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, 40-50 every 2 years, 50-70 every year, or six-monthly thereafter. 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:

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?

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 for 10 hour blocks. 

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 four 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. 

The club operates a 'syndicate' scheme which many of our members find attractive. A monthly standing order of £15 (£20 if you want to include the PA28) lowers the hourly rate. You'll break even averaging just over an hour per month, and save money if you do more. 
Hire Rates per hour for PPL licence holders:

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.

Aerobatics

Those seeking excitement will be interested to know that we have a two-seat trainer cleared for aerobatics. This isn't an aerobatics rating, but adequate 'dual' is required. After only a few hours instruction in loops, rolls, stall-turns and spins, you could be flying your own routines. Aerobatics is possibly the most exhilarating form of flying imaginable.