Requirements to check out on a JP or Vampire
 

Can anyone advise what the CAA require before one might solo an intermediate single engine jet like the JP or Vampire?
Are there laid down minimum number of hours and are there "TRE type people" who can check out aspiring jockeys?
Let's assume that one has access to the "hardware"....

See generally here, here and here. And don't forget to read the wise counsel in "You Can Fly Anything".

Have a blast! :D

P.S. I would caution against the claim that "There are several pilots who have moved straight onto Jet Provosts and L29 Delfin's immediately after completing their PPL". That statement is probably correct, but note that it doesn't say how many hours such novices took to get to the solo stage ... probably lots! :ouch: On the other hand, the statement that "Ex-military jets can be extremely expensive to operate" is obviously correct. Surely it would be much, much more economic for a low-time PPL to acquire at least a few hours in one or more intermediate airplanes (e.g., a T-34, or failing that, a Mooney or Bonaza) before trying on a jet for size.

I went to the JP straight from the Slingsby T67M Firefly and on the first couple of trips didnt know whether I was coming or going! After 3 or 4 I was getting the hang of it and solo after 8 trips (or maybe 9) - and I'm definitely not a 'natural'.

There is a guy I'm friends with a Swords Aviation (link shown in the above reply) who started on JP with 130 hours total time in Warriors - no twin or retractable time at all and went solo in less than 10 hours and qualified in less than 25 and took his first passenger up a few weeks ago so it can be done. To give him credit he worked really hard for it and probably had a bit of natural talent.

I believe there are two keys to it. Firstly continuity (as always) and secondly a decent instructor. It is no good being 'checked out' by a PPL with a hundred hours on it. You really need an experienced military jet guy who is also an experienced QFI to make the most of your time and money. My instructor was ex-Lightning, Hunter, Hawk and an experienced JP QFI. He not only had a very high level of handling skill etc but knew how to teach, build confidence and still be a fun guy to fly with. The difference in progress (and the level achieved on qualifying) between having a guy like that and an average PPL instructor is enormous.

BTW the CAA dont mandate a minimum hours to solo. You will however need a single jet training exemption from the (£44?) obtainable through the outfit your going to train with.

Hope this helps! ;)

I found another thread that answers the question originally posed.

Although I've never flown a JP, I recently had the pleasure of qualifying on Harvards. I endorse Blue Helmet's comments re the importance of continuity and experienced (ex-military) instruction.

Before you are given a Training Exemption to train on these aircraft, the CAA require a training schedule from you or the Chief Pilot/Chief Instructor detailing what you plan to do. If they agree and this depends on your background, previous etc, then they give you a Training Exemption...For an ex-military guy trained on similar types, the requirements are minimal. For a fresh civvie PPLer, expect to do lots of flying.

Either speak to the GA Dept who regulate the aircraft under CAP632, or FCL who dish out the License Exemptions after liasing with GA Dept.:ok:

In my experience, unless they have a proven background on similar types and are exceptional, then a civvie PPL with a 100 hrs on type will not even be considered for the job of checking you out by the CAA. Remember, the Training exemtion issued by the CAA details who can train you, it's not just anyone who can do it!