For some candidates, taking a long break from PPL training is inevitable. Whether it's financial issues, commitments, or health issues, several things can stop pilots from pursuing their licence. Read on to see how to catch up.
For some candidates, taking a long break from PPL training is inevitable. Whether it's financial issues, commitments, or health issues, several things can stop pilots from pursuing their licence.
Luckily, you can start your training from where you stopped any time you want. However, there is a catch.
The biggest mistake returning students make is trying to restart from where they stopped without rebuilding their knowledge base.
This is akin to jumping onto a moving bus! Thankfully, there is a better and more efficient way to get back into training.
Read below to learn more:
How To Catch Up On Theory Exams
A structured refresh is usually the best way to get you back into the game and help you progress quickly towards your licence.
In the UK, PPL pilots are expected to cover 9 mandatory theory subjects:
- Air Law,
- Human Performance,
- Meteorology,
- Communications,
- Navigation,
- Principles of Flight,
- Operational Procedures,
- Flight Performance & Planning,
- Aircraft General Knowledge.
All candidates are expected to pass these subjects with the minimum passing mark set at 75%. Furthermore, all exams must be completed within the required timeframe after starting them to be deemed valid.
Here are some steps to help you get back into the theory segment of flight training:
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Figure Out What You Already Know
The first step is to recognise what you have already completed during your previous training.
Before studying, check your old training records and ask your previous or new flying school for your exam status.
This will allow you to confirm which exams you have already passed, which ones remain, and more importantly, whether any previous passes are still valid.
Passed exams are valid for 24 months from the date of the result day. If the licence process is not completed within that period, then the exams expire and may need to be retaken.
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No Need To Start From Page One
No one expects you to restart your theory training from the first page! After a gap, you will be expected to prioritise refresher courses.
There are certain complex subjects that you need to focus on more, which include the following:
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Air Law
Air law is ever-evolving with new regulations and changes that every pilot needs to keep up-to-date with. On top of that, you also have to realise that your memory will fade, so you are bound to brush up on this core subject.
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Meteorology
Weather interpretation is practical flying knowledge that needs to be mastered by every pilot. Since weather is fickle, it is important that you do a refresher course so that you know about the latest techniques for monitoring the weather and can read weather reports such as METARs and TAFs.
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Navigation
Navigation skills deteriorate quickly without practice, so it’s a good idea to focus on developing and strengthening your intuition. We suggest studying up on charts and relearning headings, drift, and ETA calculations.
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Flight Performance & Planning
Flight performance and planning require pilots to conduct multiple calculations. Fuel calculations and travel times are just a few examples, and the thing about calculations is that they need repetition. So, it would be a good idea to revisit formulas and relearn how to do accurate calculations.
On the other hand, concepts such as aircraft general knowledge, principles of flight, and human performance will require a faster refresher.
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Creating A Realistic Study Schedule
Another big mistake that candidates make is that they jump straight into the theory subjects without a strategy. Haphazardly starting can cost you more time and may even cause delays in training.
A better way is to build a catch-up schedule.
For example:
Weeks 1–2
- Refresh all subjects
- Identify weak areas
Weeks 3–6
- Study 1 to 2 subjects at a time
- Complete question banks
- Form study groups with other candidates catching up
Final 1–2 weeks
- Mock exams
- Address remaining weak topics
If you pass the mock exams, then you will know that you are ready. However, not every pass is the same! Instead of aiming to barely pass by securing the minimum 75% marks, we recommend that you aim for at least 85%.
Securing a good score would indicate that you are ready for the real deal and can quickly get through theory training without delays.
For the best experience, we recommend that you form a study group. Most candidates find studying with people engaging, so you just may benefit from studying with like-minded people.
Better yet, if other similar candidates have taken a break and are returning, then you can study with them and keep a steady pace. You can take this chance to motivate one another and help everyone in the study group reach their target.
Why Choose Sherburn Aero Club?
Sherburn Aero Club has been operational since 1964 and continues to pride itself on producing top-class pilots and offering top-notch aviation services.
The flying club opened a flight training school in the 1970s that offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country. It is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs, whether you are taking to the skies for an experience flight, starting your flying career, or have your own aircraft and are looking for hangarage.
Sherburn Aero Club’s fleet of aircraft includes the Piper PA-28 Cadet, the Piper PA-28 Warrior, and the Cessna 152 Aerobat (2-Seater). Major investments include an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse providing our members with a great environment while giving them the opportunity to pursue their love for flying.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the different types of pilot licences in the UK and how to catch up on theory exams after time away.
Photo by Yaroslav Muzychenko on Unsplash
