Originally Posted by
BoeingBoy
Hi Paczo,
You seem to have organised your ideas very well and there is no reason that you shouldn't go forwards to enjoy learning to fly.
As to which school to use it's best to make your own mind up by visiting all those on your list and seeing which one welcomes you best and which makes you feel 'right' about using them. All the airfields you list have good schools available but one thing to bear in mind is that Coventry is constantly under threat and at present is scheduled to close in the coming summer.
Never, ever, pay up front for blocks of training as schools go out of business with frequent regularity!
I stand to be corrected but I think the language test can be done as part of the RT exam so most schools should offer that. As for reading material there is no harm in starting with what you've got (principles of flight and meteorology don't change for political reasons!). You can update what you need along the way.
If you intend to do the full Part FCL-PPL (A) then you will need a Class 2 medical which you can do with your nearest AME shown on the CAA website. If you are intending to only do the NPPL then a Pilots Medical Declaration will suffice. Only renew your Class 1 if you intend to go professional.
Good Luck.
You can be given a level 6 language assessment by either a RT examiner or a PPL skill test examiner. Nothing to worry about there unless they can’t understand what you are saying! There is no fee for the assessment and level 6 is the normal everyday standard.
I am told the cheapest flying in that area is at Shobdon, it’s certainly the best flying area but not that easy to drive to. They are not very well organised either, always a problem with committee run flying clubs. Last time I was there a few months back I was shocked to see how scruffy the place was!
Any flying school is only as good as the FI who teaches you. Most are run on shall we say, a relaxed basis! Just keep in mind the PPL is a self study course and you will learn to fly despite your flying instructor!