Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane)

JAR-FCL PPL(A)

The PPL requires a minimum of 35 hours of flying training (although the licence may not be applied for until 45 hours have been completed) and allows the licence holder to fly in most European States and many other countries.

 
The licence, which includes a Single Engine Piston (SEP) Land Rating, permits the holder to carry passengers in visual conditions during daylight hours. A valid JAA Class 2 medical certificate must be held prior to any solo flight during training, and for all subsequent private flying. PPL holders can build on the basic privileges by training for additional qualifications; these are the Night Qualification and the Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Rating. For a pilot to exercise the privileges of the licence, the SEP(Land) Rating must be revalidated or renewed every two years. This can be done either by acquiring a specific amount of flying experience, as well as a training flight, or by taking a flight test.

National Private Pilot Licence

(NPPL)

This licence was introduced specifically to meet the needs of the recreational flier who does not need the full privileges of the JAR-FCL PPL. Candidates may simply obtain a Declaration of Medical Fitness from their GP to begin training towards a NPPL. The syllabus is very similar to the 'full' JAR-FCL PPL however, once gained, the NPPL offers fewer privileges.

The NPPL requires a minimum of 32 hours of flying training - plus two flight tests -- and allows the licence holder to fly only within UK airspace.
 
The NPPL includes a Simple Single Engine Aeroplane (SSEA) Rating; this permits the licence holder to fly single engine aircraft of less than 2000kg in visual conditions whilst carrying passengers. A certificate of fitness from a GP, equivalent to DVLA Group 2 Standard, must be held for solo flying during training and for licence issue. It is not possible to attach further qualifications, such as Night or IMC Rating, to this licence. Should the NPPL holder decide to upgrade to a JAR-FCL PPL(A), a minimum 45 hours of flying training, plus the JAR-FCL PPL (A) Skill Test must have been completed, as well as holding the JAA Class 2 medical certificate. The seven theoretical knowledge examinations are identical for both NPPL and JAR-FCL PPL.

Training for both licences may only be carried out by a Registered Facility operating from an aerodrome which is licensed for flight instruction. You can rest assured that Northumbria Flying School meets all the requirements for registration stipulated by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Night Qualification

This allows you to fly during the hours of 'official night'. It can be invaluable if you get delayed during a flight and may enable you to continue to your destination, rather than land somewhere else before nightfall. It is a requirement to have completed the training for the night qualification prior to taking the test for the Commercial Pilot Licence.

A minimum of 5 hours flying training must be completed, which include at least 3 hours of dual flight, a one-hour dual navigation exercise and five solo take-offs and landings. The qualification does not expire but, in order to carry passengers at night, you must have carried out at least one unassisted takeoff and landing at night in the preceding 90 days.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Rating

(IMC)

The IMC rating allows you to pilot your aircraft in slightly worse weather conditions, where visibility is lower than visual meteorological conditions. The rating is designed to give you the skills to divert to an area of better weather, or land in deteriorating weather conditions. The IMC rating is a UK rating* and therefore is not valid in other countries.

Specific experience requirements must be met before applying for the IMC rating. The training - all dual with an instructor -- consists of a minimum of 15 hours, including 10 hours flying solely by reference to the aircraft's instruments. The student will have to pass both a written theoretical examination and practical flight examination. The rating is valid for 25 months and in order to renew it a practical flight test must be passed.

When flying in IMC conditions, even the private pilot is expected to demonstrate a high level of skill and professionalism. With the excellent Air Traffic service and facilities available at Newcastle Airport we are able, locally, to train students in a variety of instrument approaches as well as enable them to experience en-route procedures in a radar-controlled environment.

*Owing to changes in European aviation legislation due to come into force in 2012, the IMC Rating may change, or even be withdrawn. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that any instrument training carried out before then will always stand the private pilot in good stead.

Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence

(FRTOL)

The need for clear and unambiguous communication between pilots and Air Traffic Control has long been recognised as an important factor in assisting the safe and expeditious operation of aircraft. The use of correct and precise standard RT phraseology is vital and both the PPL and NPPL student will sit a written communications paper as part of their licensing requirements. Once qualified, they will need to hold a FRTOL in order to use an aircraft's radios - this is a legal requirement when inside controlled airspace and is a must before applying for an IMC Rating. The licence is obtained by passing an oral RT test with a ground examiner.

Differences training

Differences training

The PPL holder can undertake additional training to convert onto different types of aeroplane, or those with more advanced equipment or systems. Although no ratings are awarded, specific training is required to qualify to fly aircraft with a tailwheel, a constant-speed propeller or retractable undercarriage. Northumbria Flying School can provide the training to suit.

Aviation Activities

Aviation activities

This may simply involve providing a friendly instructor to help out on a family flight to an unfamiliar destination. And we organise flyaways to interesting places: aviation museums, somewhere for lunch, even across the Channel to France! Flyaways are a great way to extend your experience and capabilities, get to know fellow pilots and, on a practical note, share the flying and the costs. You could do a familiarization course at a local grass airfield; or even sample the thrill of aerobatics! At Northumbria Flying School we really do want to see pilots spread their wings!