Requirements for PPL

The equipment needed for a PPL:

• a current 1:500,000 chart
• a checklist for the relevent training aircraft
• a kneeboard (consult instructor for the best type)
• a timepiece - preferably with countdown function (either a watch or stopwatch)
• Plotter and ruler
• diversion plotter to use in an aircraft
• CRP-1 (CRP-5 is required for CPL/ATPL training)
• PPL books (Trevor Thom manuals 1-7 are recommended)
• Chinograph pencil

Other expenses:

• PPL exams - these can be taken at Halton (£15 per exam)
• Equipment as previously stated
• Landing fees when flying to other airfields
• Any additional groundschool not covered as part of the training. There are evening classes for radio, navigation and meteorology.
• PPL Skills Test - an examiners fee (paid directly to the examiner) - as well as the aircraft rates

Training

• The training requirements are a minimum of 45 hours of which 10 are solo. Please note these are MINIMUM requirements and if doing training part-time or your training is affected by weather it usually takes longer.
• During training a solo qualifying cross-country is flown. This consists of 2 landings at other airfields and forms part of the 10 solo hours.

There are 2 types of JAR medical:

Class 1

• which is needed for commercial flying. It has the strictest criteria of all the medicals. If you are intending to continue training to a commercial standard it is worth getting a class 1 first. The initial medical has to be taken at Gatwick.

Class 2

• the best medical for a JAR PPL. A class two medical must be performed by a CAA approved doctor in the UK (AME).

An NPPL only requires a declaration of health from any doctor.

There are 7 multiple choice exams and a radio telephony practical to take:

Aviation Law and Operational Procedures Examination

This exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes, covering the legislative side of General Aviation. This should be taken first as it must be passed before going solo.

Topics covered range from the establishment of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in the 1940's through to the practical application of The Rules of The Air in the modern aviation environment.

Navigation and Radio Aids Examination

25 multiple choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes.

From Form of the Earth to GPS, the student is taken through the same basic navigation techniques that have served past aviators so well to the radio navigation aids as employed by today's aeroplanes.

Human Performance and Limitations Examination

20 multiple choice questions to be answered in 30 minutes.

Aviation is a demanding and unfamiliar environment to the novice pilot, and this subject covers the psychological effects and conditions that trainee aviators will find themselves subjected to during their flying careers.

Communications Examination

30 multiple choice questions to be answered in 40 minutes.

The theoretical side of aviation Radio-Telephony (RT) communications, ranging from the phonetic alphabet through to the finer points of the 'language' of flying.

Flight Performance and Planning Examination

20 multiple choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes.

The calculations that guarantee safe flight begin long before the engine is started. A pilot must be able to calculate the length of runway required for take-off and landing, as well as whether an aeroplane is correctly loaded within weight and balance limits, and with sufficient fuel for the planned flight.

Meteorology Examination

20 multiple choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes.

This subject provides the PPL student with a firm foundation in basic weather theory enabling interpretation of actual weather reports and forecasts to ensure safe flight.

Aircraft (General) and Principles of Flight Examination

50 multiple choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes.

From how a wing produces lift to exactly what happens when the ignition key is turned, all matters technical are covered within this subject. 

R/T Practical Examination

The student will be required to plan a navigation flight which is then 'flown' in the classroom, simulating the radio calls that would be required in real-time. Under these simulated conditions, the student will encounter and be expected to deal with scenarios such as the transition of controlled airspace, and the relay of a Mayday call.

 

More details can be found in the member's only section