PRIVATE PILOTS LICENCE
Gaining your Pilots license can be achieved through a number of different routes. At Flightpath Blackpool we are conscious that flying is expensive and wherever possible we try and make the process as affordable as possible. We are aware that some students will need to take a longer period of time to fund a Pilots License than others. This is not a problem as many people can take a number of years to complete a full course. Our advice would be to keep the time between lessons to a minimum, funds allowing, as this does prevent the one step forward, two steps back principle. In general a lesson a week or fortnight allows a student to complete a course near to if not within the specified Civil Aviation Authority PPL requirements.
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​Pre-course requirements;
You must be a minimum of 17 years old to obtain your licence (but you may start training from the age of 14 and go solo at 16) and you must hold a Class 2 medical certificate prior to flying solo.
What does the training involve?
If you haven’t flown before you are required to spend a minimum of 45 hours in the air before you take your final skill test. 25 hours must be dual (with an instructor) and ten hours solo with you acting as pilot in command. Five of your solo hours must be cross-country i.e. away from your base airfield.
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You will also be required to study for and take multiple-choice exams in the 9 subjects detailed below: All exams can be taken at the flying school premises at Blackpool Airport
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Intensive Private Pilots Course
At Flightpath Blackpool we also offer an intensive Private Pilots Course. This course is run in a professional manner, expecting the student to attend the school, wherever possible, Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5-00 pm. The course covers and supplies everything required to complete the Private Pilots Course in a 4-8 week period, student and weather dependent.
(PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST AVAILABILITY AND PRICING)
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PPL Privileges
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The Private Pilots Licence permits you to act as the pilot in command of an aircraft for private use. The PPL syllabus includes both practical flight training and ground-based study. The EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Licence is valid throughout the UK and Europe and is generally acceptable worldwide subject to individual national requirements.
The PPL licence, which includes a Single Engine Piston (SEP) Land Rating, permits the holder to carry passengers in visual conditions during daylight hours. A valid JAA Class 2 medical certificate must be held for all subsequent private flying. PPL holders can build on the basic privileges by training for additional qualifications; these are the Night Qualification and the Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Rating. For a pilot to exercise the privileges of the licence, the SEP (Land) Rating must be revalidated or renewed every two years. This can be done either by acquiring a specific amount of flying experience, as well as a training flight, or by taking a flight test
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Required Exams
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Air Law and Operational Procedures
Aviation Legislation - Rules of the Air - Air Traffic Regulations - Flight Planning - Pilots Licenses, - Air Accidents.
Meteorology
The Atmosphere – Atmospheric Pressure – Climatology – Air Masses – Thunderstorms – Forecasting.
Navigation
Navigation Theory – Route Planning – CRP Flight Computer - Diversion Technique – Fuel Planning – Radio Navigation
Aircraft Technical & Principles of Flight
Aerodynamics – Airframes – Flight Instruments – Principles of Flight – Engines and Systems – Airworthiness
Human Performance
Human Physiology – Fatigue & Sleep – First Aid – Eyesight & Balance – Psychology – Survival
Flight Performance
Flight Manuals - Centre of Gravity – Landing Performance – Weight Limitations – Take Off Performance - Fuel Planning
Communications
Radio Fundamentals – Aerodrome Categories – Air Traffic Control Services – Airspace Considerations – Emergency Procedures – Route Planning
