PPL Ireland

[Cessna 172S Skyhawk]

Just really looking for some advise -

I am starting my PPL in February 2011, and have been doing a lot of reading about getting my PPL.

Does anyone know, in Ireland, do you have to get a Radio Telephony Licence. If you do, how do you get this licence, and how do you apply for the exams to get it.

Probably a stupid question to all you experienced pilots out there, but I cannot seem to find the answer anywhere.

So to get your PPL,

45 hours (min) flying time
to include 150 cross country with 2 landings in other airfields
4 MCQ Exams to pass

My question is, is there anything apart from the 2 above items you have to achieve (Radio Telephony Licence, etc) before you are granted the PPL.

Just trying to calculate how much everything will cost.

Any advise is appreciated

[dublinpilot]

There is no radio licence in Ireland.

It comes as part of your PPL. Your examiner will examine your radio work as part of your skills test. There is no seperate test for it.

Your isntructor will also sign your log book to say that your radio work is ok, before sending you off solo.

dp

[Cessna 172S Skyhawk]

Thanks DublinPilot

[jollyrog]

That sounds far too complicated.

Here in Britain, you can use the radio as a student, including all your solo flights. Then, when you've passed your GST with a highly qualified examiner and obtained a licence, you're not allowed to use the radio again until you've learned how to use a radio, been examined by another examiner (maybe even the same one who was satisfied last time) and parted with some more money.

Our system is much better, don't you think?

[Cessna 172S Skyhawk]

That doesn;t even make sense. You use the radio while training and then your not allowed use it until you have passed a test.
You are confusing me now.

In addition to my other query, in Ireland, do you have to use a ground school for the theory exams or can you just learn them yourself, or is it worth going to the ground school (PPL ground school is €500 for 56 hours)

[AOB9]

I recently started PPL training in with Atlantic in Cork. I'm not sure if you would "get away" with studying the Ground school material outside of the classroom environment. Interaction between students and instructor will be a big bonus I'd imagine. Neither am I sure if it's a prudent way of saving a few quid. I know training is very expensive but in the scheme of things the cost of ground school really isn't that much.

[ma11achy]

Cessna, you will probably be better off doing your ground school. If for no other reason than when you apply for the examinations, there is a big bit at the end that states:

3. GROUND COURSE CERTIFICATION
Note – (To be completed by Instructor)
I herby certify that the applicant has completed a course of ground studies at:
____________________________________________________________ __________________________________
and is deemed sufficiently prepared for the Examinations.
Signed :____________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________
(Ground/Flight Instructor)


I have just applied for the exams after doing Ground School at Limerick Flying Club last year.
I must admit, 500 quid is a bit hars tho....much cheaper down here!

[jonkil]

I hold both a British and an Irish licence.
Nip up to Aldrogrove and do the 2 day course up there and get your RT proper..... well worth it and boosts your confidence no end.
Tip? ... from bitter personal experience keep everything flying related on a British/CAA ticket, much less hassle and they just do it so much better.

[BackPacker]

You are confusing me now.

That's because the British sense of humor is not universally understood.

Don't worry about that - your average German wouldn't have gotten the sarcasm either.