Q.

Q. What do you mean by GROUNDSCHOOL?
A.Part of the PPL sylabus includes the requirement to pass a series of multiple choice exams which cover a variety of flight related topics. The exams are as below.

All six must be passed within a 12 month period however once a PPL has been obtained, they do not need to be revalidated. Self study is encouraged however this can be backed up with ground school if required.

Q. Is it practical to assume that after 45 hrs I will have a PPL?
A.While it is certainly possible to qualify for a license in 45 hrs, the average in the UK is somewhere between 45 and 50 hrs. If it takes longer than 45hrs, it should not be looked on as failure. So much can happen that can interupt an otherwise good students training. It only takes a few cancelled lessons due to bad weather to impair progress. The key thing is to aim to be a good pilot and if it takes 50 hrs, so be it.

Q. Do I have to be in perfect health?
A.In order to get a PPL, a pilot needs to pass a JAR class 2 medical examination. The purpose of this exam is to look for any major health defects that may impact upon the ability to fly in safety. It does not look for 100% perfection. This medical needs to be renewed in regular intervals however these intervals get shorter as the pilot gets older. These medicals can be conducted by local examiners.

A.The requirement for the European (JAR)PPL is a minimum of 45 hours flying time. This flying time includes the following

General handling exercises. These commences by learning to control the aircraft with respect to the primary and secondary control systems. It continues by learning how to hold level flight as well as climbing, decending and turning.
Intermediate stage. After completion of the general handling exercises, to will learn how to fly the aircraft at slow speeds and also practice stall recoveries and various emergency scenarios in preparation to learning how to take off and land whilst operating in the aerodrome circuit pattern.
Solo flight. When a satisfactory standard of flying ability has been achieved, the next stage is a first solo flight. Following this first 'solo', you will continue with further solo flights in the aerodrome circuit pattern which gives the opportunity to practice landing and take off.
Completion stage. Towards the end of the course you will learn to fly the aircraft solely on instruments and receive extensive instruction in pilot navigation to prepare for solo cross country flights.
Flight test.The course is completed with a flight test designed to test your flying proficiency in all aspects of the PPL training course.