In this guide, we will talk about the activities, courses, and training schedules of Private Pilot License (PPL) students and what you can expect from pilot training.
The life of a PPL student is always busy but can also be a lot of fun! Pilot training is serious business and whether you fly as a hobby or profession, it is important to always bring your A game for success. This is why PPL students may always seem like they are on the go, switching from ground training to practical training in the skies.
Visit any top aero club, like Sherburn Aero Club, and you will find students engaged in numerous activities. If you have wanted to know what it is like to be a pilot and what goes on in the life of a PPL student, then you are at the right place.
In this guide, we will talk about the activities, courses, and training schedules of Private Pilot License (PPL) students and what you can expect from pilot training.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) – The Best Choice for Enthusiasts
Private pilots are trained to fly lightweight aircraft as a hobby. This pilot license is specifically designed to cater to the needs of pilots who want the thrills of aviation with none of the commitments of an official career in aviation.
A private pilot programme teaches pilots the basics of flight and allows them to build the foundations of what can later on become a fruitful aviation career. Let us explain!
Private pilots receive the same training as commercial pilots, who train to pilot large aircraft that carry passengers and cargo. However, the difference in a PPL programme is that the training isn’t that in-depth and doesn’t cover the full syllabus that commercial pilots are expected to complete.
This means that private pilots are limited to flying only lightweight aircraft and can’t operate larger or more complex multi-engine aircraft - but they can still enjoy everything that aviation has to offer!
A PPL is best suited for people who want to pursue aviation as a hobby or for recreation only. In other words, these pilots can’t monetise their services but can continue their training later, exactly where they left off, to become commercial pilots!
This flexibility makes private pilot training more schedule-friendly, less costly, and more fast-tracked than commercial pilot training.
It is important to note that while private pilot training might not be as intensive, it still requires full discipline, and pilots are always expected to follow the strict regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
PPL holders are held to equally high standards and are scrutinised in the same way as any other licence holder.
To apply for a Private Pilot Licence, candidates begin with basic training that involves a series of ground and practical training courses. Ground training can involve learning about various subjects related to meteorology, navigation, communication, aircraft and human limitations, and much more. Practical training involves basic and advanced manoeuvre training as well as learning about emergency procedures and aircraft functionality.
Together, these courses provide PPL holders with all the information and experience they need to safely navigate the skies as a hobby.
Now, let’s look at what you can expect in a day in the life of a PPL student!
Day in the Life of a PPL Student
To make this guide easier to follow, we will break down the activities of a typical PPL student throughout different times of the day:
Morning: Pre-Flight Preparation
Arrival at Flight School
PPL students begin their day bright and early! They first arrive at the flight school to check in for their scheduled flight and ground lessons. Students must arrive early so that they have enough time to prepare for their day.
Briefings
PPL students are first briefed about the weather for the day and begin flight planning. Starting with weather is important because, in aviation, the weather dictates the safety of flight. Every PPL student flies within Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions. These set of conditions require clear skies, high visibility, and no probability of any type of weather event that could hinder the flight, like fog, heavy rain, and more.
PPL students use and interpret weather reports using accurate weather tools provided by the aero club such as the METAR (METeorological Aerodrome Report) and TAF (Terminal Area Forecast). Together these reports provide a comprehensive overview of the weather for the day.
After the weather conditions have been determined, the students shift their focus to flight planning where they plan flight routes, calculate headings and fuel requirements, and highlight any potential alternate airfields in case of emergencies.
Pre-Flight Checks
Before operating the aircraft, pilots are required to go through a series of checks known as pre-flight checks. These checks involve inspecting the assigned aircraft for problems and checking fuel levels, oil, control surfaces, and the functionality of instruments. These are important safety measures that every pilot must go through to confirm the overall health of the aircraft.
Mid-Morning Flight Lesson
Flight Briefing
After the checks, pilots will then head on to their instructors for a flight briefing that goes over the day’s lesson plan. Every flight focuses on a specific lesson. For example, pilots can focus on take-offs, landings, basic manoeuvres, or navigation. The instructor will clearly explain the goals of each flight and how to execute them.
Training Begins
Once briefed, students will head out for the flight lesson which typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours depending on the lesson. This is when pilots will actually get to fly and practice. Some advanced PPL students may even use this time to attempt their first solo flight as well.
Late Morning: Post-Flight Debrief
Debriefing
After landing and finishing the lesson, students will need to return to their instructors for an in-depth debriefing. This is when students discuss the particulars of the flight like what went well, what needs more improvement, and the key lessons from the session. This is an extremely important process that can help pilots hone in on their training gaps and work on them in the next session.
Logbook
All flight training goes towards a PPL student's flight-hour requirements. This is why private pilots must fill in their logbook with details about the flight, including the flight time, the lesson areas covered in the flight, and details about the instructor.
Lunchtime: Wind-down and Study
- Between lessons, students will get a break time where they can relax, grab food, and wind down until their next lesson. PPL students often use this time to catch up with fellow students and exchange notes on lessons.
- Study Time
Most PPL students take their break time to review study material, learn aviation theory, and if necessary, prepare for ground exams. These exams cover topics such as air law, meteorology, navigation, and principles of flight. Keep in mind that students who regularly utilise their free time to catch up on their gaps are far more likely to have an illustrious aviation journey than non-serious students!
Afternoon: Ground School Training
Theory Lessons
If students are not scheduled for another flight after their break in the afternoon, they will head on to attend ground school classes. These classes cover the theory of aviation and focus on the knowledge needed to pass the mandatory written PPL exams.
Ground training is an essential part of flight training that synergises and enhances practical training. The subjects that private pilots cover in ground school provide them with an understanding of how to approach practical training and can help them develop intuition for what to do during emergencies as well.
Solo Flights
Advanced PPL students who have passed their first solo flight can also utilise the afternoon time to practice solo flying. This is where students operate the aircraft alone and focus on flying a circuit around the airfield. During this time, these pilots can work on their take-offs, landings, and various in-flight procedures.
Late Afternoon: Reviewing
Flight Review
As the day comes to an end, the VFR conditions are not ideal to fly, which is why pilots shift their focus to review the lessons of the day and plan for the next lesson. PPL students usually use this time to go over the flight plan of the day again and make notes on what they need to focus on the next day.
Students can also dedicate some time in the late afternoon to study for their written exams if applicable. As mentioned above, these exams are mandatory and just as important as practical flight training. Failing to pass these exams can hinder the pilot’s ability to obtain their license on time.
Going Home: Reflecting
After a long day of training, pilots head back home! However, some pilots, if applicable, can take this time to meet other pilots and talk to instructors about how they can improve. Some pilots can also take this time to socialise or plan to meet up with other pilots in the community.
Pilot training is never lonely. You are always with like-minded individuals, and pilots must build a network and make friends along the way which makes training even more fun and perhaps even competitive!
Applying for a Private Pilot Licence
PPL students train for a singular goal: to obtain their Private Pilot License. This license not only allows them to fly on command under VFR conditions but can also enable them to become a full-fledged member of the aviation community. This means that you can plan solo flights with other pilots, explore new areas around your region, and even plan trips to other flight clubs for meet and greets!
Obtaining a private pilot license is very straightforward but requires that students have all their training and documentation in order. The first step is to check their eligibility for the license. As per the Civil Aviation Authority, student pilots need to be at least 17 years of age and have passed the basic medical tests required to obtain a Class 2 medical certificate.
This certificate checks the vitality of the pilot and determines whether the student is mentally and physically fit to operate an aircraft with utmost safety. Certain health conditions can hinder a pilot's ability to fly, which is why every pilot must go through strict medical screening procedures to determine their overall health status. Failing to obtain medical clearance can result in delays in your PPL training and in obtaining the license.
For new students, licensing requirements can be confusing. However, if you enrol at the right flight school, then you can get all of these services under one roof. For example, comprehensive training facilities like Sherburn Aero Club not only provide a platform for training but also tertiary services like in-house medical screening through a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) that can significantly help you learn about the procedures and requirements of the certificate.
Additionally, PPL candidates also must attempt various practical flight tests that go towards their required flight hours for the programme. After fulfilling the minimum training requirements, the pilot can apply for their PPL by submitting supporting documents, proof of training, and an application fee to the CAA.
Aero clubs also have a dedicated staff to help students with obtaining their licenses. These schools are affiliated with the CAA and have a direct connection with regulatory bodies. This means that the staff can help you get your documentation in line with the standards set by the CAA which can immensely help in you obtaining your license as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Keep in mind that if even one piece of documentation is missing from the application, you will have to resubmit and incur additional fees, which can be time-consuming and annoying!
Once submitted, the CAA will individually assess the pilot’s documents and then award them with their licence. A typical PPL usually takes months but can take even longer depending on the application. The total time comes down to the candidate and how quickly they can progress through their theoretical and practical training.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
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.
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.
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 at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on Private Pilot Licences, training requirements, and licencing procedures at Sherburn.
Photo by Kristopher Allison on Unsplash
