|
|
|
Pilot Training |
|
There are currently two types of licence for UK pilots, the European JAR-FCL PPL (Aeroplane), and the new National PPL (NPPL). Both the licence requirements and the privileges differ.
|
|
JAR PPL (A) or NPPL?
Choosing which licence to go for is simple - if you want to fly in Europe, in marginal weather conditions or at night, you need the JAR PPL (A) licence. This allows you to add instrument and night ratings to your licence, and permits you to exercise those ratings in all the JAA member states, of which there are currently 16 in Europe (as of September 2003). The new NPPL is a UK-only pilot's licence, it does not allow ratings to be added, and only allows you to fly in UK airspace.
Requirements
Before you can apply for your licence, there are requirements that have to be met before the licence can be issued. The first is a medical. If you are applying for the PPL (A) licence, you will need to have passed a Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate, issued by a CAA authorised medical examiner (AME). The NPPL medical is less comprehensive and can be issued by your local GP. There is also a minimum age for the licences to be issued. This is currently 17, although training can be started before this time.
Flying
The two courses are similar in subject, but the hours required before the licences can be issued vary depending on which you choose to apply for. The PPL (A) requires a minimum of 45 hours, 25 of which will be dual instruction, and 10 hours will be solo including at least 5 hours of cross-country flying. The NPPL course requires 32 hours flying, 22 of which are dual and 10 are solo incorporating 4 hours of solo cross-country flying.
Exams!
Both licence types require the student to have passed multiple choice exams on the following 7 subjects:
- Aviation Law & Operational Procedures
- Human Performance & Limitations
- Navigation & Radio Aids
- Meteorology
- Aircraft (General) & Principles of Flight
- Flight Performance & Planning
- Communications
There will also be a radiotelephony practical exam for the Radiotelephony Operator's Licence, which allows you to operate the VHF radios in an aircraft in UK airspace.
Skill Test
Once you have passed the written exams, completed the course and the minimum hours required, you will undertake a skill test with a CAA examiner, testing your proficiency in the aircraft, general handling and navigation.
|
|
