PPL training at RAF base
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: London
PPL training at RAF base
I am completing my search for the right school/club where to carry out the PPL training and have come across a RAF base offering PPL training. What s the difference between training at a civil club/school and a RAF base? Anyting I need to be aware of about their style of training? Thanks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,042
Likes: 0
From: Oxford
No difference at all apart from:
1. RT procedures - some different terminology;
2. Circuits - military prefer smaller, oval circuits.
Both of those are covered in CAP413.
RAFFCA clubs are basically civilian clubs for military personnel. Depending on the attitude of the Station Commander, some clubs are limited to military personnel only and some accept civilians readily. PM me if the ones you have in mind are near Oxford...
Tim
1. RT procedures - some different terminology;
2. Circuits - military prefer smaller, oval circuits.
Both of those are covered in CAP413.
RAFFCA clubs are basically civilian clubs for military personnel. Depending on the attitude of the Station Commander, some clubs are limited to military personnel only and some accept civilians readily. PM me if the ones you have in mind are near Oxford...
Tim
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: UK
If you're thinking about the one about 15m south of Oxford, I wouldn't bother. Despite using all the means of contact on their various websites, sending countless emails, leaving numerous answerphone messages and filling in webform enquiries I never heard anything back from them at all. I know some of the guys will be away on ops at times but after about two months of trying I took my several thousand pounds and spent it elsewhere. (And I used to be in the RAF!) 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 760
Likes: 34
From: Rural England, thank God.
I think Marham and possibly Halton are open for civvie SPLs. From my limited knwledge of them, their professionalism as at least as great as that of most clubs at purely civilian fields. And the lanscape can be a lot more interesting....
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,626
Likes: 12
From: UK
And Brize Norton and Lyneham.
Military clubs are allowed to have a proportion of civilian members provided they do not use military funding and make some contribution to the club (non financial). There are more advantages than disadvantages if you can get in.
Military clubs are allowed to have a proportion of civilian members provided they do not use military funding and make some contribution to the club (non financial). There are more advantages than disadvantages if you can get in.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: North of South
I learnt at Brize and we most definately never did anything but oval circuits , still cant get used to these silly square ones
I will say although it was fifteen years ago and at the time i wasnt commisioned , their attitude toward non coms and civvies was a bit !!!! to say the least , although the training was good and the aircraft were too , I assume they still use JP and JR saw them not so loong back on their website
I will say although it was fifteen years ago and at the time i wasnt commisioned , their attitude toward non coms and civvies was a bit !!!! to say the least , although the training was good and the aircraft were too , I assume they still use JP and JR saw them not so loong back on their website
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,626
Likes: 12
From: UK
I learnt at Brize and we most definately never did anything but oval circuits
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: EGBT
RAF Halton Aero Club
Get yourself along to RAF Halton's Aero Club. We have a wide selection of club aircraft and due to the large number of military members have space for civilian members. With a permanent instructor and ops manager on staff the phone will always be answered. Check out www.haltonaeroclub.org.uk
See you there!!
See you there!!
