How to learn to Fly !
SORRY - THIS PAGE IS ONLY HALF WRITTEN!!!!!!!!!!!
Getting Into It.
There are many, many different ways to get into flying, as a hobby or
a career. There appears to be no correct or incorrect ways of going about
it, but some are better than others!
There is NO AGE LIMIT, however you must be 14 to 'log' flights, and 17 years
old to fly solo.
For many people the first stage is a 'Trial Lesson'. This is normally a
30 minute or 1 hour flying lesson, where you are just introduced to the
aircraft, and have a bit of fun. Often these are just for fun, and the
student doesn't come back for further training, however should you wish,
this first trip can count towards your application for a PPL.
Alternatively, many people of younger ages join the 'Cadets', either at
school, or outside school.
PPL - What's that mean ?
PPL stands for Private Pilots Licence. Once you have one of these,
then you can take friends and family up in your aircraft, or a hired aircraft.
To begin with you cannot fly at Night or in Cloud or bad weather. the
other restriction is you cannot be paid ( or make anything of value ) from
your Flying. The basic course is a minimum of 40 hrs, however finishing
in this sort of time, unless you fly every day!!
What do I have to do ?
Here is a very simplfied course structure. The order of later lessons
is often varied, depending on the student, within certain constraints.
1 Learn the Effects of the Aircraft's Controls
2 Learn to Fly the Aircraft 'Straight and Level'
3 Learn to make the Aircraft Climb and Descend
4 Learn to turn the Aircraft
5 Learn to Fly at Low Airspeeds, and recover when the Aircraft stops
flying (Stalling)
6 Practice take off's and landings!
7 Fly Solo
8 Learn to Navigate
9 Navigate Solo
10 Fly the Navigation Flight Test
11 Land at Different Airfields (Dual + Solo)
12 Learn what to do in Bad Weather
13 Revision of all of the above
14 Pass the General flight Test
You must also pass 6 multiple choice exams
1 Air Law
2 Navigation
3 Meteorlogy
4 Aircraft Technical
5 Human Performance and Limitations
6 Radio Telephony
These are not too difficult with a little study! There are many practice
questions availible.
GREAT! - But How Much will it cost me ?
The answer to that question is how long is a piece of string !!!!!!!!
It depends how often you fly. Longer gaps means more revision. Also
different clubs charge different amounts. Don't be lured by adverts of
cheap prices, I suggest that you could finish by spending on average U.K.
£ 4000. Don't forget that on top of the flying rates advertised there
are lots of other 'little things' and the 'pennies soon make pounds'!!!!!!
For example, you have to pay for examiners, a medical examination, flying
equipment and books!
HOWEVER - don't forget all this cost is spread out over the period of your
training. Most students will book a flight once every week or two (there
will be lots of cancellations due to weather), and so the average traing
period is 1 - 2 years.
If you wish it can be quicker / longer than that - I learnt in 27 days.
I like to say 'Flying training is a bit like having a Bank Loan' The
shorter your training period - the less it will cost. ( There are other
disadvantages though !)
If you have any questions, feel free to email
me.
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