. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Wishing you all the best with your flight training my aviators, your Pilot Shalin.
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