In this guide, we will cover the basics of PPL, some important tips, and what beginner PPL students can expect when they enrol into a Private Pilot Licence programme.
For people looking to get into aviation, the PPL is perhaps the best way to not only experience the best of aviation but also establish a strong foundation for their journey in the aviation industry.
A PPL or Private Pilot Licence allows people to join flight clubs and enjoy the full perks of aviation where they can fly multiple types of light aircraft in various flying conditions, based on their certifications. A PPL is a full-fledged licence, unlike LAPL which has several restrictions. Using a PPL, pilots can fully realise their dreams of flying and keep learning more to strengthen their licence and capabilities.
If you are someone who is captivated by the idea of flying across the sky in an aeroplane and wish to experience it for yourself, it may be time for you to start working towards getting your very own pilot licence.
In this guide, we will cover the basics of PPL, some important tips, and what beginner PPL students can expect when they enrol into a Private Pilot Licence programme.
WHAT IS A PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)?
Popular amongst hobbyists, the PPL is the flagship licence for enthusiasts who want to achieve their dream of flying in the United Kingdom. A pilot licence is an absolute necessity, just like the licence every state requires for driving cars.
The PPL is a general aviation licence, which means it is the default choice for private pilots who are not interested in getting monetary compensation for their flying skills. This is a major factor and differentiating point between a PPL and a commercial licence like the CPL.
CPL pilots can fly larger aircraft that carry cargo and precious lives. These pilots are career-oriented and have a typical career ladder that they can progress through. However, if you are in it for the thrills and have a passion for flying, then a PPL is the way to go!
PPL pilots operate smaller aircraft called lightweight aircraft. Many pilots who hold a PPL travel across the world, given they have the appropriate ratings that allow them to fly internationally.
The benefit of starting with a PPL is that you can continue training and take on various certifications like an Instrument Rating or a Night Rating to expand your capabilities as a pilot. You can even choose to upgrade to a CPL later if you wish to do so.
This add-on nature of the licence makes it highly versatile and a great choice for people who want to experience the very best of aviation, in terms of benefits and flying experiences.
Beginner PPL Student: Tips for PPL Students at Sherburn Aero Club
Potential students who are on the fence because they believe learning to fly can take years are in for a surprise!
Thanks to the standardisation of pilot training and the requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), pilot training has become extremely streamlined and if you have a passion for flying, then you can get into the cockpit within a few months.
Here’s everything that beginners need to know about training and obtaining a Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
PPL Basics – Ground and Flight Training
Training is the main crux of any pilot programme. At the core of every great flight school, like Sherburn Aero Club, is an excellent faculty that helps beginners learn the basics of ground and practical training.
When students enrol for the PPL programme, they can expect to get a list of all the modules that they will need to study to pass the written examination for a PPL licence. These exams cover the theoretical section of the PPL training where pilots are taught about various subjects such as meteorology, navigation, aerodynamics and more.
There are nine subjects as part of the requirements for obtaining a Private Pilot License. These subjects are Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Performance and Planning, Human Performance and Limitations, Meteorology, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Radiotelephony, and Principles of Flight.
All students are expected to obtain at least 75% in each subject to pass the theoretical section of the flight programme.
You will have four attempts to pass the exams, with a different variation of the test being presented to you each time you decide to retake it.
If you fail all four times, you will then be barred from attempting the exam for three months, after which you may try once again.
Practical training is the other side of the coin which allows beginners to get a feel for the aircraft, its basic operations, and its manoeuvrability.
Several modules within practical training cover all the bases of flight. To be eligible for the PPL, the applicant must have at least 45 hours of flight time logged in.
Out of these 45 hours, 10 hours must be dedicated to solo flight, while the rest can be completed in the presence of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) during dual instruction. A cross-country flight totalling at least 270km is also necessary.
Medical certificate
The aviation industry is built on strict regulations – and for good reason!
These regulations have allowed the industry to be one of the safest in the world! One of these regulations is around medical requirements.
Every pilot needs to be mentally and physically fit to operate aircraft. To test mental and physical fitness, the CAA requires students to go through medical examinations where each applicant must undergo a thorough medical examination by a licenced aviation doctor.
To apply for a PPL, the applicant must present a Class 2 medical certificate. The examination for the certificate includes eye tests, hearing tests as well as those relating to general physical and mental health.
TIPS FOR PPL STUDENTS
Here are some tips for new students who want to make the most out of their flight training at their flight school:
Build a Schedule
Flight training is about commitment! If you can’t make a schedule and stick to it, then you will likely take longer to obtain your PPL licence. For beginners, we recommend that students break down their day into sections.
For example, when you arrive (bright and early) at your flight school, you will have to check in for scheduled flights and ground lessons. Students can then proceed to get debriefed about their day and get information about the weather.
Weather dictates the safety of flight which is why it is the most important variable in flight training. Every PPL student flies within Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions which highlight the ideal conditions required for flying. These include clear skies, high visibility, and no probability of any type of weather event that could hinder the flight, like fog, heavy rain, and more.
You will also have to make time for Pre-Flight Checks which are mandatory before pilots can take to the skies. These series of checks involve inspecting the assigned aircraft for problems and checking fuel levels, oil, control surfaces, and the functionality of instruments. These are important safety measures that every pilot must go through to confirm the overall health of the aircraft.
Pay Attention to your Instructors
This may seem obvious, but every student must carefully listen to the instructions given to them. Even if you are fully confident about your abilities, you must listen to what your instructor has to say during the flight briefing.
These briefings go over the day’s lesson plan. Every flight focuses on a specific lesson and pilots are given very specific instructions for how to perform the flight. For example, students can be briefed about how to execute take-offs, landings, basic manoeuvres, or navigation. The instructor will clearly explain the goals of each flight and how to execute them.
Failure to obey will not only cause embarrassment but may also hinder your progress towards your pilot licence. Once briefed, students will head out for the flight lesson which typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours depending on the lesson.
The Importance of Post-Flight Activities
After you are done with your lesson and have successfully grounded your aircraft, you will proceed to your instructor to be debriefed.
Many pilots remain “buzzed” after coming back to the ground, which is natural. We get it, flying is fun and releases a lot of adrenaline, but the activities that you do right after your flight play a vital role in your training – so stay alert and pay attention!
Debriefing is when students discuss the particulars of the flight and covers:
- what went well,
- what needs more improvement,
- and the key lessons from the session.
This is an extremely important process that can help pilots zone in on their training gaps and work on them in the next session. If you don’t debrief honestly or skip details, then you will likely face problems in training when the same mistakes start recurring during later flights.
Students must also learn to log everything. The logbook is your friend!
All students must record every flight because their flight training goes towards the flight-hour requirements. This is why private pilots must fill in their logbook with details about the flight, including the flight time, the lesson areas covered in the flight, and details about the instructor.
Take Time for Studying
Flight training requires constant studying. Even when you are done with your practical training for the day, students are encouraged to take time off during their day to study.
Many beginners find lunchtime to be an excellent excuse to network or take time for studying. Use this time to review study materials, learn aviation theory, take mock exams, and if necessary, prepare for ground exams.
Keep in mind that since every beginner starts with VFR conditions, you will continue with ground school training during the evening since you will not be allowed to fly after dark. This is why it is better to take the time to review your notes, exchange study notes with your fellow trainees, and get ready for ground school lessons.
By being prepared beforehand, pilots can breeze through theoretical training and keep up with the rest of the class.
Always Review and Reflect
When you are done with flight and ground school training, students are highly recommended to go over the next day’s lessons and activities. By reviewing the day and planning for the next, students can stay on top of their lessons and be mentally prepared to take on new challenges.
If you have questions regarding the day’s lesson, then you can also catch up with your instructors and get more clarification. Never shy away from questions! If you don’t understand something, it is best that you get answers from your instructors.
Students who have had a particularly difficult day, especially due to not being able to perform as expected during training, can take the time to reflect on what went wrong and how they can improve.
Retrospection is an important tool that every pilot must have. This not only allows them to learn from their mistakes but also enables them to build intuition for how to overcome challenges during flight training.
Realistically speaking, you are bound to make mistakes as a beginner, however, it is how you overcome them that matters during your aviation journey!
Furthermore, at the end of the day, we encourage students to meet with their classmates to decompress, unwind and have fun. Pilot training isn’t a lonely journey! It is a shared journey where everyone is there for the same reason: to fly an aircraft. We recommend that you not only socialise but also exchange notes on flight training so that you can learn from each other.
Keep in mind that the friends you make at your flight school will probably stay with you for the rest of your life!
By forming bonds and connecting for social or networking purposes, pilots can expand their social circle and get the most out of their flight training. Some students may also find it beneficial to have friendly competitions which can be an excellent source of motivation.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs.
It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the Private Pilot Licence in the UK, its requirements, as well as the training facilities and airfield available at Sherburn.
Photo by Avery Murray on Unsplash
