Just a couple of alterations to MJ's otherwise wise council.
It's not the Air Law exam, its a purpose designed "first solo" exam. (they changed it after your time MJ)
To head off the inevitable "you-must-pass-your-air-law-before-you solo-under-caa-ppl-rules"....no you don't.
No pre course study is necessary (but remember, 95% of all these Cadets will have soloed previously in glider, so they are not total noobs to the the flying scheme). There is a full groundschool.
Up to 2 years ago (when I was involved) alcohol was prohibited (for all ages) and a quick way to sent home.
CFS attend regularly both to certify the civilian instructors to instruct on the ACPS and to audit the output (they fly with about 15% of all cadets who solo).
The reports go to your ATC boss and ATC HQ RAFC Cranwell. If you fly with the CFS, they will write a report as well. Incidentally, if you are lucky to be one of these, it a 13th hours and all hours can be logged in the usual PPL fashion. You will get a fully certified log book out of it.
The reports belong to the RAF (MOD) as you would expect, since they are paying.
Search youtube for "ACPS Dundee" (but ignore "Fawlty Towers" they don't stay there anymore.)
Again, it will be awesome, the more you put in, the more you will get out.
Finally re drill
wind ups between courses are both frequent and successful
