flight training in fixed wing aircraft

Most people start by learning to fly a conventional light aircraft. These are usually fixed gear single-engined two seaters such as a Cessna 152 or a Piper Tomahawk. There are some lovely new aircraft becoming available for flight training too, such as the Diamond Katana. If you prefer, you can also learn on four seat aircraft such as the Robin, Pa28 or C172. These aircraft are of course more expensive to fly per hour but are far more comfortable and probably more like the type of aircraft that you will eventually choose to fly. It is worthwhile to mention that in many countries, larger aircraft are permitted that operate under the microlight category. Some of these aircraft are effectively indistinguishable from conventional aircraft and may even have better performance. Costs of maintenance and training are significantly less when operating a microlight.

The majority of private pilots maintain a simple PPL which entitles them to fly most types of single engine aircraft. If your ambitions are to fly aircraft with retractable landing gear and/or variable pitch propellers, (complex air craft) you must undertake a further few hours training to familiarise yourself with the extra complications. Some pilots go on to learn to fly aircraft with a tail wheel (tail draggers) or aircraft with more than one engine (multi) or even flying boats or seaplanes. In every case, further training and certification is needed. To a lot of people, obtaining new qualifications is a great pleasure which offers new and exciting challenges.

A straight PPL does not entitle a pilot to fly in cloud or lose sight of the land. Flying at night is also not allowed. To do this, you must go on to take an instrument rating and night flying qualifications. The instrument rating is difficult and very expensive to get. What is more, unless you intend to fly many hours in instrument conditions, you will very quickly 'get rusty' and be less than capable to meeting the demanding conditions.

In the UK, a 'half way house' instrument rating is on offer called the IMC rating, (instrument metrological conditions). This rating is much easier to obtain and permits private pilots to fly in cloud in the United Kingdom only. This rating is highly recommended even if you do not intend to 'fly blind' just in case you inadvertently fly into poor visibility.

Keeping in practice is a very important part of maintaining your licence. The aviation authority of your country of licence issue will have strict requirements that you must fulfil in order to remain 'current'. If you lose currency, you will have to go back to school and spend some time with an instructor. For instance, the European JAR requires you to fly a minimum of 12 hours every second year. You will also have to have at least one hour of time with a qualified instructor, who will check that you have not fallen into bad habits!  Any additional rating you gain will also require further checkouts. Flying aircraft requires that you maintain your skill level, so it is always highly desirable to continue to spend a few hours with your instructor who will help you to hone up your skills. If you don't use it, you will lose it!

Too Old?

Many folks take up flying in their later years and enjoy every minute of it. Of course, the younger you are, the quicker you learn. Factor an extra ten hours of training for every decade you carry after 35. Old dogs do learn new tricks, but just take a little longer! Medical checks become more frequent as you get older.

disabled flying

Being a pilot does not necessarily mean that you have to look like something out of Bay Watch. There are many disabled pilots out there. Many disabled pilots will tell you that flying is one sport where they have no disadvantage over able bodied people. The aviation authorities for the most part are very helpful and offer good advice. Special adaptations can be used to help you control the aircraft, although your choice of type is likely to be much more limited.

Not all airfields have facilities for the disabled. Many countries have associations for disabled pilots and it is well to check with these.

You may suffer from certain illnesses which will prevent you flying solo. Diabetes is one of these. However, you will still be able to train as a pilot, but will have to carry a 'safety pilot' at all times, just in case things go pear shaped. This is not at all such a big problem as it may appear, as flying is a very social thing, and you will nearly always be able to find another pilot to go with you. He/she might even share costs with you!

You can learn to fly in most countries. There are some differences of approach depending upon where you learn.

  United States

Flight training in the US is cheaper compared with Europe, so students from overseas often come to the US for training. You may consider though, that if you intend to fly in Europe, learning in the clear skies of America may not prepare you for European weather. You will also find some procedures are different as well as some terminology. Since Sept. 11, the United States is much more sensitive about foreign pilots and entry into the States through 'Homeland Security', has been described as a nightmare by some. You are advised to check with your local US consulate before booking US training.

  Flight training in Europe

To obtain your licence you will be required to have logged a certain minimum number of flight hours (depending on country - 30 to 40 in the USA, 45+ in the UK for example), and you must have satisfactorily performed a number of tasks, typically including emergency procedures, engine failure simulation, unusual attitudes, cross-country navigation and others. You will also have to pass some written exams, typically on the Theory of Flight, Human Performance Limitations, Meteorology and Navigation, although the exact ground syllabus will vary from country to country. Many papers will be multiple choice. A new simplified licence system has been out in place in the USA (sports pilot licence) and UK (National pilot licence). There are certain restrictions, but for many it will offer a much cheaper entry into flight.

what next?

So you have your new licence...what now? First, fly as much as you can and to new and distant places. Having just got your licence, you are probably more up to speed with flying than you will be in a year. This is really the time to spread your wings. So many folks just fly around their home field, lose confidence and then quit the sport. What a shame after so much hard work and investment.
You may decide to enter into a specialist field such a aerobatics, precision flying or rallying. The choice is yours, stay with it and get flying!

social impact

Before you start to learn to fly, it might be worth considering social implications.