Hidden PPL Charges?
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Hidden PPL Charges?
Hey All! I am planning on getting a PPL at some stage in the new few months, but i have no idea on what the hidden extras are and their prices? I know about 45 hours of instruction but what other bits and bobs are needed? Medical, tests and is there a license issue fee?
A big thanks in advance for any help, much appreciated.
A big thanks in advance for any help, much appreciated.
You will need a JAA Class 2 medical. Costs in excess of £100
There are 7 theory exams plus an RT practical test. Costs vary - but allow at least another £100-200. You will also need to buy text books, perhaps 5 at £20 each.
Some places even charge for ground instruction as well.
You may need a headset (£220), nav computer, ruler, etc etc.....
The Skill Test will be conducted by an Examiner whose fee will be at least £150.
Licence issue fee is currently £159.
There are 7 theory exams plus an RT practical test. Costs vary - but allow at least another £100-200. You will also need to buy text books, perhaps 5 at £20 each.
Some places even charge for ground instruction as well.
You may need a headset (£220), nav computer, ruler, etc etc.....
The Skill Test will be conducted by an Examiner whose fee will be at least £150.
Licence issue fee is currently £159.
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Hey, thanks for that, is it class two medical needed? How oftern do these need renewing?
I am thinking of training in the USA, but is it really cheaper or is there places in UK or Europe that are not far off the price? I was looking at £4000 in the states with a place to stay.
Thanks again...
I am thinking of training in the USA, but is it really cheaper or is there places in UK or Europe that are not far off the price? I was looking at £4000 in the states with a place to stay.
Thanks again...
The Class 2 validity period depends on your age..
If you're at BHX, why bother with high pressure Spamland PPL farms in Florida? I suggest you visit the delightful Wellesbourne Mountford a mere 25 miles to the south. See http://www.wellesbourneairfield.com/ .
I have no financial interest in any of the schools, but would recommend South Warwickshire Flying School unhesitatingly!
If you're at BHX, why bother with high pressure Spamland PPL farms in Florida? I suggest you visit the delightful Wellesbourne Mountford a mere 25 miles to the south. See http://www.wellesbourneairfield.com/ .
I have no financial interest in any of the schools, but would recommend South Warwickshire Flying School unhesitatingly!
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Hey thanks for that, I thought of Coventry, never thought about looking south, i am on-top of the M42 so welsbourne is no time at all, will have a look there, if its not much more than the states, £500 or so more i will use them. Its going to cost £5000 in the states with living and the costs, so much rather save the travel and stay this side of the pond.
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Before jumping to any conclusion I'd suggest you search the archives here and read the (numerous) other threads about the relative merits of training in the US vs UK (or anywhere in Europe, for that matter). This goes way beyond merely saving (or not) a couple of hundred quid.
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Hey, i have searched the forums and now i am even more confused as it seems a matter of opinion, some say USA is good, some day UK is better, then people say spain? The money side of things dont really bother me too much, a credable ppl is what i want. I looked to the USA because its a chance to escape the country for a few weeks, and get a PPL at the same time, i just really dont know the real pros and cons, if there are any?
Do people frown on US PPL's? I know before i can rent a plane over here i will have to get a good few UK hours in, but are there any other majour disadvantages? I have searched posts on this, and as soon as i think i have found the answers i want i read another thread and go back to square one...
Do people frown on US PPL's? I know before i can rent a plane over here i will have to get a good few UK hours in, but are there any other majour disadvantages? I have searched posts on this, and as soon as i think i have found the answers i want i read another thread and go back to square one...
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Its personal preference.
The cost issue again boils down to whether you want a PPL at a low cost or a PPL that equips you for the type of flying you intend to do.
I chose the higher cost UK route because my flying will be here in this area mainly and I am training at a busy commercial airport which means right from the off, I will have to contend with a lot of radio traffic and get used to it which in my opinion is invaluable in this country.
Similarly, I have to contend with holds both on the ground and in the air together with having to be far more vigilant in the air due to heavier traffic than you will encounter in the US.
Thrown in at the deep end maybe, but it means that I have to swim right from the outset rather than just dipping my feet and suddenly finding myself out of my depth.
The extra cost for me is worth it for that knowledge and experience.
The cost issue again boils down to whether you want a PPL at a low cost or a PPL that equips you for the type of flying you intend to do.
I chose the higher cost UK route because my flying will be here in this area mainly and I am training at a busy commercial airport which means right from the off, I will have to contend with a lot of radio traffic and get used to it which in my opinion is invaluable in this country.
Similarly, I have to contend with holds both on the ground and in the air together with having to be far more vigilant in the air due to heavier traffic than you will encounter in the US.
Thrown in at the deep end maybe, but it means that I have to swim right from the outset rather than just dipping my feet and suddenly finding myself out of my depth.
The extra cost for me is worth it for that knowledge and experience.
Blah Blah Blah
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UK V's US
At the end of the day there is no right or wrong.
I find that those that trained in the UK are not so keen on the US route and vice versa.
I personaly trained in Florida and don't see a real problem with it. It really boils down to you intsructor (in my opinion). The issues with training in Florida are:
1) Some of the RT is slightly different, and it is definatley more relaxed.
2) The airspace that you fly in will not be so busy, other than in DAB ORL and SFB airspace. Then you have to worry about ATC sticking a 737 up your backside or telling you to land in the wake of a 777, or clearing a 767 to land on top of you.
3) The weather. Yes you get more sunshine and generally better flying conditions which means you can get the course done fairly quick. But you also get a lot of wind and i can promise you will loose at least two days to high winds (over 12kts on the runway).
4) As mentioned the instructor. You will most likely have an FAA approved instructor that trains you. They wont be very clued up on JAA regulation, and they will more than likely only be interested in hour building for the airlines. To me this is the biggest concern. My instructor was excellent, although he did not have a clue about JAA stuff. I think you should look for the following in any Instructor:
a) Good method of Instructor
b) Sound knowledge in the subjects (FAA or JAA)
c) Excellent pilot abilities
d) Trust in the student (early on)
e) Calm in tense situations (Stalls, spins, Simulated engine failure)
f) Approachable
g) Commited to your training (as an individual to you and himself)
When you come home to fly in the UK, you will need to do a club check ride in order to be able to use thier aircraft. You will most likely need to do some RT work and procedure work (circuit joins, routed departures...) and you will need to get used to the weather.
When i got home i done 1.4 hours with an instructor and got the all clear to use club aircraft. Since then i mostly use my mates PA32, in the last 4 months i have clocked just over 100 hours. I have spent alot of that time flying in not so good VMC weather, being that there is alot of poor weather in the UK i thought it would be best to get used to it quick. Howerver i would recommend at least 10 hours with an experienced IR/IMC rated pilot first. Luckily thats my mate.
of course this is all my opinion.
I find that those that trained in the UK are not so keen on the US route and vice versa.
I personaly trained in Florida and don't see a real problem with it. It really boils down to you intsructor (in my opinion). The issues with training in Florida are:
1) Some of the RT is slightly different, and it is definatley more relaxed.
2) The airspace that you fly in will not be so busy, other than in DAB ORL and SFB airspace. Then you have to worry about ATC sticking a 737 up your backside or telling you to land in the wake of a 777, or clearing a 767 to land on top of you.
3) The weather. Yes you get more sunshine and generally better flying conditions which means you can get the course done fairly quick. But you also get a lot of wind and i can promise you will loose at least two days to high winds (over 12kts on the runway).
4) As mentioned the instructor. You will most likely have an FAA approved instructor that trains you. They wont be very clued up on JAA regulation, and they will more than likely only be interested in hour building for the airlines. To me this is the biggest concern. My instructor was excellent, although he did not have a clue about JAA stuff. I think you should look for the following in any Instructor:
a) Good method of Instructor
b) Sound knowledge in the subjects (FAA or JAA)
c) Excellent pilot abilities
d) Trust in the student (early on)
e) Calm in tense situations (Stalls, spins, Simulated engine failure)
f) Approachable
g) Commited to your training (as an individual to you and himself)
When you come home to fly in the UK, you will need to do a club check ride in order to be able to use thier aircraft. You will most likely need to do some RT work and procedure work (circuit joins, routed departures...) and you will need to get used to the weather.
When i got home i done 1.4 hours with an instructor and got the all clear to use club aircraft. Since then i mostly use my mates PA32, in the last 4 months i have clocked just over 100 hours. I have spent alot of that time flying in not so good VMC weather, being that there is alot of poor weather in the UK i thought it would be best to get used to it quick. Howerver i would recommend at least 10 hours with an experienced IR/IMC rated pilot first. Luckily thats my mate.
of course this is all my opinion.
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When I started my PPL training I opted to pay up front to my club and everything was included i.e. 45 hours, all exam fees, landing fees at home field and skills test (excluding medical) I also received a flight case containing all Trevor Thom books, CRP1, Ruler, Protractor, kneeboard etc. I know that a lot of contributors to this forum reel with horror at the thought of paying up front, but for me it worked. I checked out the flying school and gave very careful consideration before parting with my money. I also paid by card; that gave me a certain amount of protection for six months anyway.
Everything went well for me, the flight time needed for me to pass was more than the basic 45 hours and I paid for that time accordingly, but for a simple soul like myself, I found this an easy way to go about getting my PPL.
MF
Everything went well for me, the flight time needed for me to pass was more than the basic 45 hours and I paid for that time accordingly, but for a simple soul like myself, I found this an easy way to go about getting my PPL.
MF
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Hidden Costs
Another major hidden cost in the UK training regime is landing fees, especially if you are based an unlicenced airfield and have to travel to a licenced airfield where you dont have a landing card, agreement, etc (also more cost in flight time).
Landing fees can vary from £5-10 per landing to places such as Manchester where I have heard £35 a go!!!
make sure you include them in your calculations as you will be doing quite a few and they will rack up before you know it!
Julian.
Landing fees can vary from £5-10 per landing to places such as Manchester where I have heard £35 a go!!!
make sure you include them in your calculations as you will be doing quite a few and they will rack up before you know it!
Julian.
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Don't also forget the cost of getting to Florida, living costs, car hire and the cost of 4 weeks off work. Oh and TSA approval to train and the fact you can't change schools if you don't like it.
I doubt it makes much difference where you go, the US gets you your ticket quickly, and its better than giving up half way through because of poor weather in the UK. (it does rain in Florida though- try Arizona for guaranteed weather). On the other hand you get used to making weather decisions in the UK. Good/bad instructors, schools, planes exist everywhere.
Most people seem to choose their school based on how nicely they are spoken to when they walk through the door. Go to the schools, make your choice.
I doubt it makes much difference where you go, the US gets you your ticket quickly, and its better than giving up half way through because of poor weather in the UK. (it does rain in Florida though- try Arizona for guaranteed weather). On the other hand you get used to making weather decisions in the UK. Good/bad instructors, schools, planes exist everywhere.
Most people seem to choose their school based on how nicely they are spoken to when they walk through the door. Go to the schools, make your choice.
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I actually did my JAA PPL in California and had a great time, although I’m not sure about the US being quiet. It was usual to have 10 planes in the circuit at once where I learnt, especially on weekends! Also some fantastic memories of flying over LAX on a cross country flight, lunch in Santa Monica – oh and almost flying into Mexico – but that’s another story.
BUT if cost is an issue, have you considered how you will fund your flying when back in the UK? I mean if your years budget is 4k for example, you could spread your learning over the year and this will be your years flying. Cram it into 4 weeks and you still have to find another 4k to go flying for the rest of the year.
BUT if cost is an issue, have you considered how you will fund your flying when back in the UK? I mean if your years budget is 4k for example, you could spread your learning over the year and this will be your years flying. Cram it into 4 weeks and you still have to find another 4k to go flying for the rest of the year.
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The other side of that is you may not finish your PPL due to financial constraints in the UK. I had posted on a previous thread re: a freind who had just finished a PPL at a Northern school which took him a year flying weekends and the odd day on the week, mainly due to weather and lack of instructor.
In the end he clocked up 90hours (which is easy to do if you have to revisit lessons due to a week or two off due to weather, etc) and he worked out his PPL cost him about £16,000.
If you can afford a month off work then I would go the US route for your PPL and then decide what you want to do from there. At the end of the day its a licence to learn and you will be constantly building on your skills once you return.
If you cant get the time off then go the UK weekend route which is obviously much easier to fit in around your work calender.
If you go to the US the things to budget for are the course, flight test, exams (although strongly reccommend you do these in the UK and get them out of the way!), accomdation and food and the odd beer
Whenever I have been most hotels have run a free bus service so not needed car hire and of course once you pass you wont need car hire as you can fly everywhere sightseeing
J
In the end he clocked up 90hours (which is easy to do if you have to revisit lessons due to a week or two off due to weather, etc) and he worked out his PPL cost him about £16,000.
If you can afford a month off work then I would go the US route for your PPL and then decide what you want to do from there. At the end of the day its a licence to learn and you will be constantly building on your skills once you return.
If you cant get the time off then go the UK weekend route which is obviously much easier to fit in around your work calender.
If you go to the US the things to budget for are the course, flight test, exams (although strongly reccommend you do these in the UK and get them out of the way!), accomdation and food and the odd beer
Whenever I have been most hotels have run a free bus service so not needed car hire and of course once you pass you wont need car hire as you can fly everywhere sightseeing
J
Blah Blah Blah
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I may as well mention this:
One flying school in the USA includes 21 days accomodation in the price of their package.
Hidden chanrges with them:
$100 insurance (optional but worth it)
$100 headset rental (returnable)
$50?? bits and bobs rental. Map, fuel strainer, AD book, FAR/AIM... (returnable)
If this is classed as a sales pitch then my tin hat is on
One flying school in the USA includes 21 days accomodation in the price of their package.
Hidden chanrges with them:
$100 insurance (optional but worth it)
$100 headset rental (returnable)
$50?? bits and bobs rental. Map, fuel strainer, AD book, FAR/AIM... (returnable)
If this is classed as a sales pitch then my tin hat is on
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planecrazy.eu,
As well as enquiring about hidden costs, make sure you ask prospective schools about the 'average' number of hours their students take to complete their PPLs.
I may be totally off the mark here (and stand to be corrected) but I can't imagine getting a PPL in the UK for only £500 more than the US obtained one you mention.
As well as enquiring about hidden costs, make sure you ask prospective schools about the 'average' number of hours their students take to complete their PPLs.
I may be totally off the mark here (and stand to be corrected) but I can't imagine getting a PPL in the UK for only £500 more than the US obtained one you mention.
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I also fly from Wellesbourne, but with Wellesbourne Aviation, which I have found very friendly and I must say cost effective. No landing fees at Wellesbourne, rarely held at the hold waiting for traffic, but there are exceptional days, this means paying for less time on the ground, brakes off to take off time.
You will however have a number of lessons cancelled due to crap weather, or have your training re-arranged because crosswinds are out of limits for solo circuits etc. Towards the end of your training you will need to take time off work (if you have work) to get longer flights ie QXCs in, because you will need the aircraft for half a day and weekends book up in advance by up to 5-6 weeks. You need to stay current.
Just got my QXC solo, revision and skills test to go, cost to date, don't know exactly but in the order of £5,700
Chris
You will however have a number of lessons cancelled due to crap weather, or have your training re-arranged because crosswinds are out of limits for solo circuits etc. Towards the end of your training you will need to take time off work (if you have work) to get longer flights ie QXCs in, because you will need the aircraft for half a day and weekends book up in advance by up to 5-6 weeks. You need to stay current.
Just got my QXC solo, revision and skills test to go, cost to date, don't know exactly but in the order of £5,700
Chris
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why when people ask about doing training in the US do we get all the replies, "don't forget the hidden costs like food and living costs"
don't these people eat when they are in the UK?
don't these people eat when they are in the UK?