Ben's PPL Diary
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Originally Posted by bencoulthard
Running PPL expenses
£168 radio school
£1647.62 Total so far @ 5:15 hours flying
£168 radio school
£1647.62 Total so far @ 5:15 hours flying
What is the hourly rate?
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Flik,I think maybe he has added all costs to date,books headset etc
My school would charge £746.75 inc vat for 5.15 hrs in a good PA28-180 with instruction and unlimited take-offs and landings.
Lister
My school would charge £746.75 inc vat for 5.15 hrs in a good PA28-180 with instruction and unlimited take-offs and landings.
Lister
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I had 2 lessons this week, Monday and Thursday, Thursday's lesson was the first time I flew and felt like I knew what I was doing. It happened to be stalls and wing drops, which in the PA28 were non stomach churning. Such a polite aircraft hard to see how you could get into a stall by accident.
So I walked away from that lesson quite pleased with myself and feeling a little more like a trainee pilot than a tourist on a pleasure flight.
PPL running total so far
£189.98 Monday's lesson
£148.37 Thursday's lesson
£1985.97 Total so far @ 7:45
For those who are reading this from half way through, PPL running total is lessons, medical, bag, headset, club membership, charts, books, exams and anything else except the car fuel to and from the aerodrome.
Ben (feeling more like a pilot) Coulthard
So I walked away from that lesson quite pleased with myself and feeling a little more like a trainee pilot than a tourist on a pleasure flight.
PPL running total so far
£189.98 Monday's lesson
£148.37 Thursday's lesson
£1985.97 Total so far @ 7:45
For those who are reading this from half way through, PPL running total is lessons, medical, bag, headset, club membership, charts, books, exams and anything else except the car fuel to and from the aerodrome.
Ben (feeling more like a pilot) Coulthard
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Such a polite aircraft hard to see how you could get into a stall by accident.
Ask your instructor about the back of the drag curve and how to avoid it on final approach - I learned about it by doing, not reading
Last edited by MyData; 9th Jun 2006 at 13:57.
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Is your radio course with Malcolm Dobson? There really isn't much that chap doesn't know about aviation and the course is worth every penny. A rock solid foothold on the R/T was the single biggest contributing factor to getting my license application posted off with 45 hours precisely in my logbook, no more no less. I even had to go back up solo for 45 minutes after the skills test to get my hours up to 45. If you cope with the R/T without giving it a second thought you have so much more time and concentration for the flying itself and it makes the whole thing so much more enjoyable. Good luck!
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I don't know the name of the guy, it's the one they run at Barton over 2 sundays.
Ben(bravo echo november) Coulthard
Ben(bravo echo november) Coulthard
Last edited by bencoulthard; 18th Jun 2006 at 22:06.
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Now I think it's fair to say that stalling is my least favourite subject. I hate it with a passion and will avoid it like the plague. But beware Ben, it may seem nice and polite, but flying is like a failthful old dog. Kick it up the a**e hard enough and it will turn round and bite you on the jacobs!!! Like was said before, nice and easy at 4000 feet, try it at 100 feet on final, or rather DONT!
Also be aware that it is about angle of attack (of the wings) not just about speed. If you increase the aoa then the speed drops off, bit like a car going uphill with no engine. Did you know that aoa also features in steep turns? As the aoa increases as well as the g force, your stalling speed also increases, and eventually catches up with you!
What I am saying is treat it with the same amount of respect as you might a WW2 spitfire pilot, or maybe even more than that.
How's the RT going? Did you know that once you pass the test you can actually apply for your RT licence. I was very surprised as I did my RT and then had to stop flying, so the exam pass would expire before my skills test. I sent off the paperwork, and to my pleasure found an item that the CAA don't charge for!! I immediately got my FRTOL for no better reason than I could get something off the CAA for nothing!!
Also be aware that it is about angle of attack (of the wings) not just about speed. If you increase the aoa then the speed drops off, bit like a car going uphill with no engine. Did you know that aoa also features in steep turns? As the aoa increases as well as the g force, your stalling speed also increases, and eventually catches up with you!
What I am saying is treat it with the same amount of respect as you might a WW2 spitfire pilot, or maybe even more than that.
How's the RT going? Did you know that once you pass the test you can actually apply for your RT licence. I was very surprised as I did my RT and then had to stop flying, so the exam pass would expire before my skills test. I sent off the paperwork, and to my pleasure found an item that the CAA don't charge for!! I immediately got my FRTOL for no better reason than I could get something off the CAA for nothing!!
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Yes Shunter, it is with Malcolm, did day 1 today.
All went well, he certainly knows his stuff and departs his knowledge well. Nice guy and makes it quite fun.
Mostly theory today but we got onto some practical, next week we got all practical then tests. I'll be reading CAP413 this week while gf is away.
Before this course I found, I planned what I needed to say to AT, said it, then when his response came I drew a blank every time. I think now I have cracked that but only actual aplication will decide that.
I've had to put the lessons on hold for a few weeks as I'm busy as hell with work, hope it doesn't put me back too much, shame cos the weather is ideal right now.
Ben
All went well, he certainly knows his stuff and departs his knowledge well. Nice guy and makes it quite fun.
Mostly theory today but we got onto some practical, next week we got all practical then tests. I'll be reading CAP413 this week while gf is away.
Before this course I found, I planned what I needed to say to AT, said it, then when his response came I drew a blank every time. I think now I have cracked that but only actual aplication will decide that.
I've had to put the lessons on hold for a few weeks as I'm busy as hell with work, hope it doesn't put me back too much, shame cos the weather is ideal right now.
Ben
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Was on the course yesterday as well with Malcolm. Long day made very enjoyable by an excellent tutor.
Like Ben, its CAP413 for me this week. 198 pages printed at work today!
I found it a lot harder reading back in the classroom than I have in the circuits so far. In the circuits I think my mind is far more receptive and 'in routine' than in the classroom where I froze a few times. Definitely feel more confident though, and that is testiment to Malcolm who makes it clear that there is nothing wrong with saying you don't understand an instruction.
Cheers
Mark
Like Ben, its CAP413 for me this week. 198 pages printed at work today!
I found it a lot harder reading back in the classroom than I have in the circuits so far. In the circuits I think my mind is far more receptive and 'in routine' than in the classroom where I froze a few times. Definitely feel more confident though, and that is testiment to Malcolm who makes it clear that there is nothing wrong with saying you don't understand an instruction.
Cheers
Mark
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The RT is not that hard really, it's just about learning a different language based loosely on English!! Remeber at the end of the day it's there as a safety item. Let's be fair here, if your engine fails in flight, who in their right mind is going to give all the information in the right order on a mayday call. Personally I think "OOOOHHHHH SSHH**TT, going down near XXX" will do just as well. Also remember to not drop the aeroplane while flying the radio. Here's another of those old sayings "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate".
As for me, well, I've changed clubs and gone to Sheffield. Good school, professional attitude, I think I've made the right decision. Went last Sunday, over to Gamston for some circuits. My old club would not have sent me solo, but the guy on the day did. 40 minutes solo in the circuit, the first time I have gone solo since my first one 2 1/2 years ago. OK I've kept the rust off as best I can, but I was truly shocked when he told me to go and have half an hour on my own.
I can now see the light at the end of the tunnell. I have a fixed budget, and should realilistically get my ppl for the amount I have to spend, I might even have a little left over, you never know.
Booked in again this Sunday, navigation this week. Should be interesting as me and the whizz wheel cannot be called the best of freinds, but I'm sure I'll get there!
As for me, well, I've changed clubs and gone to Sheffield. Good school, professional attitude, I think I've made the right decision. Went last Sunday, over to Gamston for some circuits. My old club would not have sent me solo, but the guy on the day did. 40 minutes solo in the circuit, the first time I have gone solo since my first one 2 1/2 years ago. OK I've kept the rust off as best I can, but I was truly shocked when he told me to go and have half an hour on my own.
I can now see the light at the end of the tunnell. I have a fixed budget, and should realilistically get my ppl for the amount I have to spend, I might even have a little left over, you never know.
Booked in again this Sunday, navigation this week. Should be interesting as me and the whizz wheel cannot be called the best of freinds, but I'm sure I'll get there!
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Today I completed my RT course.
I spent the last 2 Sundays in a classroom with Malcolm Dobson and this Saturday I went back for the practical test.
I PASSED!!!!!!!
3 small errors and he asked why I kept clicking on and off the button, reason was my palms were sweaty and the damned push to talk button was slipping through my grasp
If anyone isn't so confident with the RT I highly recommend this course, he runs it at Leeds and Barton and maybe elsewhere I'm not sure. He made the learning fun and the days flew by. He explained why things are as they are so you see the logic in it.
So 1 step closer.
Will book my medical on Monday and see where that leads.
Ben
I spent the last 2 Sundays in a classroom with Malcolm Dobson and this Saturday I went back for the practical test.
I PASSED!!!!!!!
3 small errors and he asked why I kept clicking on and off the button, reason was my palms were sweaty and the damned push to talk button was slipping through my grasp
If anyone isn't so confident with the RT I highly recommend this course, he runs it at Leeds and Barton and maybe elsewhere I'm not sure. He made the learning fun and the days flew by. He explained why things are as they are so you see the logic in it.
So 1 step closer.
Will book my medical on Monday and see where that leads.
Ben
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Good luck with the medical Ben. I know from a previous reply here that you might have a problem, so don't forget that the CAA really DOES want you to fly!!
How's the flying going, not much mention of it of late!
Congrats on the radio. Now you have passed, don't forget it all, it may sometimes be all that saves you from yourself and the outside world. What I mean is, sometimes it is quicker to transit a zone than go round it. Before the ATC will let you in they need to be sure that you aren't going to ass about once you are in the middle of the zone. All they have to give them a clue as to your ability is the radio. If it's quick, clear and concise you probably will get the zone clearance. If it's full of lots of "err" and all in the wrong order, I bet a fiver you get told to "remain clear of controlled airspace". So keep your skill level up.
As for me, circuits at Sandtoft today. For those at Barton like you Ben, this might seem a trivial matter, the short field landing. All my training has been on nearly 2000m of nice tarmac. To suddenly find myself with only just over 700m of it gave way to a little trouser coughing!! First one ended in a go-around from sod all feet, and then trying to climb with full flap hanging out! Nailed it the second time though!!
Keep up the good work Ben!!
How's the flying going, not much mention of it of late!
Congrats on the radio. Now you have passed, don't forget it all, it may sometimes be all that saves you from yourself and the outside world. What I mean is, sometimes it is quicker to transit a zone than go round it. Before the ATC will let you in they need to be sure that you aren't going to ass about once you are in the middle of the zone. All they have to give them a clue as to your ability is the radio. If it's quick, clear and concise you probably will get the zone clearance. If it's full of lots of "err" and all in the wrong order, I bet a fiver you get told to "remain clear of controlled airspace". So keep your skill level up.
As for me, circuits at Sandtoft today. For those at Barton like you Ben, this might seem a trivial matter, the short field landing. All my training has been on nearly 2000m of nice tarmac. To suddenly find myself with only just over 700m of it gave way to a little trouser coughing!! First one ended in a go-around from sod all feet, and then trying to climb with full flap hanging out! Nailed it the second time though!!
Keep up the good work Ben!!
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This thread seems to have slipped away lately. I do hope that you got the medical OK Ben, let us all know, as not much mention of you flying in the last couple of weeks. Keep us posted will you?
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Just thought I'd put in some prices
so far its been £5287
for:-
-45hours of flying
-4 thom books
-CRP1
-protractor
-ruler
-map
-pens
-log book
-flight log
-all ground school
-class 2 medical + ECG
I've gone for pay in advance as it works out about £600 cheaper
David
ps waiting for the insultes to flood in
edited plus all ground school exams and skills test. I may also remember what I have paid for so I may add some more :P
so far its been £5287
for:-
-45hours of flying
-4 thom books
-CRP1
-protractor
-ruler
-map
-pens
-log book
-flight log
-all ground school
-class 2 medical + ECG
I've gone for pay in advance as it works out about £600 cheaper
David
ps waiting for the insultes to flood in
edited plus all ground school exams and skills test. I may also remember what I have paid for so I may add some more :P
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cessna l plate
No my interest is still 100%, just been busy with work.
New online store being set up
It's taken up a lot of my time, when things calm down a little i'll book some more lessons but at the moment i'm reading a lot so i'm never at a standstill, I like to think a week never goes by where i'm not a little closer.
I got law and RT, what would y'all recommend next? Met?
Ben
No my interest is still 100%, just been busy with work.
New online store being set up
It's taken up a lot of my time, when things calm down a little i'll book some more lessons but at the moment i'm reading a lot so i'm never at a standstill, I like to think a week never goes by where i'm not a little closer.
I got law and RT, what would y'all recommend next? Met?
Ben
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Ben
I take it you have RT theory already as well as the practical?
Go for human performance, should be an easy one to get out of the way.
Then any of the others and leave Nav until last or at least until you've started to do some for real.
I take it you have RT theory already as well as the practical?
Go for human performance, should be an easy one to get out of the way.
Then any of the others and leave Nav until last or at least until you've started to do some for real.
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Yeah I did theory and practical.
I realised yesterday that I missed Aeroexpo, I was making plans to drive down next weekend when I saw the flyer and it said June.
Next thing I said was ?@$%&£@?£%$£&@?*king hell I missed it.
So did any of you go? How was it?
Ben (month late) Coulthard
I realised yesterday that I missed Aeroexpo, I was making plans to drive down next weekend when I saw the flyer and it said June.
Next thing I said was ?@$%&£@?£%$£&@?*king hell I missed it.
So did any of you go? How was it?
Ben (month late) Coulthard
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PPL Costs
I kept a pretty comprehensive record of the costs to achieve my ppl, so it might come as a help (shock?) to some of you to see the details!
I started on 5th January 2005 at the ripe old age of 61. I was fairly knowledgable about aviation having several friends who are airline pilots, and having some good times with them on the flight deck, (prior of course, to 9/11) I had also spent a LOT of time on the MS flight sim 2004, self teaching myself to fly 737's down the ILS glideslope in 1 mile viz, usually succesfully.
With this background, I was fairly sure I would be pretty close to the 45 hours min. for the JAR PPL that I was embarking on, but I was somewhat wide of the mark!! I guess the things I could have done easily at 30 years old were a lot harder at double that age!!
I eventually took my skills test on 29th March, having amassed no less than 72 hours, though in fairness, I hit the very bad patch of weather Nov to Feb, which meant I had 22 attempts (honestly!) at my QXC canned. Therefore, I guess I could have done it in around 65/66 hours, but as you never stop learning, I gained more experience with every hour.
So, to the cost breakdown:
Lessons/Solos/QXC/Skills test (72 hours) £8151.00 (all in PA28-161 Warrior)
Flying School membership 2005/06 £140.00
Exam costs £115.00
CAA Examiner costs, GST £150.00
Medicals (annual, over 50 years old) £40.00
Equipment/books etc £530.00
Landaway fees £95.00
Total cost: £9421.00
Since then, I've paid around £900 for a Garmin 296 (absolutely fabulous bit of kit) as back up, for I still commit everything to paper chart as well......OK, if I'm honest, I do tend to use the Garmin as primary, 'cos it has so many safety features, such as airspace incursion and terrain warnings, and have been using similar equipment on my boat for many years with no failure at any time (yet!), though as I say, I still have everything on paper as well.
So, the cost was around 30% more than I anticipated, though my original budget was wildly optimistic. The hardest part for me was the exams, having never studied for anything in my life before!!
Hope you found that of interest, and I'm sure many of you more capable than me will do it for less.
Cheers
CF
I started on 5th January 2005 at the ripe old age of 61. I was fairly knowledgable about aviation having several friends who are airline pilots, and having some good times with them on the flight deck, (prior of course, to 9/11) I had also spent a LOT of time on the MS flight sim 2004, self teaching myself to fly 737's down the ILS glideslope in 1 mile viz, usually succesfully.
With this background, I was fairly sure I would be pretty close to the 45 hours min. for the JAR PPL that I was embarking on, but I was somewhat wide of the mark!! I guess the things I could have done easily at 30 years old were a lot harder at double that age!!
I eventually took my skills test on 29th March, having amassed no less than 72 hours, though in fairness, I hit the very bad patch of weather Nov to Feb, which meant I had 22 attempts (honestly!) at my QXC canned. Therefore, I guess I could have done it in around 65/66 hours, but as you never stop learning, I gained more experience with every hour.
So, to the cost breakdown:
Lessons/Solos/QXC/Skills test (72 hours) £8151.00 (all in PA28-161 Warrior)
Flying School membership 2005/06 £140.00
Exam costs £115.00
CAA Examiner costs, GST £150.00
Medicals (annual, over 50 years old) £40.00
Equipment/books etc £530.00
Landaway fees £95.00
Total cost: £9421.00
Since then, I've paid around £900 for a Garmin 296 (absolutely fabulous bit of kit) as back up, for I still commit everything to paper chart as well......OK, if I'm honest, I do tend to use the Garmin as primary, 'cos it has so many safety features, such as airspace incursion and terrain warnings, and have been using similar equipment on my boat for many years with no failure at any time (yet!), though as I say, I still have everything on paper as well.
So, the cost was around 30% more than I anticipated, though my original budget was wildly optimistic. The hardest part for me was the exams, having never studied for anything in my life before!!
Hope you found that of interest, and I'm sure many of you more capable than me will do it for less.
Cheers
CF
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Hi Ben and all on here,
My first post! Really enjoying this thread and I've read most of from zero to fourty five as well - cheers Lee!
I'm hoping to start my PPL soon, got a trial lesson in a couple of weeks that I got for my Birthday, taking that with Cabair in Denham. I'm also planning on a lesson at Stapleford though, as that's better located for me, and I'm hopefully heeding some advice on here to try a few places and instructors before committing.
Ben - sorry to hear about your Astigmatism problems, I've got some Red/Green colour probs, not sure on the extent yet as I've only done the Ishihara (sp?) dot tests on line.... I'm going for a full colour assesment at City Uni in a few weeks to get latern tests etc done - see whether a Class 1 is ever possible for me.......
Anyway keep up the good work with the diary Ben and all, hopefully I'll not be too far behind you!
cheers
Ian
My first post! Really enjoying this thread and I've read most of from zero to fourty five as well - cheers Lee!
I'm hoping to start my PPL soon, got a trial lesson in a couple of weeks that I got for my Birthday, taking that with Cabair in Denham. I'm also planning on a lesson at Stapleford though, as that's better located for me, and I'm hopefully heeding some advice on here to try a few places and instructors before committing.
Ben - sorry to hear about your Astigmatism problems, I've got some Red/Green colour probs, not sure on the extent yet as I've only done the Ishihara (sp?) dot tests on line.... I'm going for a full colour assesment at City Uni in a few weeks to get latern tests etc done - see whether a Class 1 is ever possible for me.......
Anyway keep up the good work with the diary Ben and all, hopefully I'll not be too far behind you!
cheers
Ian