Here’s a question that’s asked by just about everyone that’s interested in flying: “how much does it cost to learn how to fly?” or “how much does it cost to become a pilot?”. And rightfully so — learning to fly is a huge financial commitment. In this post we’re going to run you through all …
When most people talk about obtaining a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), the default tends to assume that this will be done on a fixed wing aeroplane. Planes have been around a while longer than helicopters, so perhaps this is natural. Attempting to change a well-established thought process will be no mean feat! However here’s a …
The privileges of your licence determine what aircraft you are able to fly and what sort of operations you are able to undertake. You can extend the privileges of your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) by completing extra training and adding flight ratings to your licence. Building On Your Pilot’s Licence Flight Ratings are essentially …
In this post we recap on what’s next on your journey after completing the PPL. For many pilots the end goal is to become a Commercial Pilot. Precisely what is your next milestone? And what’s the order of play? Your Journey to Becoming a Commercial Pilot On the road to becoming a Commercial Pilot there …
Aircraft with a tailwheel take a little more finesse and practice to take off and land. Mastering the art of handling a taildragger is not too difficult — but it’s an important skill that requires specialist training. Principles Of Flight PPL(A) Overview On the Tailwheel conversion course you’ll become competent enough with your handling skills to …
By taking a Co-Pilot course you’ll qualify to take control of a flight, or help out with the navigation or radio. Unlike a regular passenger on-board a light aircraft, you’ll be able to react in the unlikely event of an emergency (e.g. if anything happened to the pilot during flight). There’s no exams for the Co-Pilot course. Just basic flying skills. Co-pilot Course Private …
The aerobatics course provides the training needed to qualify for the AOPA Aerobatic Certificate. There are 3 courses: Basic, Standard and Intermediate. Due to the risks involved in Aerobatics, this course emphasises good airmanship and safety. Students are taught to understand both human and aircraft limitations. Aerobatic Certificate Course Requirements You do not need to be a qualified …
CPL stands for Commercial Pilot Licence, and it allows you to operate as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on flights carrying passengers. The CPL course is designed to be a full-time course — but some schools are flexible and will allow you to fit the course around other commitments. The natural progression for pilots holding a PPL(A) and other ratings, …
Hour building packages are perfect for aviation students accumulating hours for commercial training. It gives PPL holders the opportunity to test and build their skills, whilst learning to fly more advanced aircraft. Some flight schools will help you to create your own unique hour building package. Note: Structured HB isn’t a requirement prior to starting commercial training. It helps …
Flight Instructor is the course that enables PPL holders to teach flying. Most flying schools require you to hold this rating before they’ll employ you as an instructor. With this Rating you’re allowed to instruct PPL(A) students — but cannot be paid unless you hold a commercial licence. The Flight Instructor Course is regarded as one …
You need an instrument rating attached to your licence if you want to fly under instrument flight rules. Anyone who holds a valid PPL or CPL is able to obtain instrument training, providing they also hold a Class One Medical. It’s common that those holding a CPL, or those with a view to fly commercially, complete …
An IMC Rating permits you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions, such as cloud and poor visibility. Obtaining your IMC is a great way of building your up your pilot experience and, due to the UK’s poor weather, it’s likely to double your potential flying time. The IMC Rating is specifically for UK aeroplane licences. …
The Night Rating course builds on the skills you learnt as part of your PPL and adapts them for night/dark flying conditions. Once you’re issued with a Night Rating you can fly with or without passengers, in [generally] smoother & less windy conditions at night. Night Rating Requirements If the conditions are suitable, then you have the option …