PPL training

 

Whether your intention is to fly for fun, business or make a career in aviation - the basic qualification for a pilot is the Private Pilot's Licence. To get your Private Pilot's Licence, you complete a course of at least 45 hours of flying time of which 25 hours are flying with an instructor. This flight training consists of at least 3 hours of cross-country flight training; 3 hours instruction in preparation for your flight check; 10 hours of solo flight including 5 hours of cross-country. Each cross-country flight has a destination at least 50 nautical miles from Weston Airport -  and one cross country flight is at least 150 miles and includes landings at a minimum of three airports/airfields. To qualify for a PPL, you need to get an aviation 2nd class medical and pass four multiple-choice exams in addition to flying.

 

       

 

The exact number of hours needed to pass the PPL flight test is determined by the ability of each individual student. The weather may be a factor or it may depend on how often you fly. Flight lessons vary in length depending on what stage of flying the student is at, but will always consist of a briefing before and a thorough review afterwards, this is key to making cost-effective use of your flight time. 

 

You will also have lessons consisting entirely of ground briefings, which are vital for improving your understanding and are key to making rapid progress. You may take instructional flight at the age of 15 but you must be at least 16 to obtain a student licence, which you will need to fly solo. The minimum age to obtain the Private Pilot Certificate is 17.

 

 

There is no specific amount of dual time required for solo flight. Very few people go solo before 10 hours of instruction. Most people are soloed by 20 hours. When you have received sufficient training to qualify for solo in your aircraft, your flight instructor will endorse your Student Licence. When you are ready to fly cross-country by yourself, your Student Licence will again be endorsed for this privilege.

 

 

Student Licence:
A student licence is required before your instructor can send you solo.

To obtain a student licence you must first pass a 2nd Class Medical Certificate. This Certificate is valid for up to 5 years depending on your age. The medical can be booked at a number of IAA Approved Medical Centers, a list of which will be provided to you. Secondly you will need to present your logbook and application form to the Irish Aviation Authority. The Authority will then issue your licence.

 

Written Examinations:
You will also need to pass four written examinations before you take the flight test for your PPL- Private Pilot's Licence. SkyTrace can provide you with the books containing all of the topics you need to cover and study for these examinations. SkyTrace offers ground school courses throughout the year in preparation for sitting the written theoretical knowledge examinations. The four subjects are, Aviation Law, Human Performance and limitations, Performance and planning and Aircraft general. We strongly recommend that you have passed at least two, and preferably all four of the written exams before you fly solo.

 

For further information about kick starting your PPL contact SkyTrace for an information pack. We would encourage all prospective PPL students to drop into Weston Executive Airport and see our facilities for yourself.