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Helpful Resources |
The following aviation authorities, ground schools and flying schools may be of some assistance to you if we have missed something.
Looking for a flying school
or club? Download the pdf below for a full listing.
Download PDF
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You've worked hard to gain your PPL and may just be happy that your flying stops there. However, if your ambitions extend beyond flying in your local area and visiting the few aerodromes that you became familiar with during your training, you will undoubtedly need some advice and a helping hand if you are to achieve your ultimate goals. Hopefully some of the following information will help you towards your personal flying ambitions.
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AEROBATICS |
Now that you have your Pilots Licence, you might have had enough of flights between a few airfields and want to xperience the thrill and pure joy of aerobatic flight. Learn to loop, slow roll, stall turn, barrel roll, roll off the top of a loop and generally gyrate yourself around the sky.
AOPA is actively involved in encouraging pilots to achieve added competence, and the AOPA Aerobatic Certificate course was specifically designed for those pilots who are interested in obtaining skill in basic aerobatic manoeuvres.
This course comprises 8 hours dual flying with an approved instructor who is qualified to give aerobatic instruction, covering the standard manoeuvres, and 8 hours of ground briefings/lectures More Information |
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NIGHT RATING |
With just 5 more hours training you can be happily qualified to fly after the sun has set and into official night time (Definition: 1/2 hour after sunset). This is a UK rating only.
What's involved?
The night rating is a 5 hour course minimum. In that time you are required to complete a minimum of 3 hours dual instruction, 5 solo take off and 5 solo landings, and at least 1 hour of dual navigation.
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IMC & IFR ratings
 The IMC Rating is highly recommended for anyone who intends flying frequently in the UK. The rating allows the pilot to fly in a much wider range of weather conditions- including in clouds and poor visibility. The rating is only valid in the UK but greatly improves instrument and general flying proficiency. The IMC rating does not give you additional privileges to your PPL with regards to flying in airways (Class A airspace), and you are still more restricted than if you hold a full instrument rating. Nevertheless, this is a very worthwile rating to get and one that greatly increases your skills and airmanship.
What The IMC Flight Training Involves.
A minimum of 15 hours of dual flight training in the aircraft. This includes 5 hours of basic and partial panel instrument flight, plus 10 hours of radio navigation and instrument approaches.
INSTRUMENT RATING
Is the qualifications that a pilot must have in order to fly under IFR. It requires additional training and instruction beyond what is required for a Private Pilot certificate or Commercial Pilot certificate, including rules and procedures specific to instrument flying, additional instruction in meteorology and more intensive training in flight solely by reference to instruments.
Testing consists of a written exam and a practical test (known more commonly as the check ride). The check ride is divided into an oral component to verify that the applicant understands the theory of instrument flying and an actual flight to ensure the pilot possesses the practical skills required for safe IFR flight.
For most private pilots, the most significant value of flying under IFR is the ability to fly in Class A airspace, defined as all airspace above 18,000 feet, must be conducted under IFR.
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CAREER FLYING |
There are about 10,000 commercial pilots holding licences to fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in the UK at present. About three-quarters of these pilots work for large airlines, the rest work for smaller operators doing work such as chartering, freighting and air surveying. There are equal opportunities for men and women.
A TECHNICAL JOB . . .
Pilots use a great deal of technical information and equipment. A modern plane is very complex and the pilot must understand how it works. In training, pilots learn about aerodynamics, instruments, navigation and meteorology, as well as aviation law. It’s important to be good at mathematics and science subjects such as physics.
WHAT ELSE DOES IT TAKE?
A pilot needs to be: self-confident and able to inspire confidence in othersreliable, calm and level-headed
a good communicator
well-coordinated
fit and healthy (initial medical requirements are very high, and there are rigorous check-ups every six months)
LONG TRAINING
Every UK professional pilot must hold either a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL). The licence may be valid for either aeroplanes or helicopters. There is also a Basic Commercial Pilot’s Licence (BCPL) which can be a stepping stone to a CPL.
There are currently four main routes to getting a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and Instrument Rating:
By completing a full-time approved course
These last up to 15 months and are are expensive, up to £50,000. Therefore, you need to have considerable private funding, or a bank loan to pay your own way. Some airlines, including British Airways, sponsor the training, but only when they need pilots. Unless you have been sponsored, you are not guaranteed a job. That, you have to find yourself.
As a ‘self-improver’
By gaining a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), through courses at certain approved flying schools and clubs, you can then build up the necessary flying experience without having to attend the CPL course, although you still have to pass the examinations and flight tests. With additional flying experience and by passing an instructor course you may instruct.
With a foreign pilot’s licen
Some pilots train overseas, as course fees can be considerably cheaper and flying hours easier to accumulate due to good weather and plenty of airspace. However, conversion of a foreign CPL to a JAA CPL is likely to require additional training, flight tests and examinations.
As an ex-Armed Services pilot
Considerable concessions are available to experienced Armed Forces pilots seeking civil licences. However, selection and training as a pilot in the Forces is extremely tough.
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CTC Wings Cadet
As a CTC Wings Cadet, nothing stands in the way of achieving your dream to become a commercial airline pilot.
If you have little or even no flying experience, we will take you from the basics through single-engine and multi-engine flying and on to jet training and airline type rating with one of our well-known partner airlines.
What's more, this is an affordable, sponsored route into the airline industry. To ensure talented applicants aren't grounded by a lack of finance, the CTC Wings Cadet route operates an innovative financial solution to fund your training. Apply to the CTC Wings Cadet programme today and make your career fly - APPLY NOW
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