Just a quick one if I may:

What can I expect for the R/T practical exam? Do I have to do much on IFR calls? How long does it last roughly? What are the major failing points (if any stand out!). I`ve tried a search, but no joy.

Thanks alot in advance.....

R/T practical is no great drama.

It is a VFR scenario, with you 'flying' a route in a little spam can. They will expect you to make calls appropraite to where you are on the route, react to in flight emergencies and generally use correct R/T procedures.

CAP 413 is the source for correct terminology. CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 22 gives you an example of a test.

I assume you are either working on a PPL or doing your JAA ATPLs. The R/T is perhaps the least complex of them all!

Take a look at GA Safety Sense Leaflet 22 - Radiotelephony. There's an example RT practical in it. Look at

http://www.caa.co.uk/srg/general_aviation/document.asp?groupid=231

:)

It’s no great shakes. Mine was a simulated VFR flight, along the lines of:

Take off from A/G equipped airfield
Penetrate MATZ
Penetrate class ‘D’ airspace
Contact en-route frequency
Pass PAN call for a vessel in distress
Arrival at an ATC equipped airfield, with MAYDAY on downwind.

You’ll get a sheet with all the appropriate frequencies, and a chart with all the relevant information on. Within reason, you can take as much time as you like between calls – the only stipulation being that the test can’t last longer than it would if it was a real flight. You’ll certainly have enough time to write down each call before you make it, so no worries about getting tongue-tied.

As already said, if you have a decent working knowledge of CAP 413, you shouldn’t have any problems.