SEP rating about to run out, what do I do

[BOZR_DOUGIE]

So my SEP rating on my JAR UK PPL is about to expire. I have nowhere near 12 hours in the past year (Pants weather and well lack of money)

What do I do after it expires?

Do I have to do another skills test?

[foxmoth]

Either that or get flying - more than 12 hours of daylight ATM and some decent weather! :}

[trident3A]

It's not a skills test, it's a license proficiency check, see point 2 here:
http://www.higherplane.co.uk/faq.html

[BackPacker]

Just let it lapse. Apparently it's not worth it to you. Don't throw good money after bad.

If ever you get bitten by the bug again, it's some retraining and a test - which would be a wise move even if the regulations would not specify this.

[BOZR_DOUGIE]

So the fact that my rent has gone up, and my income has done well is MY fault then?

Great thanks for that

Foxmouth - And not enough money

[BackPacker]

So the fact that my rent has gone up, and my income has done well is MY fault then?

Nope. That's just life that sucks sometimes.

Flying is a fantastic hobby but at the end of the day it's a hobby. Something you do in your spare time, and with your disposable income. If spare time becomes less or disposable income dries up, flying is something you should give up. Otherwise it's going to eat up time and/or money that really should be spent elsewhere.

But anyway, you're trying to answer the question "should I continue flying?" now. But in reality that answer has already been provided to you over the last year or so. If you did not find the time, the money or the motivation to fly even a few of the required 12 hours in the last year or so, it's time to open your eyes to reality.

As for the weather being pants, well, that's just looking for an excuse. I fly for pleasure too, strictly day VFR and I did some 35 hours this year already. I know the weather in Ireland is different from what we get in NL, but it's not that different.

[The500man]

Mine is about to expire as well and I haven't done the 12 hours in the last 12 months either, but I was thinking: Cherokee Six and a family trip to France!

If money is a problem for you and you haven't flown much or at all, how do you intend to even practice for the proficiency check? I know there are some cowboy examiners out there that will sign your piece of paper for a a few pints but if you knew one of them I'm sure you wouldn't be asking on here what to do!

Best of luck!

[Camargue]

I have a feeling if you renew within 3 months of expiry its just a proficiency check, pay some money for the test and you're good to go. This sounds it will be cheaper than doing the hours required and is something I have done in the past.

if your sep has lapsed for more than 3 months there is some retraining which will require more money

The question for you is how much flying do you think you will do in the next 2 years?
maybe cheaper to let it lapse and come back to it when money allows

[flybymike]

Someone asks a civil simple question requiring only a civil simple answer, and instead receives presumptuous lecturing advice on what to do with their life.

Hey ho...

[BOZR_DOUGIE]

I just don't know, I am 24 and I worked hard to get my PPL when I was 19 so I tried to keep it up.

But meh its just got repetitive and I fly from a less than idea location and airport that has driven me mad as well. Its become a bit of a chore if I am honest. I don't know what I am meant to do with the PPL now

[worldpilot]

It is a good idea to seek guidance on this forum to support your decision-making process in aviation context. However, in terms of moving forward though, an important question to ask yourself is, what is the value of earning (extending) the SEP rating to you?

If the idea is just simply to have the SEP rating on record, then it is not worth wasting your time and money to extend the SEP rating.

In aviation context, being proficient in aircraft operations is of paramount importance and if your circumstances aren't favourable enough to provide you the capabilities to nuture your skills and gain experience to become a season pilot, you might be endangering yourself by taking to much risks.

So, carefully evaluate your private circumstances and understand the ramifications. Unfortunately, this forum is not an adequate place to address that. Once you sort that out, you should be able to comfortably address the question you're asking.

In terms of renewing your SEP rating when it expires, I would advise on doing the following:

1: Get a CAA examiner to address the issue

2: Form SRG1119C is required for renewing the SEP rating.

3: Be ready to perform the proficiency check

4: Your medical must be valid

5: Be ready to take care of the expenses and fees

Good luck

WP

[Saab Dastard]

Its become a bit of a chore if I am honest. I don't know what I am meant to do with the PPL now

Can I suggest you have look at this recent thread:
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying/540346-why-i-may-quit-flying.html

Others have been where you are for a variety of reasons.

SD

[Camargue]

Nothing ever stays the same, things change and we need to adapt.

The old 5 hours in 13 months rule allowed a lot of pilots to dip in and out as they wanted. It allowed for a lot of awful pilots too.

You need to see what you enjoy. Don't be afraid to find a different airfield. Despite there being 8 within 30 miles of me in london I currently fly from one 70 miles away for various reasons.

If budget is a problem why not fly alternate years when your sep is due for re validation?
My poison is aerobatics and if I couldn't afford to do that I would have let my ppl lapse long ago. There is no shame in finding flying from A to B boring or wondering why you bother.

[Hadley Rille]

If you're on a budget why not switch to 3-axis microlights? Easy conversion with differences training and about £100/hr wet. Only need 12 hours in 24 months to stay current and of those up to 4 can be P2. Machines like the Ikarus or CT can out-perform many of the older group As.
It may see you through your drought and as they can only be rented from clubs you get the social advantages of membership and get to fly mainly from lovely grassy strips in the countryside.
Just being in the air is the most important thing.

[phiggsbroadband]

Hi Bozr.. If you are interested in the navigational side of flying, there is one sport that you could do, that will keep you fit, and cost less than a couple of hours in a Cessna, per year.... Its Orienteering...


Orienteering - The adventure sport for all! - YouTube


There is also a version on Mountain Bikes that is similar, but covers much more distance per event.


.