Ben's PPL Diary
Join Date: Nov 2005
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I think having the same instructor all the way through training is a must, mainly for consistancy, but you need to find someone you click with. The majority of my training I had with one instructor, she was very down to earth and wasn't affraid of calling you a ****, if you were flying like one! This suited me as I much prefer to be told I'm flying badly than have an instructor be too nice and worry about offending me!
However, I did find it very helpful to fly with other instructors especially later on in my training as they always pointed out things that I hadn't looked at before, this is in no means a bad reflection on my main instructor, but sometimes when someone explains something differently it makes more sense and in the long run makes you better for it.
Go with who you feel comfortable with but don't be affraid to change if you are struggling.
However, I did find it very helpful to fly with other instructors especially later on in my training as they always pointed out things that I hadn't looked at before, this is in no means a bad reflection on my main instructor, but sometimes when someone explains something differently it makes more sense and in the long run makes you better for it.
Go with who you feel comfortable with but don't be affraid to change if you are struggling.
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Great thread - I've had 4 lessons so far so it's nice to have a thread with people at a similar stage to me 
On the topic of instructors, I've had 3 different ones so far and I can't say continuity has been too much of a problem. It may be a problem further down the line I guess, but it's good to get different teaching styles and perspectives on things.
On the topic of instructors, I've had 3 different ones so far and I can't say continuity has been too much of a problem. It may be a problem further down the line I guess, but it's good to get different teaching styles and perspectives on things.
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Costs of PPL
Does anyone else think it would be a good idea for me to do a running total on what my PPL as essential kit has cost me so far?
Thought it might help others starting from the begining to get a real life price not just the 45 hours you tend to think of.
Regards
Ben
Thought it might help others starting from the begining to get a real life price not just the 45 hours you tend to think of.
Regards
Ben
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Ben
That would be a good idea - but it might put off potential wannabees as they see the cost go up
As a rough measure, I estimate my PPL cost around £7500 in the last couple of years so figures should be still valid - bar the increase in fuel costs raising the hourly rate by perhaps £5-£10.
Costs to include: lessons (obviously), books, checklists, kneeboard, chinagraph pencils (ah, the cheap bit), headphones, CRP computer, charts, medical, ground exams, R/T theory test, skills test, land away fees, circuits / touch & go fees, licence application. And in the UK you will be doing very well to get in at 45 hours due to our wonderful weather.
But was it all worth it? 100% YES.
That would be a good idea - but it might put off potential wannabees as they see the cost go up
As a rough measure, I estimate my PPL cost around £7500 in the last couple of years so figures should be still valid - bar the increase in fuel costs raising the hourly rate by perhaps £5-£10.
Costs to include: lessons (obviously), books, checklists, kneeboard, chinagraph pencils (ah, the cheap bit), headphones, CRP computer, charts, medical, ground exams, R/T theory test, skills test, land away fees, circuits / touch & go fees, licence application. And in the UK you will be doing very well to get in at 45 hours due to our wonderful weather.
But was it all worth it? 100% YES.
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That tallies with my overall costs,I reckon around £7500 for flying 53 hours plus £500 for the books,equipment,headset and club membership etc.
I think it is important that students know the real cost as you can look at 45 hrs x£145 and arrive at £6500 which is £1500 short of what it actually cost me.
At some places landing fees can add quite a bit!
Lister
I think it is important that students know the real cost as you can look at 45 hrs x£145 and arrive at £6500 which is £1500 short of what it actually cost me.
At some places landing fees can add quite a bit!
Lister
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At some places landing fees can add quite a bit!
My figure of £7500 was for 53 hours total, which included the 2 hours skill test.
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What I wished I'd had when I did my PPL was someone local to go flying with. Before getting my license it would have been great to get some extra experience, see how a PPL works "in the real world" by flying with an existing private pilot, fly different types etc. If anybody is learning at Elstree and seeks such a person, let me know; am happy to oblige.
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Couldn't agree more with drauk.........before taking the plunge and learning to fly, I had the opportunity to fly with a good friend who had access to a T61 Falke MG, a Tiger Moth and a J2 Cub. All very different animals, but I learnt a lot about the basics of flying and therefore it wasn't too difficult to transpose most of what I'd experienced to flying PA28s. I managed to obtail my PPL back in 1996 in 48 hours with a total calendar time of 7 months - Feb to Aug, but boy was I lucky with the weather and the cash flow at the time. 10/10 for you guys who are training under the JAA syllabus as I'm told it's way more arduous and the content is way more involed/ complex? I think it cost me £5k all-in, or thereabouts, back then.
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Ive just started my PPL diary also. Everybody ive spoken too has been really interested and wanted to hear what its like to learn to fly, so im putting it together as a complete "life-story" of learning to fly. Hopefully when its done it will include pictures from flights out etc. too...
7 months must have taken some going, as an 18 year old student im finding cash flow really tight, but working two jobs is definately worthwhile when you're up there learning... I dont doubt its going to be expensive, but the reward of a pilots licence is more than enough for me
(http://www.adamboyle.co.uk)
7 months must have taken some going, as an 18 year old student im finding cash flow really tight, but working two jobs is definately worthwhile when you're up there learning... I dont doubt its going to be expensive, but the reward of a pilots licence is more than enough for me
(http://www.adamboyle.co.uk)
Intelligent Idiot
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I started my PPL on the 29th March and have 15 hours in up to now.
I estimated costs at around £5000 for the flying and allowed approx another £1000 for extras such as landings, medical, books etc.
At this stage of the game, my estimates are looking on the low side although I have been doing circuits so that has upped the costs but once I get back to the hourly rate without additional landings, it may bring it back a little.
Current expenditure is around £2500 but that includes books, medical, additional landings at £6 each and some groundschool and exam fees.
There is of course the unknown factor of how many hours it takes to get to my skills test and I have started to break it gently to she who must be obeyed just in case.
I am at the raised eyebrow stage with her at the minute so I am hoping it doesnt rise too dramatically or else..
I estimated costs at around £5000 for the flying and allowed approx another £1000 for extras such as landings, medical, books etc.
At this stage of the game, my estimates are looking on the low side although I have been doing circuits so that has upped the costs but once I get back to the hourly rate without additional landings, it may bring it back a little.
Current expenditure is around £2500 but that includes books, medical, additional landings at £6 each and some groundschool and exam fees.
There is of course the unknown factor of how many hours it takes to get to my skills test and I have started to break it gently to she who must be obeyed just in case.
I am at the raised eyebrow stage with her at the minute so I am hoping it doesnt rise too dramatically or else..
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My estimate was about $12K Aussie over three years for my PPL - took me close to 80 hours; I did it slowly.
Have to agree with the above posters re. flying with others. You learn to fly how your instructor flies - you see what really happens 'out in the real world' with other guys - and hopefully you find your own way to operate, striking a happy medium. Great once you have the PPL as well - with pilots both more experienced and of similar levels.
If nothing else, it's a good excuse to go flying!
Have to agree with the above posters re. flying with others. You learn to fly how your instructor flies - you see what really happens 'out in the real world' with other guys - and hopefully you find your own way to operate, striking a happy medium. Great once you have the PPL as well - with pilots both more experienced and of similar levels.
If nothing else, it's a good excuse to go flying!
Supercalafragilistic
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Running PPL expenses
Well here it is. 4 hours in and I have spent the following.
£234 1st lesson and club membership
£179.50 lesson 2, pilot's log book and cessna 150 check list
£205.68 lesson 3 at new flight school, fuel tester, checklist for PA28,
1 hour ground school.
£123.70 Club membership at new place
£368.49 flight bag, 5 Pratt books, PPL confuser book, IMC confuser book,
LASORS 2006 book, Pooleys UK flight Guide 2006 loose leaf and
binder, CRP-5 flight computer, AirSpeak Radio telephony CDs,
Knee board, CAA chart, Protractor and Ruler, AFE AVP-1 allin one
plotter, chart markers, Propelling pencils, Oxford nav tutor CD
and finally Never Get Lost book.
£1111.37 Total so far
To be continued
£234 1st lesson and club membership
£179.50 lesson 2, pilot's log book and cessna 150 check list
£205.68 lesson 3 at new flight school, fuel tester, checklist for PA28,
1 hour ground school.
£123.70 Club membership at new place
£368.49 flight bag, 5 Pratt books, PPL confuser book, IMC confuser book,
LASORS 2006 book, Pooleys UK flight Guide 2006 loose leaf and
binder, CRP-5 flight computer, AirSpeak Radio telephony CDs,
Knee board, CAA chart, Protractor and Ruler, AFE AVP-1 allin one
plotter, chart markers, Propelling pencils, Oxford nav tutor CD
and finally Never Get Lost book.
£1111.37 Total so far
To be continued
Supercalafragilistic
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Running PPL expenses
£50 2nd hand excellent condition headset
£100 Decent sunglasses, my lenses were too small on my old ones
£1261.37 Total so far
To be continued
£100 Decent sunglasses, my lenses were too small on my old ones
£1261.37 Total so far
To be continued
Spicy Meatball
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Ben
I just found this post today - firstly, may I say Good Luck in your flying. You will certainly enjoy it, and at times you will feel like giving up, but don't. I remember writing my first post in my diary, and I can honestly say I never thought of myself as being a pilot, nor did I think I would ever finish the course, yet here I am some time later with a PPL. I have had a great bunch of people follow my diary (and they still do) and I hope the same thing happens for you - I will certainly be following your progress
The first part of the course is general handling, and while it is the most enjoyable part, it is by far the least rewarding. When you start navigation you may start to wonder why you bother, but when you have done your first solo nav, you will only then realise the true meaning of your privilege - and the buzz you get is great
Try not to get too wound up with the cancellations (you will) they are something we just have to put up with in this country, it is all about discipline and realising when you can and can't/shouldn't fly.
Keep us all up to date on how you get on - I look forward to reading.
Best wishes,
Lee
I just found this post today - firstly, may I say Good Luck in your flying. You will certainly enjoy it, and at times you will feel like giving up, but don't. I remember writing my first post in my diary, and I can honestly say I never thought of myself as being a pilot, nor did I think I would ever finish the course, yet here I am some time later with a PPL. I have had a great bunch of people follow my diary (and they still do) and I hope the same thing happens for you - I will certainly be following your progress
The first part of the course is general handling, and while it is the most enjoyable part, it is by far the least rewarding. When you start navigation you may start to wonder why you bother, but when you have done your first solo nav, you will only then realise the true meaning of your privilege - and the buzz you get is great
Try not to get too wound up with the cancellations (you will) they are something we just have to put up with in this country, it is all about discipline and realising when you can and can't/shouldn't fly.
Keep us all up to date on how you get on - I look forward to reading.
Best wishes,
Lee
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Hi All,
Well, although I've nearly finished my PPL, I found myself migrating here from the 'zero to 45' forum - it's interesting to review the thoughts of those just starting out!
Ben, hope you enjoy the training. As others have said, I wouldn't buy a plane until you've finished the licence - there are all sorts of things that can affect you en-route and I hate to think what the insurance would be for someone learning!
Having said that, I've read your comments about the cessna and PA28. I have flown both (and the AA5), but my preference now is firmly the PA28. Lots of people (including me) don't like the single door, but it is the most forgiving aircraft you can ever hope to fly; stable, hard to stall, practically impossible to spin (which is not permitted anyway) and reasonably quick compared to the 152.
Best of luck with the learning!
HH
Well, although I've nearly finished my PPL, I found myself migrating here from the 'zero to 45' forum - it's interesting to review the thoughts of those just starting out!
Ben, hope you enjoy the training. As others have said, I wouldn't buy a plane until you've finished the licence - there are all sorts of things that can affect you en-route and I hate to think what the insurance would be for someone learning!
Having said that, I've read your comments about the cessna and PA28. I have flown both (and the AA5), but my preference now is firmly the PA28. Lots of people (including me) don't like the single door, but it is the most forgiving aircraft you can ever hope to fly; stable, hard to stall, practically impossible to spin (which is not permitted anyway) and reasonably quick compared to the 152.
Best of luck with the learning!
HH
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PPL expenses
My costs so far
approx)
18 hours
£2300 for below:
I pay £100/hr inc tuition/C150/fuel/vat/1 landing.
Landing fees are £4.30 inc vat.
I get high quality training with a good 25 mins brief in classroom,10 debrief.
Have most of the stuff I need,Pratt books,CRP-1,confuser,rulers,protractor,charts,headset,checklist.
Have taken 2 exams ( passed)
If I need another 32 hours to complete ( 50hrs) should be on schedule for sub £6000
Modelman
approx)18 hours
£2300 for below:
I pay £100/hr inc tuition/C150/fuel/vat/1 landing.
Landing fees are £4.30 inc vat.
I get high quality training with a good 25 mins brief in classroom,10 debrief.
Have most of the stuff I need,Pratt books,CRP-1,confuser,rulers,protractor,charts,headset,checklist.
Have taken 2 exams ( passed)
If I need another 32 hours to complete ( 50hrs) should be on schedule for sub £6000
Modelman
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Jury is still out on whether to buy into a plane or not so soon. It all needs more thought.
Thanks for the approval Mazzy wondered what you might think about me stealing your thunder, but as it was stated earlier, you've "been there n dunnit" so time for a fresh newb.
Does anyone know if your regular GP can do your medical? I went to my docs today and they were like "oh I guess its just like a HGV medical". I told them its a bit more involved "which I was guessing" and they said I should find out myself. Bleedin NHS.
Also what's with the thread rating score? 2.33? Rubbish, Mazzy are you secretly getting all your buddies to vote me down and poach em back?
Final note next lesson is booked for Monday, weather looks crap, fingers crossed.
Regards
Ben
Thanks for the approval Mazzy wondered what you might think about me stealing your thunder, but as it was stated earlier, you've "been there n dunnit" so time for a fresh newb.
Does anyone know if your regular GP can do your medical? I went to my docs today and they were like "oh I guess its just like a HGV medical". I told them its a bit more involved "which I was guessing" and they said I should find out myself. Bleedin NHS.
Also what's with the thread rating score? 2.33? Rubbish, Mazzy are you secretly getting all your buddies to vote me down and poach em back?
Final note next lesson is booked for Monday, weather looks crap, fingers crossed.
Regards
Ben
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Ben
You need to get your medical done by an approved practioner. There is one located permanently at the place where the DiamondStars fly. Drop me a PM for details, and have your cheque / cash ready (you soon learn that this flying lark is a great way to hand over lots of money to lots of people
)
Your club / school will also have details of their local specialist, or use the CAA search page
http://www.caa.co.uk/application.asp...plicationid=21
Note that you need to have passed your medical *AND* the Air Law exam before going solo. Book the medical asap as there could be a waiting list.
If you have a prescription for glasses / contact lenses you must also obtain that from your opticians and take it along - the AME (the doc.) will tell you what he/she wants on the opticians report.
At least you get a decent check up and your own CAA reference number.
If you are only looking for PPLing, a Class II medical will suffice. If you want to progress to CPL etc. you will need a Class I, which is more expensive £435 v £160 and you have to go to Gatwick to undertake it.
You need to get your medical done by an approved practioner. There is one located permanently at the place where the DiamondStars fly. Drop me a PM for details, and have your cheque / cash ready (you soon learn that this flying lark is a great way to hand over lots of money to lots of people
)Your club / school will also have details of their local specialist, or use the CAA search page
http://www.caa.co.uk/application.asp...plicationid=21
Note that you need to have passed your medical *AND* the Air Law exam before going solo. Book the medical asap as there could be a waiting list.
If you have a prescription for glasses / contact lenses you must also obtain that from your opticians and take it along - the AME (the doc.) will tell you what he/she wants on the opticians report.
At least you get a decent check up and your own CAA reference number.
If you are only looking for PPLing, a Class II medical will suffice. If you want to progress to CPL etc. you will need a Class I, which is more expensive £435 v £160 and you have to go to Gatwick to undertake it.
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Medical
Why don't you get the DVLA HGV standard med that is reqd for NPPL?
Will cost you about £15 from your GP (you don't even have to go there!)and will see you through solos etc and defer the renewal time for a JAR med.Forms downloadable from www.nppl.uk.com/
I have done this as I originally intended going for NPPL but have decided on the 'full fat' licence instead.It also lasts until you are 45 years old then is renewed at more regular intervals.
Modelman
Will cost you about £15 from your GP (you don't even have to go there!)and will see you through solos etc and defer the renewal time for a JAR med.Forms downloadable from www.nppl.uk.com/
I have done this as I originally intended going for NPPL but have decided on the 'full fat' licence instead.It also lasts until you are 45 years old then is renewed at more regular intervals.
Modelman