Flight training schools serve this very purpose. They allow beginners to train with professionals so that they can transition smoothly into their private or commercial flying careers. Scroll for more information.
If you have ever dreamed of being a pilot, you would be pleased to know that your dreams really aren’t out of reach. While pilot training and flying an aeroplane may feel like a difficult goal to achieve from the outside, if you have the required dedication and willpower, as well as the time and financial resources required, you can easily make your flying dreams come true!
However, getting started may be a little bit scary, especially when you do not have the required information on how to go about the process of becoming a certified pilot. Learning how to fly an aeroplane, while immensely satisfying and thrilling, is not as easy as learning how to drive a motor car. Given the complexity of the aircraft, proper training is necessary in order to be able to pilot one safely and efficiently.
One of the best ways to get started is through a certified flight training school. There are many such schools across the United Kingdom which have been licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the country, and they serve as the perfect launchpads for your flying career.
Whether you are interested in becoming a pilot in a professional capacity or you are more inclined towards flying as a hobby, a pilot course is pretty much a necessity. In order to get your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), you will be required to undergo training with a Certified Flying Instructor (CFI) who will teach you the ins and outs of piloting your own aircraft.
Beginner pilots are also less likely to have aircraft of their own that they can practice on, and flight training centres can be very valuable in such a scenario. Students at these schools get to learn the art of flying on well-maintained and up-to-date aircraft that they may otherwise not have access to.
Once a student has enough hours of training under their belt, they can easily apply for a licence depending on their preferred type, whether private or commercial. A flight training school is also a great place to meet with and learn from other pilots apart from the CFIs, and this creative and diverse learning environment makes for a great experience when kickstarting your aviation journey.
Different types of courses are offered by flight training schools depending on what kind of licence you aspire towards, and if you are unsure you can start off with the standard private pilot training and build upon your licence from there according to whatever route you choose to take.
If you are confused about where to start when it comes to flight schools and would like more information on what it is that these institutes offer, read on to find out everything you will need to know in order to get started!
WHAT IS A FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOOL?
Just as you would be required to get training in any field of work before entering the industry, you will need to undergo a course of practice and study before you can be allowed to fly an aeroplane on your own.
Flight training schools serve this very purpose. They allow beginners to train with professionals so that they can transition smoothly into their private or commercial flying careers. There are several stand-alone flight training schools and academies, while there are also many that are based within aviation clubs such as Sherburn Aero Club.
If you are looking to train in a more relaxed environment that offers the opportunity to socialise and interact with others in the field, a school-based within an aviation club is a wonderful option. The club membership can open up a world of possibilities for you, from learning from others in the field to flying together to various destinations.
All flight schools should be certified by the Civil Aviation Authority in order to be functional. This helps maintain a standard of training across the country, making sure that pilots are ready to go when they finally embark on their first solo flight.
Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to training, and not only do you learn how to keep yourself safe when in the air, but also look out for other traffic in the sky as well as the people on the ground. Going to a flight training school is a necessary part of the career of every pilot, and it ensures that you know what you are doing when you fly.
Students are trained by Certified Flight Instructors (CFI) who hold valid commercial pilot licences. It is important to ensure that you are learning from experienced pilots, which is where the highly-trained CFIs come in. If you are looking for a more concentrated form of training that does not focus too much on the social aspect of being a pilot and aviation enthusiast, you may prefer to opt for a stand-alone flight training academy instead.
These academies offer set courses that you can enrol in and apply to become a certified pilot once you have completed the necessary training.
HOW MUCH TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A PILOT
Depending on which type of licence you would like to get, the amount of training you will need will vary. The three most common types of pilot licences are the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL). Each of these certifications serves a unique purpose.
While the PPL and the LAPL allow you to pilot an aircraft for recreational purposes, the CPL is for those who wish to pursue aviation in a more professional capacity. PPL and LAPL holders cannot ask for monetary compensation in return for piloting an aircraft.
If you wish to make a career out of aviation, you will have to apply for a commercial licence. The commercial licence involves higher stakes, since you will be flying professionally, and the number of hours of flight training required is also significantly higher.
On the other hand, the PPL and LAPL requirements are relatively relaxed, since you are only expected to fly in a hobby-related setting.
Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)
With the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), the pilot is allowed to fly certain types of light aircraft, including microlights. These are smaller aeroplanes which are relatively easy to manoeuvre. For a pilot who is looking to get a licence quickly, the LAPL may be their best bet.
This is a general licence, so you cannot fly for monetary compensation or apply for employment as a pilot with this particular certification. In order to get a LAPL, you will also need to have a valid Class 2 medical certificate.
A medical certification is necessary in order to ensure that the pilot is fit to travel and can fly without being a threat to either themselves or others.
The total amount of hours needed in order to apply for a LAPL is 12. Out of the licences discussed in this section, this one is the simplest to obtain owing to the fact that the hourly requirement is not very demanding.
However, it must be kept in mind that the LAPL cannot be upgraded to Part-FCL, which allows UK licence holders to fly into European Union territory. Due to this reason, the LAPL is only valid within the borders of the United Kingdom, and if a pilot wishes to fly into EU territory or any other international airspace, an upgrade to a PPL will be necessary.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Out of all the general aviation licences, the PPL is the most popular owing to its diverse nature and the ability of this certification to be easily upgraded.
The initial PPL allows the pilot to fly any light aircraft such as the Cessna Skyhawk or the Piper PA 28. If a pilot wishes to fly a multi-engine aeroplane, then the PPL can easily be upgraded by adding the necessary ratings.
In order to apply for the PPL, a pilot must show a total of 45 hours of training. 10 hours out of these must be of solo flight, while the rest of the hours can be completed via dual instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). A valid Class 2 medical certificate is also necessary.
The PPL is the licence of choice for most recreational pilots because of the fact that it can be upgraded to involve international travel and larger aircraft. If a pilot wishes to fly into EU territory, all they need to do is upgrade their PPL to a Part-FCL, which allows them to fly EASA-approved aircraft.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
If you are someone who wishes to build a career in aviation, a general licence will simply not cut it. For anyone working as a professional pilot, a commercial licence is an absolute necessity. The entry-level commercial licence you can get is the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
The CPL is relatively more complicated to obtain as compared to the PPL or LAPL. This is because the licence requires a higher number of hours of training. In order to qualify for a CPL, the pilot must show a total of 200 hours of flight time, which is a significant jump when compared to the PPL.
Also, unlike the general aviation licences, the CPL requires the holder to have a valid Class 1 medical certificate, which is more stringent as opposed to the Class 2 medical certificate. Out of the 200 hours of training hours, a solo flight totalling 300 nautical miles is also a necessity.
WHAT IS THE BEST METHOD OF TRAINING FOR YOU
When it comes to methods of training, there really is no one type that comes out on top. Which training is best suited to you depends on your needs and how fast you would like to take to the skies.
Modular training
Modular training is the type in which the student sets the pace of the course. This is due to the fact that the pilot trains according to their own schedule, allowing for greater flexibility and the ability to train according to one's own schedule.
This mode of training is relatively more expensive due to the amount of customisation required but is better suited to working individuals who do not have the luxury of dedicating a set amount of time to training over a shorter period.
Integrated training
Integrated training is what most younger pilots opt for, mainly because of the fact that the course is offered altogether over a course of 14 to 18 months of full-time study. This mode of training is cheaper and allows the student to stay more focused.
If someone is looking to get into the sky fast, then this type of training is recommended. While it may not be as flexible as modular training, integrated training promises faster and more efficient results, not to mention it is also easier on the pocket.
SHERBURN AERO CLUB
If you are looking for a well-established place to kickstart your aviation journey, then Sherburn Aero Club is a great option for you. The club is located in Elmet, Leeds, the club is home to world-class CFIs as well as a fleet of well-maintained aircraft that are available for hire.
Sherburn offers a diverse and fun environment in which you can learn to fly an aeroplane with ease and relaxation without compromising on the quality and rigour of the training.
HOW MUCH WILL TRAINING COST
The cost, as discussed above, depends on the type of training you opt for, with modular training being more financially draining as compared to integrated training. On average, private pilot training costs anywhere between 8,000 to 11,000 GBP, and the price may go up if you are looking to train as a commercial pilot.
The type of aeroplane you choose to learn on as well as the cost of fuel and airfield fees may all influence how much you end up spending on training.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licenses, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on different flight training schools, licensing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Dan Lohmar on Unsplash
