Originally Posted by
Coliandro
Hello,
I live in Germany at the moment...What's the cheapest way to get a PPL? Is it possible to attend online classes for the theory?
Thank you
Hi Coliandro,
first things first, check the terms and conditions. Too many clubs quote an unrealistic price for the PPL. Secondly, determine whether they are charging hobbs or flight time. Thirdly, choose your licence. Solely intent on flying SEP in VFR conditions in Europe - go for the LAPL. Light and skinny and don't mind taking max one person? Go for the UL. You can always add later.
Concerning theory, you can attend online courses but IIRC you need a certain amount of attendance in the classroom. Having said this, I know of a pilot who did their theory in english whilst on holiday in Spain but ended up doing their practical exams in Germany for reasons I won't go into here - having the results of the english theory exams accepted by the LBA wasn't a problem.
You should also be aware that there are specialised ground schools - Erlangen, I believe has one but they're not the only ones - where you can do all the exams within a fortnight - however please note that you only have 2 years once you pass your final theory in which to complete your licence otherwise the theory exam passes become invalid.
Concerning cheap - the best is to choose an instructor who 'works for you' - some instructors are instructing in order to build hours, others really enjoy teaching and are good at it. If you choose a club and feel your instructor isn't quite bringing it over to you, if you feel that you aren't learning something new with each lesson, ask to fly with another one, see if it works better. Human interactions can sometimes be difficult. You are also the paying customer so you should feel empowered to be able to state clearly that you believe you aren't benefiting from the tuition to it's fullest extent.
Also, try flying regularly - once a week for an hour plus briefing / debrief at a minimum. Any less than that and you will tend to forget what you previously learnt and have to review it.
If you let people know whereabouts you are based in Germany, maybe other forumites can give you recommendations which schools are good. I'm based in the Ruhr Valley and can give you recommendations from this area.....