In this guide, we will go over some of the top online resources for aspiring pilots, the most common challenges for student pilots, and how they can overcome them. Read below to learn more!
During training, pilots need all the help they can get! This help can either be in the form of extra study time and practising on simulators – or relying on online resources to get the most out of the training.
While flight schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, provide extensive online and offline resources, pilots can also tap into the power of the internet and get even more in-depth information from various sources like official aviation pages, study banks, and much more.
In this guide, we will go over some of the top online resources for aspiring pilots, the most common challenges for student pilots, and how they can overcome them. Read below to learn more!
Pilot Training – Getting the Most Out of Training
Before we get into the online resources for pilot training, let’s go over some of the basics of the two most popular training programmes in aviation. By understanding the basics of both these programmes, we can learn how we can apply the resources mentioned in this guide below.
There are two main types of pilot licences in aviation: the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and the Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
Private pilot exams are for people who want to take up aviation as a hobby – not a career. This is a big distinction! Most private pilots fly for fun and are not looking to build a career or earn from their skills as pilots.
The commercial programme is, you guessed it, for pilots who want to earn money from flying and operating large airliners. These are the types of pilots that you would see piloting large aircraft that would carry people or cargo.
To acquire a pilot license, students must pass not just practical exams but also theoretical tests as per the Civil Aviation Authority. Theoretical exams include subjects like operational procedures, radio navigation, meteorology, and flight performance.
A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) includes more in-depth theoretical knowledge with additional subjects. A CPL programme has 13 in-depth subjects:
- Air Law
- Operational Procedures
- Meteorology
- Human Performance & Limitations
- Principles of Flight (More in-depth than PPL)
- Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) - Airframe, Systems, and Powerplant
- Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) - Instrumentation
- Flight Performance & Planning – Mass & Balance
- Flight Performance & Planning – Performance
- General Navigation
- Radio Navigation
- VFR Communications
- IFR Communications
As you can imagine, studying for all of these exams can be taxing, which is why most students will benefit by relying on several online resources to help them get the most out of their practical and theoretical training.
Finally, there is also the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) programme which includes 13 challenging exams covering advanced aviation topics. All these exams are regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and follow EASA-style multiple-choice questions.
Now that you know the breadth of training required for pilot training, let’s take a look at some of the most important online resources for students.
Top Online Resources for Aspiring Pilots
To make this guide easier to understand, we have compiled a list of the most important online resources according to their category:
Official & Regulatory Websites
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA UK)
Let’s start with the basics, the CAA is the primary regulator of aviation in the UK and the most important online resource that every pilot needs to keep in mind. Whether it is regulatory changes, licencing requirements, medical standards, general regulation, or flight safety information, the CAA site is a valuable tool for not just beginners but also experienced pilots because it can help them stay updated.
Post-Brexit, UK pilots are considered separate from the EASA. Similar to the CAA website, the EASA is an equally important online resource for those considering EASA licensing or flying outside of the UK.
Pilot Training and Aviation News
Sherburn Aero Club or SAC is a UK-specific comprehensive training school that is designed to cater to students with various needs. The school not only focuses on excellent private pilot training, but it also provides extensive commercial flight training as well. The school produces one of the best pilots in the country and has a long legacy of aviation in the country.
Sherburn provides various pilot information, a 24/7 weather camera, training information, updated fees and much more.
- Pilot Career News
If you are looking for a site that provides aviation-centric news and stories then we highly recommend that you check our Pilot Career News. This site covers industry news, training school updates, and details about pilot career events in the UK.
Community Forums and Discussion Platforms
The PPRuNe is an age-old and classic aviation platform that has been around for a while. It is by far one of the best forums for aviation enthusiasts to meet and exchange important information about aviation. Join discussions related to new rumours in your region or just talk about the coolest new flex-wings in the game. If you enjoy meeting people online, then this forum is the best place to make friends or meet like-minded and passionate individuals. PPuNe is also great for discussing training schools, careers, airline jobs, and aviation industry developments.
- Reddit – r/flying / r/aviation
Ah, Reddit – the face of the internet! If you are looking for a one-stop solution for anything and everything aviation, then your best bet is going on Reddit. The user base is extremely diverse, and you can partake in literally any type of discussion.
Most private (and even commercial) pilots use several subreddits to share experiences, ask questions, and discuss training paths. Please note that we have shared just one subreddit on aviation, feel free to explore more and become a part of the community! For example, you can join one specifically for aerobatics or one that is tailored for PPL holders transitioning to a CPL licence.
Study Tools and Online Learning
Want a one-stop solution for ground school theory training? Then we have the perfect resource for you. Bristol Ground School is a well-known ATPL theory provider offering distance learning courses and materials. You can find general information about theory courses and get in-depth study material for all of your theory subjects in one place.
For pilots looking for extra tutoring outside of their flight school, the Easy PPL Ground School Online ground school is great since it provides study material and guidance for the UK PPL syllabus. You can also find interactive lessons and mock exams to test your aptitude online.
SkyDemon is perhaps one of the most popular VFR flight planning and navigation tools used by GA pilots in the UK. Available on a range of devices ranging from desktop to iPad and even mobile, you can use the SkyDemon app for various aviation-related tools that can help you plan the perfect VFR flight experience. The app comes in a free and paid version with various features. Not only do you get updated maps, but also in-depth information about VFR navigation as well.
Pooleys is an excellent resource for new and aspiring pilots who want to take their training to the next level. This site is one of the best suppliers of flight training materials, logbooks, navigation tools, and UK airspace charts.
Flight Planning and Weather
Tracking the weather is a vital activity in aviation and knowing about these tools is extremely important for every pilot. If you want to get real-time and up-to-date information about the weather for flight planning, then we recommend that you check out the MET office information. The Meteorological office is responsible for tracking weather accurately and providing aviation personnel forecasts. You can also use the METARs, and TAF reports provided by your flight school for even more accurate tracking.
While METARs and TAFs provide weather-related information, the NOTAM or Notice to Airmen report provides alerts to pilots for non-weather, operational changes or hazards, such as runway closures, navigation aid outages, airspace restrictions, construction, or obstructions. These reports provide this information using an interactive map showing NOTAMs relevant to UK airspace and GA operations.
Videos and Podcasts
If you consume a lot of content on YouTube (who doesn’t?) then you probably already know about some key aviation content creators. Captain Joe’s YouTube channel is an excellent online resource for educational aviation content which covers pilot procedures, theory, and even career advice.
Mentour Pilot is run by friendly and professional pilot Petter Hörnfeldt. His channel is one of the most popular for general aviation content. It focuses on airline operations and ATPL-level knowledge, with insight into airline careers. Petter also frequently discusses aviation disasters and dissects important moments in air-related emergencies making his content truly one of a kind for not just pilots but general audiences as well.
Want a great podcast to listen to while doing the dishes? Then we can’t recommend Pilot to Pilot enough. This podcast focuses on interviews and stories from pilots at different career stages, offering insights and advice. It is one of the most popular podcasts for pilots and can be an excellent source for learning about aviation and the latest news and technologies in aviation.
Dealing With Common Challenges in Aviation Using Online Resources
Here are some of the most common challenges aspiring pilots can face during their training and how they can overcome them using resources:
Study Challenges
Aspiring pilots may have a passion for aviation, but some might struggle with the numerous concepts introduced during practical and theoretical training. This is where study banks, online courses and forums where students discuss tests come into play!
These resources can help prepare students for their examinations and can also help them develop new learning techniques to achieve success. One of the best tools to excel in aviation training is to opt for question banks.
Aviation tests are designed to evolve with the new policies in aviation which is why students are encouraged to keep their eye on every type of news related to aviation. Question banks can allow pilots to train with the most up-to-date information and policies. These questions evolve and you can find plenty of past papers online that can help you close the gaps in your theoretical training.
You can also partake in mock exams held by either students or your flight school. These mock exams are a great way to get yourself accustomed to the aviation tests that you will eventually take in your aviation journey.
Technical Challenges
Technical challenges arise from struggling with understanding aviation jargon, difficulty in interpreting weather patterns or weather-related information and poor flight planning. The best way to overcome these problems is to immerse yourself using online aviation communities, forums and tools. These resources can not only help you integrate aviation into your life outside of your flight school, but they can also be an excellent way to brush up on aviation lingo.
Keep in mind that aviation is a highly technical field that requires pilots to be highly well-versed in all the lingo and technicalities of flight training. If you struggle with weather data, then we recommend going with METARs TAFs and NOTAM reports provided by your flight school or online. Join a study group or take part in online discussions on weather interpretation. These strategies can help pilots develop an intuition about the weather and can help them excel in their training in general as well.
Check out our list above for the most appropriate tools – or you can also join forums and subreddits related to aviation and see what other aspiring students are using in their daily routines.
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, Sherburn caters 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 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 own 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 top online resources for UK pilot practice questions and flight training at Sherburn.
