PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Advice about JAA PPL training in US
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Old 30th April 2004 | 14:38
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MikeJeff
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 121
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From: Sussex
I went to NAC the other week to do an IMC + Night. Have to say it was almost all good. I know weather etc is more reliable out there, but I do believe that a lot of UK flying schools could benefit from their approach to flying and training.

In terms of doing my PPL out there intensivly, everyone seemed to do OK that I spoke to and as a pilot with some experience in the UK, I'd only have two reservations in recommending someone do a PPL in the States - and this applies to any school out there.

Firstly the radio is another world. I think each system has its merits and demerits (in the US you are cleared to land a long time before the runway is clear for you to do so... Tower controllers can give assigned headings.. how on earth that can be acceptable without a radar I don't know! but on the other hand. You get cleared for an ILS approach from the start, no need to report LLZ established and then get a further descent clearance and although the RT is a little too informal, it usually means you get an explanation for everything you're told to do - for example, "can I pursuade you to turn left onto 310 after take-off, I've got two jets departing any they'll be right up your a*s!")

Second thing is the nav is completly different and I think much more difficult. Especially in that part of Florida, which is dominated by swampland! However you'll find that makes nav in the congested UK seem much easier!
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