How many of us have dreamed about learning to fly? Or played Microsoft flight simulator on the PC and thought, wow it would be so cool to learn for real. Then we just dismiss it as a crazy dream and continue living our life.
However every time an aircraft flies overhead you can’t help but look up at it and think, what if?
Well I was the same as all of you, until this year I decided, wait a minute I CAN actually do this. Every year thousands of people get their Private Pilots License which allows them to fly under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) in small light aircraft.
The great thing about the Private Pilots License is that it is also the start of modular flight training which can take you right through to a Frozen Air Transport Pilot License. Once you have this you can apply to airlines for a job!
The Private Pilots License is not a commitment that should be taken lightly. At current rates here in the UK it will cost around £8000 to learn to fly and that is only if you do it in the minimum time of 45 hours.
You should make sure that you have enough money to fly regularly because gaps in training will most likely end in you spending more money to gain your license.
Your instructor will take you from no experience to being able to fly safely, recover from upsets, navigate and become and expert on the radio. On top of this you will also have to complete 9 exams. These exams are the following –
- Air Law
- Operational Procedures
- Human Performance and limitations
- Meteorology
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Principles of Flight
- Communications
- Navigation
You will be surprised how many flying schools there are all over the country, there is most likely one near you. Most schools will offer trial lessons which will allow you to get a feel for if this is for you. The time you fly on your trial license can also be counted towards your total hours and the 45 you need to be issued your license.
If you have ever dreamed of learning to fly, do it! Get down to your local club and get up in the air.
Thousands of people do it every year so why can’t you?
