A guide to obtaining the JAR PPL at RAF Halton

INTRODUCTION

This guide is intended to provide sufficient information for those who are about to embark on a course to obtain the JAR Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) at the Halton Aeroplane Club. We have included as much information as we think necessary, but should you have any questions after reading this then please ask any of the club instructors who will be happy to help.

FIRST STEPS

Before making the decision to commence the PPL course, you should first consider taking a 30 minute trial flying lesson to ensure that you enjoy the sensation of flying and for the instructor to be able to give you some idea of your aptitude towards flying. Having decided that you want to become a modern day Biggles you need to be determined medically fit by an Authorised Medical Examiner (AME). It is recommended that you have your medical before embarking on the course - and don't worry, the medical isn't probably as rigorous as you may imagine! A list of all the AME's practising within this area is included in the member's only section.

Flying training can commence at any time but you must be at least 16 years old and in possession of a current Class 2 medical certificate before flying solo.

FLYING TRAINING

Flying training is carried out in a Cessna 152 aircraft, a two seat, side by side trainer which has proven its worldwide suitability for the task. The training syllabus has been developed over many years and provides a gentle learning curve which can be structured to meet the demands of the student. Never feel disheartened if you have a lesson which doesn't seem to go too well, we all have bad days and you can be assured that your instructor will have been in exactly the same situation in his early days! All instructors have their own style of instruction and you may find that you are not performing at your best with a certain instructor. Do not be afraid to change instructors if you are unhappy, but try and avoid chopping and changing throughout your training.

THEORETICAL GROUND EXAMINATIONS

To complete the syllabus for the PPL you will have to study for various ground examinations. Study will take place in the form of classroom lectures and by means of self-study. The exams are listed below and are of the multiple choice format.

All examinations have a minimum pass mark of 75% and are valid for a period of 12 months. Should flying training progress beyond the validity of an exam, then a re-sit in that subject becomes necessary.The Halton Aeroplane Club operates a system where the ground examinations are interspersed with the flying training to provide maximum learning potential for the student.

The student will also have to sit a practical test to obtain a Flight Radio Telephony Operator's Licence. This test takes place within the club, lasts for about an hour and simulates a flight within the UK. Students will already have obtained plenty of real RT communication during their flying training.

The following books will provide all the necessary information for passing the exams and can be obtained at a discounted rate from the club.

THE AIR PILOT'S MANUAL VOLUME 2 - Trevor Thom "Aviation Law and Meteorology"

THE AIR PILOT'S MANUAL VOLUME 3 - Trevor Thom "Navigation"

THE AIR PILOT'S MANUAL VOLUME 4 - Trevor Thom "The Aeroplane - Technical"

THE AIR PILOT'S MANUAL VOLUME 6 - Trevor Thom "Human Factors and Pilot Performance"

CAA RADIO TELEPHONY MANUAL - CAP413

The ground examinations should not be regarded as a 'side line' towards gaining a PPL, neither should they be taken lightly. Do not be put off by these exams,anyone of any ability can pass them if they apply themselves to the task in hand and receive the necessary instruction.

The flying training syllabus for the PPL is covered in THE AIR PILOT'S MANUAL VOLUME 1 and provides valuable information for all the flying you will encounter during training. In case you were wondering what happened to VOLUME 5, this book covers training for a rating once you have obtained your PPL.

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