FRTOL - Solo soon -

[HeathrowAirport]

Hello All,

I know it's probably early in training and I could do this at a later date, however - my Instructor says as I am good at RT (now doing all of it during flight) so I might as well do an FRTOL Examination, before I go solo - as I am due to start circuits next lesson.

I will be taking Airlaw shortly after my AS level exams have passed.

And as an added benefit I will go for an RT license.

Can somebody explain to me however what happens with this process?

1) I have the PPL books (Flying bag from Transair)
1a) Copy of CAP413
Is this sufficient to study? and what sections will I need to note for the exams?

2) What exams do I need to do? How does it work?

3) Does it get printed off their and then with the examiner? or do I have to wait for the CAA to send it to me? :ugh: (a few months)

4) I have a contact at Biggin Hill - £75 for the exam and issuance of the license (I believe)

5) Is that the cheapest?

Regards.

[chevvron]

If it's the guy at Biggin that I've heard of, he gives you a live practice run before you take the practical. There are also examiners at Fairoaks, Blackbushe and Redhill, why not look at the list on the AIC and try them?

[HeathrowAirport]

He's over at Cabair. However thanks for pointing me to the AIC.

Gives me an Idea of what to do, so does this go to the CAA before Issuance? Or isit printed their and then?

http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/aic/EG_Circ_2004_W_019_en.pdf

6- Validity.

Is it saying I need to pass my NPPL within 12 (Impossible with current funds) months of taking the FRTOL? However If I was taking the NPPL examinations such as AIRLAW this becomes 18 months (Possible with current funds)? And if I was taking FRTOL it becomes 24 months?

That to me is not understandable, and I normally understand things I read :yuk:



Regards

[Whopity]

The list of Examiners has not been on the AIC for many years it is located here (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/FRTOLExaminersOctober2009v3.pdf) Fees vary between examiners so shop around. Download this Form (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/FORSRG1171.PDF) which identifies things you should know and may be in the test.

The following documents are good reading
CAP 413 Supplement (http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=3749)
Safety Sense Leaflet 22 (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/ga_srg_09webSSL22.pdf)
ATSOCAS Interactive Guide (http://www.airspacesafety.com/content/ATSOCAS.asp)
The RT Written Exam is also part of your JAA PPL Exams so make sure the examiner signs both the PPL and FRTOL Application Forms
If you pass both FRTOL Exams, written and Practical you can apply to the CAA for your FRTOL, free of charge, provided you have a medical certificate and get your flying school to endorse Section 5 of the FRTOL application form (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SRG1106FF.pdf)

The FRTOL is a separate licence to your NPPL. The FRTOL exams are valid for one year for FRTOL issue however, if taken with your NPPL, all exams must be passed within an 18 month period then they are valid for a further 24 months. Once the FRTOL is issued, it has no effect on your NPPL application.

[HeathrowAirport]

Hello,

Thanks very much for the reply, that really does help.

Just to double check. If I am to take the FRTOL Examination + Communications Theory + Airlaw before I go Solo. I have 24 months to complete my NPPL before everything expires?

So if I was to take my FRTOL now, it will only last 12 months? So I would have to pay another £75 even though I am legally using the license for Dual and Solo flight.

Regards.

[Whopity]

If you take your FRTOL now, you can apply for the licence which is valid for 10 years. There is no charge for a FRTOL if you are a student pilot or hold another CAA issued flight crew licence. So there is no £75 to pay.

All the NPPL ground exams must be passed in a 18 month period. The 24 months runs from passing the last exam. The FRTOL is a separate licence; you can combine your applications or you can obtain the FRTOL first, its your choice and costs you nothing.

[HeathrowAirport]

Hi,

Sorry for the late reply. ALevel Exams.

Ah now I understand, So I Might as well just take Airlaw and just save the money for other exams or flying time, and wait till I have NPPL before getting FRTOL.

Cheers.

[Postiee]

As I read it you need the FRTOL before you can get your NPPL license, and the exam is included with the 6 other subjects.
From page 31 of the NPPL syllabus:

4. A pass in The Communications examination for the Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence (FRTOL) as shown in the list of subjects above, shall be obtained together with all the other theoretical knowledge examinations in the 18 month period counted from the end of the calendar month when the applicant first attempted an examination. Thereafter it will remain valid for a period of 24 months for the issue of a FRTOL when combined with a course of PPL training. The examination shall be completed prior to the NPPL General Skill Test.