In this guide, we will look at what a common fleet at a flight school looks like and how the Piper PA-28 stands out as one of the best aircraft in the industry.
When you visit any flight school, you will immediately notice the parked and in-service light aircraft coming in and out of the airfield. It is truly a sight to see, especially for aviation enthusiasts!
Light aircraft are the foundation for flight schools and aviation in general because they enable students to learn how to fly. Since the first flight in 1903, light aircraft have evolved extensively. From their aerodynamics to general design and components, today’s modern light aircraft is a technological marvel that can deliver great power in a relatively lighter body.
Light aircraft come in two varieties: flex-wings and fixed-wings.
These aircraft are extensively used for training and leisure flying purposes but differ in how they operate. The fixed wing is the default choice for pilots who want to learn how to fly because it provides flexibility and versatility. These aircraft are equipped with a capable engine and a range of onboard instruments.
On the other hand, the flex-wing aircraft is for people who want to experience the thrills of aviation. Flex-wings feature an open-cockpit design where the pilot gets to experience the skies in full!
However, there is one light aircraft that stands out due to its incredible legacy and performance: the awesome Piper PA-28. Known for its classic fixed-wing designs, responsive manoeuvrability and amazing performance, this aircraft has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice among beginners, experts and even enthusiasts.
In this guide, we will look at what a common fleet at a flight school looks like and how the Piper PA-28 stands out as one of the best aircraft in the industry.
Air Superiority
As mentioned above, light aircraft are primarily used for training purposes, but these aircraft are also widely used by Private Pilot Licence holders to enjoy the skies for leisure flights. Fixed wings, like the Piper PA-28, offer better range due to a higher capacity fuel tank, better handling, more complex manoeuvring and cockpit space. These aircraft have a higher Take-Off Weight (TOW) and are ideal for long-distance flights.
Flex wings on the other hand are smaller, trike-style aircraft with a flexible wing system made from a sturdy fabric composite that allows the material to “flex” in the air. This flexing allows for a greater “feel” when manoeuvring the aircraft and provides a unique flying experience.
Comprehensive flight clubs, like Sherburn Aero Club, offer a diverse fleet because every pilot has their own requirements for how they want to fly and this is the reason you will find a mix of both flex and fixed-wing aircraft at any good airfield.
Sherburn's Training Workhorse – The Mighty Piper PA-28
The Piper PA-28 has been a long and trusted training aircraft that is suited for first-time flyers aspiring to become pilots and even veteran commercial and private pilots who fly for fun.
The Piper PA-28 is a four-seater aircraft with a single engine. It is an incredibly familiar sight in the UK, especially in Yorkshire skies, due to its popularity within the aviation community.
Introduced in the early 1960s by Piper Aircraft, the PA-28 series (including the Cherokee, Warrior, Archer, and Arrow variants) was primarily built for flight training and personal flying. It's low-wing configuration and sturdy tricycle landing gear makes it one of the most forgiving aircraft in the context of flight characteristics. The aircraft provides amazing and reliable performance in varying weather conditions which makes it a default hour-builder or training workhorse for students.
Sherburn proudly hosts the PA-28 Warrior and Piper PA-28 Cadet models. These are commonly used for flying and leisure purposes and are equipped with Lycoming engines, usually producing 150-160 horsepower. These aircraft are a gold standard in the industry and are known for their reliability and straightforward handling.
Here is why the Piper PA-28 stands out in the fleet:
Stability and Control
One of the biggest reasons why the Piper PA-28 is so beloved is because of its stability and control. The Piper PA-28 offers predictable flight dynamics which makes it easier for students to master the basics of flying. From coordinated turns, stalls, and landings, this aircraft can do it all with grace, and even if you mess up the manoeuvres, the aircraft's handling is incredibly forgiving and allows pilots to always maintain stability and control while in the air.
Cost-Effective
The Piper PA-28 is perhaps one of the most efficient light aircraft due to its incredible design and performance numbers. Known for its low fuel consumption and maintenance costs, the Piper PA-28 is economical for both flying schools and private owners.
Keep in mind that fuel costs and even maintenance costs can rack up fairly quickly, especially if the plane is used a lot. However, the Piper PA-28 has an interesting characteristic, its engine provides a stable output with a very good fuel economy. This characteristic makes it one of the most cost-effective training machines in the industry.
Weather Resistant
The Piper PA-28 is not only built using high-quality and sturdy materials, but it also has a range of avionics that make it one of the best IFR-capable aircraft in any fleet. The Piper PA-28 is frequented by pilots who want to train for their Instrument Rating (IR) and fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This capability makes it suitable for flying in any type of regular weather conditions, even in unpredictable weather! Whether it is cloudy or drizzling, the Piper PA-28 is always there to support the pilot’s training journey.
Excellent Hour-Builder:
When it comes to logging hours and fulfilling training requirements, the Piper PA-28 is always there as a reliable workhorse that can help pilots achieve their hour goals. Every pilot needs to complete several hours to be eligible for their licence. This is why pilots opt for an aircraft that not only provides them with comfort and reliability but also fun.
The main factors for the Piper PA-28’s success are its aerodynamic design, fuel economy and handling/stability. These features allow pilots to cruise the air worry-free and enjoy every flight while also logging hours.
Whether you’re completing your PPL or working towards a CPL licence, the PA-28 offers the versatility needed for cross-country navigation, instrument training, and more advanced manoeuvres.
Inside the Cockpit
The Piper PA-28 is a sight to see both on the outside and inside. The aircraft features a comfortable cabin layout with side-by-side seating and intuitive controls. These aircraft are usually fitted with modern avionics like Garmin GPS units and dual VORs which allow students to train on equipment that speaks to modern aviation standards.
Timeless Legacy
With its awesome design, performance and balance of safety, simplicity and reliability, the Piper PA-28 was, is and will continue to remain one of the best go-to workhorses in the industry. With its popularity sky-high, the Piper PA-28 is not only a plane but a rite of passage for many pilots.
If you look up to the sky, especially Yorkshire skies and see a light aircraft, chances are that you are witnessing the mighty Piper PA-28, cruising through the air and enabling students to become next-generation pilots.
Licence Requirements for Piper PA-28
The Piper PA-28 is widely used by both commercial and private pilots. However, there are some differences between the licence requirements for light aircraft and other types of larger aircraft. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular licencing options for pilots:
National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL)
The NPPL is for pilots who want to fly in the UK – and only the UK. This licence is UK-specific and allows pilots to fly within the UK airspace. NPPL holders can fly flex-wing aircraft and some fixed-wing aircraft provided that they have the necessary training for them.
The NPPL is excellent for beginners and is also a great way for old-school pilots and hobbyists to experience flight in old vintage and experimental aircraft.
Keep in mind that even though the NPPL is easier to obtain than a PPL and CPL, NPPL pilots can’t fly in foreign airspace without express permission from the country that you are planning on entering. Furthermore, compared to the PPL, the NPPL has less strict medical requirements and you only need about 25 hours of flight time to be eligible for an NPPL.
NPPL holders usually exclusively fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) which are guidelines that highlight the ideal conditions required for light aircraft pilots to fly such as clear weather conditions, high visibility, clear skies, etc.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
The PPL is the star licence within the aviation industry. The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the most common and typical pilot license for pilots who want to take aviation as a hobby.
PPL pilots can fly a wider range of light aircraft, such as aerobatic aircraft, touring aircraft, or classics like a Piper PA-28 Warrior, Piper PA-28 Cadet, Cessna 150 (2-seater), and more – all of which can be found at Sherburn Aero Club!
An important distinction for PPL holders is that they cannot use their training to fly larger aircraft like CPL holders. In other words, PPL pilots cannot use their skills for commercial activities and will ideally need to be associated with a flying club, like Sherburn Aero Club, to have access to the facilities that will allow them to pursue their hobby.
Unlike the NPPL, PPL is not specific to the UK. This is why a PPL is ideal for people who wish to obtain a general aviation licence. It is also an excellent starting point for pilots who want to pursue even more challenges in aviation by taking up additional certifications and training.
PPL pilots need to log 45 hours of flight time, accompanied by a certified instructor. Of these 45 hours, 10 hours must be of solo flight time, including at least one cross-country flight, with 25 hours being those spent training via dual flight instruction. The distance of the cross-country flight must be at least 270 km.
To be eligible, PPL candidates must be 17 years old to obtain these licences.
Since the PPL is more diverse, it requires in-depth training compared to an NPPL. For example, in addition to the flight hours, the candidate must also prove their proficiency in at least nine subjects which include complex topics such as navigation, meteorology, aerodynamics, air law, and more.
The exams require a minimum of 75% marks for the theoretical multiple-choice exams which are based on nine subjects. Naturally, this makes PPL a bit more expensive in the context of training compared to an NPPL.
Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)
The LAPL is designed for people who want to fast-track their way into the cockpit. This licence is highly flexible and is perfect for people who want to only indulge in aviation as a light hobby.
If you don’t want to invest the time or resources in a rigid training schedule, then we recommend checking out the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL). The LAPL can be seen as a trimmed-down version of a PPL. It has more relaxed training and medical requirements compared to a PPL and is great for people who don’t have the time for full-on training.
LAPL holders also can not use their abilities to fly commercially and therefore earn from their skills.
A LAPL offers customisation options and can cater to the needs of various people. For example, this licence is divided into four different categories:
- LAPL (A) for aeroplane operation,
- LAPL (B) for flying balloons,
- LAPL (H) for helicopters,
- LAPL (S) for sailplanes.
LAPL holders also have restrictions on the type of aircraft they can fly. For example, LAPL pilots can only operate aircraft with a weight of 2000 kg or less and can carry no more than three passengers at a time.
To be eligible, LAPL candidates must log a total flight time of 12 hours, as well as have at least 12 take-offs and landings.
An important point to note is that the LAPL is a non-ICAO licence which means that you can’t use it to fly outside of the UK airspace. If you wish to fly outside of the UK using this licence, then pilots must register themselves accordingly with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
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.
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.
Photo by Daniel Eledut on Unsplash
