Doing modular CPL/IR flying part time?

[Hufty]

As with most of the unfortunate many who have to work to fund all this, I am limited in how much time I can take off to aviate.

I was considering starting the CPL modular flying early next year but probably won't be able to take enough time off to do that and the IR in the same year.

The unpaid leave idea is clearly a good option, but if there is anybody who did their CPL or IR on a part-time basis (i.e at weekends) then I would really welcome some advice or opinions. I would imaging that currency is an issue, especially if the weather makes me miss a couple of weekends in a row.

Thanks in advance

[ClearBlueWater]

Hufty, I've just completed the CPL (H) and while I'm sure there are individuals who've done the flying course on a weekends only basis I can't imagine that is a very satisfactory way of doing things. Unlike the fixed wing world helo pilots don't require an IR as standard so I haven't crossed that obstacle yet but by all accounts the IR course is very intensive and therefore I would imagine that it is very difficult to do this in bits and bobs, as and when.

As you know this game is all about personal sacrifice after personal sacrifice. Bite the bullet (again), take the time off work and good luck.

[Mile_Hi]

I'd recommend doing the writtens as a correspondance course with a brush up course just b4 you sit the exams. But take the time off to do the flying. Like you suggested just weekends would make things really hard for your self.

That said if you are REALLY pressed as far as holiday is concerned then do the CPL at weekends but definatly take time off to do the IR.

Have fun and good luck

[MJR]

Hi Hufty,

I've done all my training thus far in full time employment using all my paid leave and also taking unpaid leave as well. It is hard work and quite stressful as you dont benefit from any real holidays over a long period of time. However if I did it anyone can with a bit of will power.

cheers

MJR

[carbonfibre]

Hufty

I have got to the point where i decide whether to do my IR or FI now, the school i went to were very accomadating because of my shift patterns.

They will also do my FI and IR part time but not over weekends unless its getting close to test date. They worked the weekend just before my CPL skill test and that helped. I work 4 on 4 off so it was easier for me.

If you would like the name of that school private message me, i dont work for them but recommend them for at least the CPL and FI as they have been a specialist in that area for some time, good pass rate on these too

And as someone else put it, " I aint had a holiday for 2 years"

Its tough but rewarding

:D