My PPL journey.

[Seanmul89]

Hey all, not so sure about my title but anyway :) . I started my PPL here in Ireland about 2 and a half years ago, one of the schools I started with dissolved after a while, then I was flooded with work and didnt get much flying done after that.
So I started back up around September 16, straight into power on, off stalls etc, incipient spin recovery and so on. Then an intro in the circuit. Work was on me again until after Xmas this year and back into circuit, but I had no consistency, I felt my brain was going into mush doing the circuit and I started to worry a little. Am I still at an early stage really? So I am on my 4th or 5th circuit now, nearly there with it im just fine tuning my approach and landing, but again still feel like Im worrying or overthinking it.
I completed the ground school also, but didnt sit any exams yet. I feel like my knowledge isn't up to speed now. Would anyone recommend the best approach to getting the most out of my training, like how much should I read, what to focus on more, I have the Pooleys manuals and AFE revision books. I am flying once or twice a week depending on weather now this year. Any recommendations from experienced ppl holders who may have had the same feelings when they started and how they resolved it.
I do some research on things online and watch some videos and I feel im taking in way too much and different opinions on flying and confusing myself.
Any tips at all would be highly appreciated :) Thanks

[brentford77]

Hey all, not so sure about my title but anyway :) . I started my PPL here in Ireland about 2 and a half years ago, one of the schools I started with dissolved after a while, then I was flooded with work and didnt get much flying done after that.
So I started back up around September 16, straight into power on, off stalls etc, incipient spin recovery and so on. Then an intro in the circuit. Work was on me again until after Xmas this year and back into circuit, but I had no consistency, I felt my brain was going into mush doing the circuit and I started to worry a little. Am I still at an early stage really? So I am on my 4th or 5th circuit now, nearly there with it im just fine tuning my approach and landing, but again still feel like Im worrying or overthinking it.
I completed the ground school also, but didnt sit any exams yet. I feel like my knowledge isn't up to speed now. Would anyone recommend the best approach to getting the most out of my training, like how much should I read, what to focus on more, I have the Pooleys manuals and AFE revision books. I am flying once or twice a week depending on weather now this year. Any recommendations from experienced ppl holders who may have had the same feelings when they started and how they resolved it.
I do some research on things online and watch some videos and I feel im taking in way too much and different opinions on flying and confusing myself.
Any tips at all would be highly appreciated :) Thanks

A lot to be said for a week of intensive training, maybe in the US (cost) or UK (convenience). Great way to get the basics nailed and build confidence

[Crash one]

Unless you are in a desperate rush to get it done, I was advised to keep at it steadily over a year.
That way you will experience most weather conditions you are likely to get, do it in the States and you will need a few extra hours to get used to rain, crosswinds, low cloud etc.
Twice a week is fine, be prepared for weather cancellations.

[Gertrude the Wombat]

Any tips at all would be highly appreciated :) Thanks
All sounds perfectly normal and par for the course to me :)

[Mike Flynn]

From my memory of learning to fly fixed wing 37 years ago it appears you are at the point where many feel it is brain overload and not much fun. I found circuits a killer and so boring.

Relax and enjoy it and do not give yourself a fixed date to complete.

Then there is the issues of the ground school and cost and you question is it worth it.

Trust me it is worth it and you will pull through.

Just space the training so you enjoy and maximise each flight.

I had forgotten how hard the whole business was until several years later I found myself in Australia trying to cope with flying a R22 around a square in a 15knot wind.

The give up feeling clicked in again.

If you are paying then do it at your pace

[alex90]

We've all been there - 50+ circuits on that still doing the same thing... Still feeling behind the aircraft, until one day it just clicks. Everything falls into place, you stop worrying as much and start relaxing (a little - not too much). Then it is finally time for your first solo.

There is nothing wrong with feeling as though you still need to keep learning, many thousand plus hour pilots keep reminding me that they still learn on most flights! I know that I definitely still learn so much on every flight, perfect my skills (or lack thereof) until I can get proficient at it! It isn't easy, but this applies to both theoretical and practical knowledge.

All that I will suggest, is not drinking alcohol and getting as much sleep as you can on the two nights before every training flights (at least giving yourself 8+ hours to sleep on both nights prior to the lesson). You will see a major improvement on your ability to learn, and to act according to your wishes. Generally the rest alone will be a massive help, but you'll feel more rested, and relaxed if you don't drink alcohol. Those things completely overhauled my entire learning schedule, and allowed me to progress from circuits to solo, and form solo to navigation. Had I not realised this, it would have taken me considerably longer to pass.

As your theoretical knowledge seems to be escaping you, why not use your app (or where-ever you have questions - each chapter of the book?) to keep practicing the different chapters every evening before bed? It will re-enforce your knowledge base. Plan routes on your charts, use your flight computer to make calculations with current weather etc.. All good practice!

But then again... Just don't rush it, enjoy it! Your initial flight training is as valuable if not more-so than anything else you might potentially face later on - so make the most of it!

good luck with your training!

[Discorde]

Hi Seanmul89

'Handling Light Aircraft' (ebook or paperback) by Julien Evans might be useful to you. Good luck with the course.

[jamesgrainge]

Good read. It is hard, I'm in the process myself and pushing to complete asap. I found the physical aspect of flying very enjoyable and satisfying though. If you can find the reason you started this journey you will be motivated to continue. I found that looking out the window once every time and just absorbing the view, where you were and what you were doing really helped.

I myself am struggling along with the theory, maybe ground school wouldn't be a bad idea to give myself some structure.

Good luck and keep at it.

[Parson]

jamesgrainge,

"I found that looking out the window once every time and just absorbing the view, where you were and what you were doing really helped." - when you are flying VFR you should be looking out the window at least 90% of the time. Not enjoying the view but concentrating on a/craft attitude.

[jamesgrainge]

jamesgrainge,

"I found that looking out the window once every time and just absorbing the view, where you were and what you were doing really helped." - when you are flying VFR you should be looking out the window at least 90% of the time. Not enjoying the view but concentrating on a/craft attitude.

Haha very true. However, an aircraft correctly trimmed on a calm day will practically fly itself, almost hands free. We have to enjoy the Flight, otherwise why bother?

[Parson]

jamesgrainge,

You have a lot to learn, my friend...

[jamesgrainge]

Undoubtedly. What's your point?

[Parson]

If you want to enjoy the view, try hang gliding.

Am only (slightly) joking. I am not sure what stage you are at in your training, but I can only speak from my experience which includes about 300hrs SEP VFR.

On a typical x country flight of an hour, how much time do I spend looking out at the view? Well if you add up all the snippets maybe couple of minutes? Not much more I would think. Most of the rest of the time is spent looking out but that is looking at my aiming point, keeping wings level, scanning for other a/craft, looking for my next waypoint. Also quick look inside at the instruments to assess performance, monitor the radio, update PLOG, FREDA checks, prepare for next waypoint, ie what is my next heading/level? Then also keeping an eye on the weather/cloud base. And some 'what ifs', ie if I have an engine failure, where am I'm going to put down?

Of course the view from a light a/craft is unique and we all enjoy that. But there I a lot more to it than that.

[jamesgrainge]

I look at the view for about 10 seconds in an hour. Is that an acceptable level of sightseeing for a supposed pleasurable pastime?

[alex90]

jamesgrainge - NO. Definitely not acceptable! :8 (joke)

I am more of the sort that will actively take detours to check out stunning old buildings, ruins, or even just nice formal gardens.... Or even not so formal gardens...! (Or windmills on the south east of Rotterdam - they're pretty stunning!)

But in the circuit I'd strongly recommend paying more attention to what you're doing rather than the pretty sights (i've been in a few close calls because others were not following instructions, or not looking properly) - this whole "sterile cockpit" thing does make sense from the join to landing in GA (in my mind)

[sharpend]

I learnt to fly in a week or so and the prop never even started. I was in a Jet Provost, just 7 hours to solo if I recall. Now that was not because I was good; far from it. I think the instructors at the FTS I was on had a bet who would send their student solo first. My man was determined that I would go first, even if I was not safe :ugh:

[m.Berger]

If you can afford it, keep going. If it was easy, the great unwashed would be doing it.
Flying is hard. It does get easier. You will have time to enjoy the view.
Ask your instructor if you can get out of the circuit for some general handling practice for half an hour to get comfortable with flying the aircraft. It is supposed to be fun. It is expensive and you need dedication but you also need to enjoy it to progress. Just flying takes away some of the pressure of the circuit which is as high a workload as you will ever have experienced. Don't feel ashamed to learn slowly.

[Martin_123]

where are you doing your training now? I echo what alex90 said about good sleep and booze. Other than that, get yourself an account in airquiz.com, the thing about theoretical knowledge is - you have to exercise it otherwise it's gone really quickly.

As for the practical flying bits, practice makes perfect, you need to commit! There's a really cheap full motion sim down at EINC, swing by one day and do a couple of circuits in it - it will allow your instructor to pause and explain you bits and pieces as you go. I think I did some 3 sessions in it, money well spent

[indyaachen]

I am also in a similar situation having started with flying more than a year back. The circuit is definitely the most frustrating one, but could be quite rewarding when you do a better landing, can hold the speed etc.

There are quite a few things that I am still frustrated about ... but ... I'll continue ..

My advice would be to finish the exams first ... all except one. PPLQUIZ is wonderful.

Afterwards, you can focus on just flying. Otherwise, it comes in the way and could break the rythm.

Concerning practical training, in my experience, many instructors are not verbose (it would have helped me if they were :hmm: ). They don't give you a lot of feedback in terms of analyzing what could be going wrong. So, you just practise and as they say .... it falls in place one day at a time.

[tobster911]

Not really a lot I can add to this that hasn't already been said. What I would ask is what aircraft are you doing your circuits in? Not that it's wise to change whilst learning, but I found in a Robin HR200, after a couple of practices, I was able to stay well ahead of the aircraft, but when I then did my check out on the PA28, it was a bit harder as the aircraft was quite a bit quicker.

One thing I found helped immensely is to get the radio work out of the way before doing your BUMFICH (I guess this is used everywhere?) checks.

For example, instead of waiting to turn downwind before you call downwind, call 'G-ABCD, turning downwind, Runway XX' as you make your turn. That way, as soon as you level off, you can put the carb heat on, check your breaks are off, your undercarriage is down and locked (probably not necessary for you right now), Mixture's fully rich, Fuel sufficient, instruments alive, canopy closed and locked and harnesses secure, then put carb heat back to cold. ***(Applying carb heat at this stage MAY differ between different aircraft)***
Once you've done all this, you'll have a precious 20 seconds or so where all you have to think about is flying straight, before starting your crosswind leg and descent.

Always memorise your acronyms so you can recite them as you do them, and the whole thing should take not more than about 10 seconds.

If you haven't done your first solo circuit yet, don't worry. When you do, it's a memorable experience and you'll know that you've got it sussed. Just remember, it is easy to lag behind the aircraft, so ensure you're always one step ahead. That way, you won't have a problem.

If you think you don't have enough time, you may be doing the circuit too tightly, but ask your instructor.


With regards to groundschool, it's defintely worth doing to recap your knowledge. Take some online quizzes (PPL Cruiser has a good question bank), and I downloaded an EASA PPL Exams application for my android device, which proved very useful for revising on the go.

Best of luck with it all

T

[Glasgow_Flyer]

I might get shouted at as apparently we are only allowed to look at the scenery for a few minutes but, if it were me, I'd enjoy learning to fly where you are lucky enough to live in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
I absolutely loved doing my PPL in Scotland - was very fun times!

[Seanmul89]

Hi all, Thanks for the replies, some really good useful tips, answers that made me think again about how great it is and how much i really do love it.
I get worried easy, I done the same when I went back to school at 26 to sit State examinations and was always worried and nervous, done the exams and flew them :) .. I need to get negative thoughts away.
Im currently doing the training in a C152. Have any of you ever used a guide while doing the circuit, like on a kneeboard just to glimpse at, when you reach a certain point in flight when to reduce power, speeds to reach etc?
Is twice a week flying enough, and how much study would many of you done in your own time of the PPL books or whatever you used?
Im waiting for a few more weeks to take annual leave to fly everyday as much as I can weather dependant. My finance situation is ok for PPL. If I don't fly one week its an extra weeks wage to save for when I do get out. Thanks again guys, as i said im not chasing the solo but I do look forward to that day :)

[jamesgrainge]

Twice a week is great, the more you fly the more simple the routine becomes.

I know how it feels, but just relax and enjoy the journey, you clearly want to fly so enjoy being in the aircraft.

There's no need for a guide, read up on the circuit in the flying manual, and then apply it. Climb at 80kts, turn left after passing end of runway not above 15° bank, climb to desired height, anticipate level out, let speed settle, reduce power, TRIM!!! (A correctly trimmed aircraft makes life a lot easier) Turn left over your turning point,radio downwind, repeat clearance, checks, BUMFLICH, turn left at base turn point, descend to appropriate height, reduce speed,trim flaps, turn left into final. Radio in, repeat clearance, next flaps. Land.

There's nothing in the chain you haven't done or are not capable of. Just enjoy it and enjoy the landing. You are doing what a lot of people dream of doing, enjoy it and relax!

[tobster911]

As Jamesgrainge said. A guide could be used, but you want to avoid it as it's just another thing that ruins your concentration whilst flying. The acronyms, once memorised, are really, really helpful, and after a few times, will literally just roll off the tongue. Practice them when you're not flying and just visualise the cockpit whilst you do it. Sounds silly, but it really works.
Same goes for all checks whilst flying, like FREDA and HASELL checks, as well as those you do for a forced landing. There's a lot to learn, but the acronyms are really, really useful.

Twice a week is a good amount of time. I've never flown the 152, but in terms of power reduction etc, I'd imagine it's similar to most aircraft. As you climb away from the runway, you want to be on full power. Perform a climbing turn (not necessarily left, and not as soon as you pass the runway, different airfields have different circuit patterns). Chances are, just as you are ready to turn downwind, you'll be at circuit height. Level off, reduce power to required RPM, then trim for straight and level. Straight away, carry out your BUMFICH checks.
On the turn onto base leg, I personally set power and flaps as I turn, so you start your descent sooner rather than later (this is mostly in part to noise restrictions where I can't overfly certain areas at my home airfield). Reduce your speed, turn onto final and radio. Enjoy it.

@jamesgrainge, interesting, you have an L in your BUMFICH *BUMFLICH checks.... Please enlighten me as to what it is, as I've never seen it before and am genuinely interested if I've forgotten something.

Thank you

[jamesgrainge]

Lights. I've seen both versions dont worry,I may have added it or the trainer aircraft may have added it.

Funny about the Cessna, I didn't like the in and out manner of the throttle. I much prefer the push up and down style. That used to take me an extra second to work out the odd times I flew it.

Interesting use of flaps before the base turn. I always do flaps after, I can totally see where you are coming from though, it does feel a little rushed occasionally to slow the plane, apply flaps and descend all at once while looking for your final point. May be an idea for OP to brief with his instructor and try your technique to buy more time? Does require a little more throttle management in windy conditions I imagine?

[tobster911]

Ah, thought it might be. Haven't done any night flying yet, so generally just told to leave most lights alone for the flight.

I'm not particularly keen on the push/pull throttle, but I learnt in a Robin and a 172, so kind of used to it. However, when I transitioned to the PA28, I much prefer the up down style.

Certainly when it's a bit windy it's a tad trickier, just where I fly, one of the runways needs a very tight base turn, where instead of flying perpendicular to the runway, you fly towards it at about 45 degrees, then turn final much closer than you normally would. I'm not a great fan of that circuit as it's a little harder, but unfortunately, it's the runway that seems to always be in use