PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

Our PPL course provides you with the training and experience you need to captain a light aircraft. We work with you on a one to one basis, a full day at a time. With the aim of flying 4-5 hours per day you will progress through the flying course with consistent training meaning, you will achieve your dream of becoming a pilot in record time—approximately 4 week.

The PPL course will allow you to act as pilot in command (PIC) in non-commercial operations on aeroplanes or touring motor gliders (TMGs).

Entry Requirements

Applicants for a PPL(A) shall be at least 17 years of age. A student pilot for a PPL shall be at least 16 years of age before first solo flight.

Licence Issue & Experience Requirements

Applicants for a PPL (A) shall have completed at least 45 hours of flight instruction in aeroplanes, to include:

• Dual flight instruction of 25 hours
• Supervised solo flight time of 10 hours
• Solo cross-country flight time of 5 hours, including a qualifying cross-country flight of at least 150 NM, during which 2 full stop landings at different aerodromes shall be made
• A Class 2 medical certificate is required for the holder/applicant of a PPL and must be held before first solo. A medical can be sought from an aero medical examiner (A doctor who is authorised by the CAA to carry out Pilot Medicals and issue the appropriate certificate)
• A practical radio operator’s exam with a minimum of Level 4 English language proficiency
• Theoretical knowledge instruction and 9 written exams in the following subjects:

• Air Law
• Human Performance
• Meteorology
• Communications
• Operational Procedures
• Principles of Flight
• Flight Performance & Planning
• Aircraft General Knowledge
• Navigation

Our PPL ground school is conducted by pplgroundschool.com as we believe Ash Holding to provide the most professional approach to theoretical knowledge instruction. With Ash’s guidance it’s possible to pass all 9 exams in a four day course. Prices for ground-school start at £750 for the 4 day intensive course and include a starter kit, pilot’s keynotes and CAA exam fees.

Visit: https://pplgroundschool.com/courses.html for further information.

• A skills test conducted by an examiner to include a navigation route and general handling.

Cost Illustration

These figures are approximate and based on the completion of the PPL in the minimum 45 hours. The average number of hours required to complete the training is often around 55 hours. Progress can be made quite quickly when flying several hours a day and we strongly suggested the medical and ground examinations are passed prior to commencing the flight training.

Night Rating

If you have a PPL (A) you can add a night rating to allow you to fly in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions at night. Night in the UK is from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Applicants shall complete a training course within a period of up to 6 months at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to exercise the privileges of a PPL for aeroplanes under VFR at night. The course will include theory, dual instruction and solo flight time at night. The night rating is valid for life. But if you want to carry passengers at night the normal passenger rules of ‘3 take-off and landings in the past 90 days’ apply, with the addition that, unless you have a valid instrument rating, at least one of each must have been at night.

To add night ratings to an aeroplane licence your training will cover:

1. Theoretical knowledge instruction
2. 5 hours of flight time at night including at least:
   • (a) 3 hours of dual flying instruction
   • (b) 1 hour of cross-country navigation with at least one dual cross-country flight of at least 50km
   • (c) 5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings

The night rating is a personal rating, not an aircraft rating, so if you have both a single-engine piston land (SEP land) and touring motor glider (TMG) class rating you can complete the training either or both classes.

Skills Test &/or Written Examination

There is no test or examination at the end of the training course.

Revalidation/Renewal

There are no revalidation/renewal requirements.

Instrument Rating Restricted IR(R)

The Instrument Rating Restricted IR(R) is a UK National Rating and as such is only valid for flights in UK territorial airspace, Channel Islands and Isle of Man airspace. The rating allows the holder to fly cross country and carry out airfield approaches in reduced visibility weather using sole reference and guidance to onboard flight performance and navigation instruments

Our course consists of a minimum of 15 hours dual instruction, with a written examination and skills test. The pilot must have completed 25 hours post-PPL flying before the rating can be issued.

The privileges of the IR(R) allow:

1. Flight in UK registered aeroplanes in UK airspace.
2. Flight in IMC outside controlled airspace, (in Class G) and IFR flight in Class D or E controlled airspace with appropriate clearance
3. Flight out of sight of surface with a minimum take off and landing in 1500m visibility.
4. Let-down and approach procedures to a derived Decision Altitude/Height or Minimum Descent Altitude/Height and to undertake missed approach procedures.

Skills Test &/or Written Examination

You are required to pass a written examination and a skills test.

Revalidation/Renewal

Renewal is required every 2 years. If your rating lapses you will require training sufficient to pass another skills test.

Cost Illustration

COMPETENCY BASED INSTRUMENT RATING CB-IR

The Competency Based Instrument Rating(IR) for aeroplanes is a modular flying training course designed to train PPL or CPL holders for the IR(A), taking into account prior instrument flight instruction and experience. It is designed to provide the level of proficiency needed to operate aeroplanes under IFR. The course shall be taken within an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

Entry Requirements

• Be the holder of a PPL(A) or CPL(A) including an appropriate medical certificate and class/type rating for the IR(A) sought e.g. single engine piston.
• Completed at least 80 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction to the IR(A) knowledge level at an ATO. The course of theoretical knowledge instruction shall be completed within 18 months.
• Pass the theoretical knowledge examinations.
• The instrument flight instruction and the IR(A) skill test shall be completed within the period of validity (36 months) of the pass of the theoretical knowledge examinations.

Flight Training

• To determine the amount of hours credited and to establish the training needs, the candidate shall complete a pre-entry assessment flight at an ATO. The content and duration of the pre-entry assessment shall be determined by the ATO based on the prior instrument experience of the candidate.
• A single-engine CB-IR(A) course shall include at least 40 hours of instrument time under instruction.
• When the candidate has completed instrument flight instruction provided by an IRI(A) or has prior experience of instrument flight time as PIC on aeroplanes, under a rating providing the privileges to fly under IFR and in IMC, these hours may be credited towards the 40 hours above up to maximum of 30 hours.
• When the candidate has prior instrument flight time under instruction other than specified in 3) these hours may be credited towards the required 40 hours up to a maximum of 15 hours.
• In any case, the flying training shall include at least 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an ATO.
• The total amount of dual instrument instruction shall not be less than 25 hours.

Theoretical Knowledge Training

The competency based modular IR(A) course comprises at least 80 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction. You are required to pass 7 theoretical exams in the following subjects:

• Meteorology
• Air Law
• IFR Communications
• Human Performance
• Instrumentation
• Radio Navigation
• Flight Planning

The pass mark in a theoretical knowledge exam is 75%.

After successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations they will be valid for the issue of a IR(A) for a period of 36 months.

We highly recommend CATS for the CB-IR theoretical knowledge training. They have a structured, self-study course backed up with excellent training materials, progress tests and classroom brush up courses.

Visit: https://www.catsaviation.com/courses/ir.html

Theory brush up courses are available with Ash Holding of pplgroundschool.com. Ash Holding provides the most professional approach to theoretical knowledge instruction ensuring that you not only pass the theory exams efficiently but that you have a deep understanding and working knowledge of the subject material which is essential for applied instrument flying . Prices for ground-school start at £750 for the 4 day intensive course and include a starter kit, pilot’s keynotes and CAA exam fees.

Visit: https://pplgroundschool.com/courses.html for further information.

Instrument Rating (Aeroplane) Skill Test

Conducted by an Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE). The IR(A) skill test comprises of the following sections:

Section 1 – Pre-Flight Operations and Departure

• Use of flight manual/POH to include aircraft performance calculations and mass and balance
• NOTAM and weather briefing
• Preparation of ATC flight plan and IFR flight log
• Pre-flight Inspection
• Weather Minima
• Taxying
• Pre take-off briefing, take-off
• Transition to instrument flight
• Instrument departure procedures, altimeter setting
• ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

Section 2 – General Handling

• Control of the aeroplane by reference solely to instruments, including: level flight at various speeds
• Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn<
• Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 45° bank turns and steep descending turns
• Recovery from approach to stall in level flight, climbing/descending turns and in landing configuration
• Limited panel: stabilised climb or descent, level turns at Rate 1 onto given headings, recovery from unusual attitudes

Section 3 – En-Route IFR Procedure

• Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, RNAV
• Use of radio aids
• Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting, trim technique
• Altimeter settings
• Timing and revision of ETAs (en-route hold, if required)
• Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems management
• Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary
• ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

Section 4 – Precision Approach Procedures

• Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
• Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
• Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
• Holding Procedure
• Compliance with published approach procedure
• Approach timing
• Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)
• Go-around action
• Missed approach procedure/landing
• ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

Section 5 – Non-Precision Approach Procedures

• Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
• Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
• Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
• Holding Procedure
• Compliance with published approach procedure
• Approach timing<
• Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)
• Go-around action
• Missed approach procedure/landing
• ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

Revalidation/Renewal

Revalidation is required annually, a proficiency check can be conducted up to three months in advance of the expiry date with no loss of validity . If your rating lapses you will require a renewal, which will include training sufficient to pass a skills test and the issue of a course completion certificate from the ATO, followed by a proficiency check. An IR may be renewed as part of a combined class rating skill test or proficiency check in an aeroplane.

7 Year Expiry Period

If the IR has not been revalidated or renewed within the preceding 7 years, the holder will be required to pass again the IR theoretical knowledge examinations and skill test. The 7 year period commences from the date the IR expired.

Privileges

The privileges of a holder of an IR(A) are to fly aircraft under IFR, including PBN operations, with a minimum decision height of no less than 200 feet (60 m)

Cost Illustration

These figures are approximate and based on the candidate completing the training in 25 flying hours.Individual prior experience will dictate how long the training to competency will take.

CIRRUS TRANSITION COURSES & CIRRUS TRAINING

Charlie is a Cirrus Factory trained CSIP and can offer official VFR and IFR transition courses for every model and avionics fit of Cirrus Aircraft.

If you have recently bought a Cirrus, whether new or pre-owned, you will be entitled to a free Cirrus Embark Transition course funded by the factory. This structured, professional course includes industry leading learning materials and ensures that new Cirrus pilots benefit from the highest quality aviation training available so you can safely get the very best from your new Cirrus Aircraft.

Having a Cirrus Transition Certificate will enable you to rent our SR22T or a Cirrus Aircraft abroad.

The SR22T Perspective Transition Course comes in two formats:

Cirrus VFR Transition Course—3 Days (VFR Only Pilots)

The course takes 3 days and 10-12 flying hours of one-to-one instruction.

The course includes weight and balance calculations, aircraft performance, normal operating procedures, slow flight, stalling, unusual attitude recoveries, short field and soft field take off and landings, reduced flap landings, baulked landings, crosswind landings, go arounds, electrical malfunctions, avionics failures, engine malfunctions/failures and CAPS deployment scenarios.

Cost Illustration

Cirrus IFR Advanced Transition Course—5 Days (Instrument Rating Pilots)

The first three days follow the format of the VFR transition course. The final two days incorporate the IFR element where you shall cover ILS and PBN approaches, radial tracking, holds, SIDs, STARs, high altitude and oxygen equipment training, use of the FIKI system, high altitude engine failure drills and further CAPS deployment scenarios.

Cost Illustration

EXAMINATION & RENEWAL/REVALIDATION

Charlie is a CRE-IRR (Class Rating Examiner with Instrument Rating Renewal & Revalidation privileges) which means he can conduct proficiency checks for the revalidation and renewal of Single Engine Piston class ratings and revalidation and renewal of Instrument Ratings and IR(R)s.

Revalidation

Keep your ratings up to date efficiently by booking in for an SEP class rating revalidation concurrently with your single pilot IR revalidation. This can be conducted in your own aircraft or in our Cirrus SR22T. The cost of a proficiency check is £250+VAT and can be completed in half a day.

Renewal

If your rating has lapsed, do not worry, we can conduct a course of training through our ATO to help you reach proficiency, issue you with a course completion certificate and then conduct your skills test to renew your rating. The amount of training required depends on how long the rating has lapsed, if a short course of refresher training is required the process can be all be done in one day with training in the morning and a proficiency check in the afternoon. The cost of a full day is £460+VAT.