Learning To Fly

Getting a Private Pilots Licence (PPL) may not be as difficult as you think. For the cost of buying a reasonable second hand car, you could have a PPL and be cruising the skies every fine weather weekend. The training for a PPL involves a mix of ground school and flying training. To be awarded a PPL, you will need to have flown around 40 hours and are required to pass a multiple choice exam which tests you on various flying theory subjects such as navigation, principles of flight and air law. The specific requirements will vary slightly between nations so make some enquiries at your local flying school.

I was awarded my private pilots licence after around 45 hours of flying training, 10 of which were solo hours. Of the 10 solo hours I had, 5 were from flying solo cross country navigation exercises. Initially, flying training will involve learning how to handle the aircraft in a safe manner such as flying straight and level, climbing and descending and turning. After you have learnt to handle the aircraft safely, you will be introduced to the world of flying circuits - followed by more circuits. Circuit flying will get you used to taking off and landing in the run up to your instructor allowing you to go solo.

After your first solo, you are likely to do a few cross country navigation exercises with your instructor. This will give you good experience in navigating an aircraft and will boost confidence in your ability to handle the plane in real life situations. When you have done a couple of solo navigation exercises, you should be ready for your PPL test, which normally lasts around 90 minutes and covers all that you have learnt in your training.