| So you've decided you want to learn how to fly, but | | | | It is also the first step for those who wish to go on and |
| you are not sure how to go about it. Well, assuming | | | | obtain a CPL (Commercial Pilot License). |
| that you are starting from scratch the best way of | | | | For simplification, there are two types of PPL for |
| approaching this is to break the whole process down | | | | aeroplanes in the UK; these are the JAR PPL and the |
| into a number of steps, like those outlined below: | | | | NPPL. The JAR PPL is an internationally recognised |
| Take a Trial Lesson (sometimes called an 'Air | | | | licence and can be used all over the world. The NPPL |
| Experience Flight'). | | | | however, is not internationally recognised but it does |
| This is a very worthwhile investment in making your | | | | hold less stringent medical requirements. You can see |
| decision, it is conducted in an aircraft of the same | | | | that the medical requirements are directly related to |
| class that you will complete your training in should you | | | | the licence you can train for. |
| wish to proceed. Although this is more of a leisure flight | | | | Find out the requirements for the licence you have |
| than a structured lesson, it will still give you great insight | | | | selected. |
| into what is involved. The environment may be very | | | | The NPPL does have a reduced syllabus as opposed |
| different to the one you had imagined, so please | | | | to the 'full' JAR PPL; this will mean the NPPL is |
| ensure that you that you are happy with it before | | | | cheaper and relatively quicker to complete. Don't |
| committing money. | | | | worry, if you choose at a later date to upgrade the |
| Ensure you meet the medical requirements. | | | | NPPL to a JAR PPL there are provisions to do this |
| As you can imagine there are medical requirements | | | | (assuming that you meet the higher medical |
| imposed on all pilots for safety reasons, the | | | | requirements). |
| requirements themselves are quite detailed. However, | | | | Decide which school and training scheme best |
| providing you are generally fit and healthy and have no | | | | meets your requirements. |
| serious medical problems you should have no | | | | This is quite a long step, as there are many factors |
| problems passing the exam. If you do not qualify for | | | | that will affect this decision including the time you have |
| the medical certificate itself, you may still qualify for a | | | | to do it, the budget you are training on, the licence you |
| medical declaration. Your level of medical fitness will | | | | are training for and the method of learning that you |
| affect the type of licence you can apply for. | | | | find most affective. |
| Decide which 'type' of PPL you would like to train | | | | Nothing is worse than starting your training and then |
| for. | | | | realising that you have made a big mistake, especially |
| PPL stands for 'Private Pilot License' and this is the | | | | when spending your money in the thousands. |
| licence that allows you to fly for recreational purposes. | | | | |