In this guide, we will cover the types of licenses required by private pilots, basic requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority, and a list of the best aero clubs in Norfolk to fly to from Sherburn.
Norfolk is located from a short distance from Sherburn which makes it an ideal place for private pilots to visit!
Home to outstandingly clear skies and beautiful manmade and natural structures, Norfolk is perhaps one of the most scenic counties in the country. If you have been planning to visit Norfolk from Sherburn, then keep on reading below.
In this guide, we will cover the types of licenses required by private pilots, basic requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority, and a list of the best aero clubs in Norfolk to fly to from Sherburn.
Types of Aircraft Licenses
There are primarily three types of licenses in aviation:
Private Pilot License
The Private Pilot License (PPL) is one of the most commonly issued licenses by the Civil Aviation Authority. This license allows pilots to fly light aircraft for leisure purposes.
So, if you are someone who wants to step into the world of aviation without fully committing to a career in the field, then this license is for you.
The biggest benefit of the license is that it is usually an excellent way to quickly step inside the cockpit of your favourite light aircraft. A Private Pilot License has relatively relaxed training requirements, compared to other comprehensive licenses for commercial flying.
A private pilot programme usually involves a mixture of ground and flight training. For ground training, pilots are expected to cover the basics of various subjects related to aviation. For example, you can expect to learn about aerodynamics, meteorology, aircraft limitations, fuel calculations, human limitations, and much more.
The ground training for a private pilot programme is much more like a regular school, where you are expected to attend classes and take exams to prove your comprehension of the subjects.
This training is conducted at a flight school that is registered and validated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Much like any university, the school will make sure that you are thoroughly tested and vetted before you apply for your license.
The Civil Aviation Authority will separately go over your documents to make sure that you are fit to fly under the policies and requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Once everything is in order, you will be issued a license that you can use almost immediately to fly aircraft for leisure purposes only.
Private pilot programmes can be more cost-friendly for pilots since this programme has relatively lesser requirements. However, you are expected to perform at a very high level and will be held to a high standard as per the CAA.
If you decide to turn your hobby into a career, then you can continue your training where you left off and apply for a commercial license as well.
Commercial Pilot License
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is another commonly issued license that enables pilots to fly larger aircraft for commercial purposes. For example, a commercial pilot can fly large passenger planes and cargo planes, and they can even use their skills for freelancing opportunities in aviation.
Commercial pilots are rigorously tested and have stricter training requirements. Both private and commercial pilot programmes share the same study material, but commercial pilots are expected to delve even deeper into various subjects.
Furthermore, commercial pilots also have to train for additional modules that cover training subjects like simulation training, instrument training, and more.
Commercial pilot programmes are naturally more expensive due to their extensive training requirements, but once pilots are issued their license, they can easily find a job that matches their skills.
For example, airliners are constantly looking for next-generation pilots that can push the industry forward. If you prove your skills during training, then your flight school may even refer you to big airliners that can offer job opportunities even before you graduate.
Additionally, the career progression for commercial pilots is also excellent. Commercial pilots can begin their careers as co-pilots and go all the way up to being captains of large aircraft. Of course, they are also paid handsomely and are respected all over the world.
The road to getting a commercial license may seem long and daunting, however, if you train at a premier training school like Sherburn Aero Club, then the instructors can make training way more fun, engaging, and even easier.
Light Aircraft Pilot License
A Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL) is an increasingly popular type of license aimed at people who want the thrills of aviation without any serious commitment. This type of license is perfect for people who only want to pursue aviation as a hobby and at their own pace.
A Light Aircraft Pilot License is similar to a Private Pilot License, but unlike in a private pilot training programme, a LAPL has even more relaxed training requirements – and you also have the liberty to choose your training times according to your schedule. This makes LAPL an excellent way to learn how to fly at your own pace!
Most aero clubs offer dedicated LAPL training but we recommend that you enrol at a top-tier flight school like Sherburn Aero Club which has highly trained flight instructors that can make training even easier for you.
Please keep in mind that every training programme is dependent on the competency of the instructor. The more competent the instructor, the more likely you are to easily progress throughout training.
Using a Light Aircraft Pilot License, you can fly certain aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which are essentially rules that highlight when a pilot can fly. Under VFR, pilots are only allowed to fly in clear weather conditions with stable winds.
The benefit of LAPL is that regular folks can quickly progress through their training and start flying aircraft. Even with limitations, this type of license will be more than enough for the vast majority of people who only want to fulfil their dream of flying an aircraft.
The good news is that just like private pilot training, you can continue your training where you left off to pursue other types of licenses.
Pilot Medical Certificates
There are two types of medical certificates in aviation:
- Class 1 medical Certificate
- Class 2 Medical Certificate
Let’s go over these certificates in reverse since a class 2 certificate is the most issued certificate for private pilots.
A class 2 certificate is aimed at private pilots who can only fly aircraft for leisure purposes and is issued by a Certified Medical Examiner (CME). This type of certificate has fewer restrictions and is geared to assess the general health of a pilot before they are allowed to operate a light aircraft.
A class 2 medical certificate screens for basic health issues that may hinder the pilot’s ability to fly an aircraft.
For example, a class 2 certificate requires eye tests to confirm that the pilot can operate an aircraft without any hindrance. Similarly, a pilot is also screened for general physical fitness to confirm that they can operate an aircraft for extended periods without facing issues.
Some health issues, like heart diseases or uncontrolled autoimmune diseases, may disrupt a pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft. Therefore, a pilot must share their treatment details and prove that their condition is under control before they are issued a class 2 certificate.
Class 1 certificates are the gold standard for the aviation industry and are only issued for commercial pilots. This is a very comprehensive medical certificate that covers various aspects of a pilot’s health.
Naturally, this certificate has stricter requirements and is considerably more in-depth than a regular class 2 certificate.
A class 2 certificate screens a pilot’s health in every possible way. The pilot has to provide detailed information about their existing health conditions and any treatment plans that they are currently on.
This information is vetted by a certified medical examiner and the case is individually assessed by the Civil Aviation Authority before the license is issued.
As you can imagine, commercial pilots are held to a very high standard and must operate passenger aircraft in the most professional way possible. Any hindrance in their ability to operate the aircraft due to health conditions can add risk to a flight which is not acceptable in aviation.
The good news is that most pilots, even the ones with health conditions, can attain a class 1 medical certificate so long as they provide detailed evidence of their condition and prove that their condition will not affect their ability to operate the aircraft.
Medical certificates are a testament to how seriously the aviation industry takes passenger flights.
If you wish to apply for a medical certificate, then we recommend that you consult with your aero club to find out more about the right strategy to apply for a certificate. Some comprehensive aero clubs, like Sherburn Aero Club, offer an in-house medical examiner who can help you with your application.
This means that you wouldn’t have to go through a lengthy process of applying for a distant date and then travel to the clinic to get tested. Please make sure that you share all the details of your health with the examiner so that they can guide you on how you can easily attain your certificate on time.
Best Aero Clubs in Norfolk to fly to from Sherburn
Here are some of the most visited aero clubs in Norfolk:
Anglia Flight Training
Anglia Flight Training Centre may not be the flashiest aero club in the county, but it is one of the best no-frills aero clubs where pilots can learn how to fly with the help of competent instructors without breaking the bank.
Whether it's private pilot training or light aircraft pilot training, you can easily find the right programme for your needs at highly competitive rates.
This aero club may not have a long list of amenities, but if you are interested in visiting a calm, friendly, and welcoming aero club then we recommend that you start here.
Premier Flight Training Limited
Premier Flight Training Limited, as the name suggests, is a top-tier flight school located at Norwich Airport.
The biggest attraction of this aero club is its talented instructors and passionate students. The club is known for its competitive yet friendly environment and its fleet of aircraft.
If you are looking for a thrilling and fun flying experience, then we highly recommend that you visit here. Since the club is located in an established airport, you will easily find all the amenities you need.
Please make sure that you book your visit in advance as this club is known to be busy during different days of the week.
Old Buckenham Aero Club
This aero club has a relaxed but highly professional approach to aviation. Whether it's private pilot training or competitive flying, this club has it all. It is one of the oldest and most comprehensive flying clubs in the county with a rich history in aviation.
Old Buckenham Aero Club is located in Old Buckenham airfield and the club has access to clear blue skies and the very best natural features of Norfolk.
Sky Blue Flight Training
Looking for down-to-earth and professional flight instructors? Then we suggest that you try visiting Sky Blue Flight Training.
The school is located in Dereham, Norfolk, and is perfect for students who want to learn how to fly a Piper PA 28 Warrior. This club might not have all the bells and whistles of larger schools, but it has a lot of heart and one of the best instructors in the field.
You can be confident that you will not only learn how to fly aircraft but also develop the right work ethic and mindset to approach even advanced flight courses in aviation.
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.
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 licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
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 in various types of light aircraft.
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.
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.
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.
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 at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, fee structure, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash
