Brochure

Outline of the Private Pilot's Licence Course

Your trial lesson will count towards the Private Pilot's Licence requirements. The Herefordshire Aero Club is fully equipped to take you through the syllabus and beyond.

What's involved?

The Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) specify a minimum of 45 hours flying training, of which 10 must be solo.
Clearly defined exercises cover aircraft familiarisation, climbing, descending, turning, slow flight and circuits, culminating in your first solo.
Steep turns, emergency drills and instrument flying lead on to dual and solo navigational tasks.
Practical tests in navigation and general handling complete the course.
Early lessons are usually about an hour in length, though later tasks may require 2-3 hours.
Flying is normally booked in advance with the office.

Are there any exams?

Yes, these are of the 'multiple-choice' type, produced by the JAA but administered and marked at Shobdon.

The subjects are as follows:

Aviation Law
Aircraft General Knowledge, Principles of Flight
Flight Performance and Planning - Navigation, Meteorology and Operational Procedures
Human Performance and Limitations
Radiotelephony

Preparation is by arranged ground school and self-study.

Age Limits

No age limits apply to instructional flying, however a minimum age of 16 years applies to solo flying and 17 years to holding a licence.

Medical Requirements

A medical certificate is required before flying solo. Validity periods are dependant on age, i.e. up to 40 every 5 years, 40-49 every 2 years, 50 and above every 12 months. 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. Local authorised medical examiners are listed below:

Dr A S Benzie	Fairford	01285 713395
Dr G P Cook	Ludlow	01584 831162 07974 683350
Dr J D Hill	Burton on Trent	01283 730201
Dr R B Laird	Hereford	01432-272175
Dr R N Ovenden	Kingsland	01568-708449

Dr D Latto	Shawbury	01939 250237 07979 770030
Dr S J Lim	Stourbridge	01384 277591 07802 735143
Dr I D Ramsay	Cheltenham	01242 215437 08444 778964
Dr M T Tanner	Kinver	01384 872200
Dr G W Murray	Wolverhampton	01902 422677 01902 421005

Weather Restrictions

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 necessarily is governed by aptitude, personal commitments, weather, and of course funds. Intensive courses are possible and occasionally people do complete in a month, though a more leisurely pace is usual (typically 6-8 months) when moulded around your domestic schedule. Although 45 hours are the minimum, most people do take longer, our students average about 50 hours, which compares favourably with the national average of 60 hours.

How much will it cost?

45 hours flying @ £103.75 per hour £4668.75
Annual Club Subscription £109
Medical Approx. £80
Study Material Approx. £125
Exam & Flight Test Fees Approx. £150
Away landings, sundries Approx. £50
Private Pilot's Licence (5 years validity) £168.00
Giving a total of around £5350

It is important to bear in mind that 45 hours is a minimum requirement, extra hours will be charged pro-rata.

We operate a 'Pay as you Fly' system, we don't ask for 'up-front' payments and all our prices include VAT where applicable. However, discounts are available for students who are prepared to pay in advance.

After your Private Pilot's Licence

Once qualified, you may hire the Club's aircraft and carry passengers (although not for profit). Cost sharing however is permissible, providing the pilot pays at least an equal proportion.

The two seater training aircraft (currently three Cessna 152's) are available for private hire. The club also owns one four seater aircraft, a Piper PA28 Archer II, comprehensively equipped for radio navigation and with a higher cruising speed than the trainers; is a popular step-up for the new licence holder.

As a PPL you may wish to join our 'Syndicate Scheme'. For a standing order of just £18 per month, or £24 to include the PA28, substantial discounts can be enjoyed. In addition, as a syndicate member you benefit from future training charged at the PPL rate rather than the full instructional charge.

Aircraft Type	Use	Hourly Rate

Cessna C152 Piper PA28 - Archer II	Dual PPL Syndicate Dual PPL Syndicate	£107.50 £88.50 £72.20 £134.35 £119.70 £99.65

There are few restrictions on where you can take a light aircraft. Trips to the Continent, Scotland and Ireland are popular, or if touring is not your scene, then there's still the pleasure of flying locally. Once qualified you may wish to add further ratings to your licence. The club is equipped to train you in the following:

Night Rating

Night flying takes place over the winter months, and you may wish to consider earning your night rating; a five hour course of instruction and possibly the first 'feather in your cap' after the basic licence.

IMC Rating

The Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) rating is a popular add-on; this will equip and allow you to fly in or above cloud; and if you've never experienced breaking from gloomy overcast onto a snow-like and sunlit cloudscape, then there's a treat in store.