Private Pilot's Licence (PPL):
Your trial lessons and all previous experience from unfinished courses will count towards your Private Pilot's Licence requirements. Stars Fly Flying School is fully equipped to take you through the PPL syllabus and beyond.
What's involved:
The European Air Safety Agency (EASA) specifies a minimum of 45 hours flying training, of which 10 hours must be solo. Clearly defined exercises cover aircraft familiarization, climbing, descending, turning, slow flight, stalling and circuits, culminating in your first solo flight. Steep turns, emergency drills and instrument flying lead on to dual and solo navigation tasks. A two hour practical Skills Test in navigation and general handling completes the course for licence issue. Early lessons are usually about an hour in length, although later tasks may require up to 2 or more hours. Flying is normally booked in advance with the office.
Are there any exams?
Yes - a multiple choice paper, produced by EASA but administered and marked by Stars Fly Flying School.
The subjects are as follows:
- Air Law
- Operational Procedures
- Communications (written and practical)
- Navigation and Radio Aids
- Meteorology
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Principles of Flight
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Human Performance
Our qualified instructors will provide thorough guidance and mentoring as you advance through each of these subjects.
We can provide you with all the books and materials necessary for your study. If you wish you can take advantage of the regular classes organised through our Ground School, which will be the perfect complement to self-study in the comfort of your home.
After you complete your course, you will undertake a flying Skills Test and an oral test of your knowledge of the aircraft you normally fly, with one of our in-house examiners.
Age limits:
No upper age limits apply.
However, 14 is the lowest age limit at which instructional flying can count towards the issue of your licence.
A minimum age of 16 years applies to perform a solo flight, and you must be 17 years old in order to hold a licence.
Medical requirements:
A medical certificate is required before your first solo flight. Validity periods are dependant on age, i.e. Up to 30 years of age, you must reacquire a medical certificate every 5 years; 30-49 years of age, every 2 years; 50-64 years of age requires you to renew your medical certificates every year; and 64+ years of age, twice yearly. Your appointment should be made directly with the doctor, (ask for a class 2 pilot's medical). It is advisable to book several weeks in advance.
Stars Fly Flying School can provide a list of nearby authorised aviation medical examiners.
Weather restrictions:
Flying is dependent on good weather. Good visibility is important, especially in the early stages. Low cloud and strong winds can sometimes restrict operations. You are advised to phone us before setting out for the airfield to check the conditions.
How long will it take?
This is largely governed by aptitude, personal commitments, weather, and, of course, funds. Intensive courses are possible and occasionally people do complete a PPL in a month, though a more leisurely pace is usual (typically 8-12 months) when molded around your domestic schedule. Although 45 flying hours is the minimum legal requirement, most people do take longer.
How much will it cost?
It is important to bear in mind that 45 hours is a minimum requirement, extra hours will be charged pro-rata. All our prices include VAT where applicable. Discounts are available for students who are prepared to pay lump sum payments towards flying. Terms and conditions apply.
After you obtain your Private Pilot's Licence:
Once qualified, you may hire the Club's aircraft and carry passengers (although not permitted legally for profit). Cost sharing however is permissible, providing the pilot pays at least an equal proportion as his passengers pay.
All club aircraft are available for private hire.
Maintaining your licence privileges:
Your licence will be valid for life, but your flying privileges need to be validated every two years. This is done in either one of two ways:
- Proficiency Check with an examiner within the last three months of your two year validity period.
- By flying experience. You should fly at least 12 hours in the last 12 months of your validity period, of which at least one hour must be with an instructor.
There are very few restrictions on where you can take a light aircraft. Trips to the continent are popular, or if touring is not your scene, then there is still pleasure to be had flying locally. Once qualified you will find it beneficial to add further ratings to your licence.