PPL in the post - what now?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow, UK
PPL in the post - what now?
Having now sent my PPL license application off with the requisite wads of cash, I guess it's time to build some experience. So far I've been flying with Prestwick Flight Centre (who I would thoroughly recommend to anybody, really well organised and professional) but wanted to ask if anybody had any suggestions for 1) what to aim for next (eg IMC) and 2) how to build some hours without breaking the bank (I've seen Red Kite Aviation recommended, for instance - anyone know of anything similar in Scotland?)
All suggestions welcome!
If this has been asked before, sorry :-)
All suggestions welcome!
If this has been asked before, sorry :-)
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Nr Gatwick
congratulations on your new PPL. 
My advice would be enjoy what you have for a while, then decide what you want from your flying. Club flying is very expensive so when you have decided what way you are going a share is a good option.
Adding tail wheel expeerience is good fun and aeros may float your boat.
Don't be put off by club room banter listen to everything and and discard the bull sh@.
If you don't know something ask a pro not the old hangar rats that live in a time warp. [no disrepect to our war time heroes].
Be safe and enjoy.
My advice would be enjoy what you have for a while, then decide what you want from your flying. Club flying is very expensive so when you have decided what way you are going a share is a good option.
Adding tail wheel expeerience is good fun and aeros may float your boat.
Don't be put off by club room banter listen to everything and and discard the bull sh@.
If you don't know something ask a pro not the old hangar rats that live in a time warp. [no disrepect to our war time heroes].
Be safe and enjoy.
Gentleman Aviator
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Dubai
What I did after getting my PPL is 10 hours or so of cross countrys just so as I could enjoy flying whilst only having the pressure of conducting the flight safely rather than the pressure you get when building up to the skills test.
Longer term an IMC is a good challenge and it will certainly sharpen up your flying skills and it may get you out of trouble one day.
Aerobatics is also fun and again will sharpen up your aircraft handling skills and make you a better/safer pilot.
Longer term an IMC is a good challenge and it will certainly sharpen up your flying skills and it may get you out of trouble one day.
Aerobatics is also fun and again will sharpen up your aircraft handling skills and make you a better/safer pilot.
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: uk
Do a few land aways, Visit a few new airfields and take some mates up..
You'll continue to learn and build up a load of questions for next time you decide to visit your instructor. The things you think you want to learn now may change after a few flights and you'll see things in a different light.
Enjoy and congratulations
You'll continue to learn and build up a load of questions for next time you decide to visit your instructor. The things you think you want to learn now may change after a few flights and you'll see things in a different light.
Enjoy and congratulations
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Luton
Been there, doing that...
You're a few months behind me then, I finished my PPL 2 months ago...
A few days after the test I did a dual flight with my instructor to cover / improve on the minor points the examiner remarked on, then a a solo local nav while waiting for the licence to come back from the CAA.
Since it has come back I've flown with my son on a local flight, then landed away at new destinations with friends, so I can gain experience from them, and the planning / nav through unfamilier areas.
I'm keen to keep learning so trying to go somewhere new every flight at the moment! I'll probably start the IMC course in a few months.
My club arrange fly-outs regulally over the summer so i'm planning to go on most for the experience.
A few days after the test I did a dual flight with my instructor to cover / improve on the minor points the examiner remarked on, then a a solo local nav while waiting for the licence to come back from the CAA.
Since it has come back I've flown with my son on a local flight, then landed away at new destinations with friends, so I can gain experience from them, and the planning / nav through unfamilier areas.
I'm keen to keep learning so trying to go somewhere new every flight at the moment! I'll probably start the IMC course in a few months.
My club arrange fly-outs regulally over the summer so i'm planning to go on most for the experience.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: UK
douglas.lindsay
Well wives have to start somewhere.
Next it'll be:
What about the garden?;
Why does an hours flying take all morning?;
You never see the kids;
What about a hand with the shopping;
I wish I had time to spend galavanting;
plus many more I can't think of off-hand!
LOL
FOK
PS: The above suggestions are all valid - I went off and did some solo flights to consolidate my flying; some cross-countries to gain experience and confidence; flew my friends and family (to share the cost); bought a share in a tail-dragger; flew some different types and then night and IMC ratings the next year. All good fun and experience and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Well wives have to start somewhere.
Next it'll be:
What about the garden?;
Why does an hours flying take all morning?;
You never see the kids;
What about a hand with the shopping;
I wish I had time to spend galavanting;
plus many more I can't think of off-hand!
LOL
FOK
PS: The above suggestions are all valid - I went off and did some solo flights to consolidate my flying; some cross-countries to gain experience and confidence; flew my friends and family (to share the cost); bought a share in a tail-dragger; flew some different types and then night and IMC ratings the next year. All good fun and experience and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Luton
FlyingOfficerKite wrote:
Next it'll be:
What about the garden?;
Why does an hours flying take all morning?;
You never see the kids;
What about a hand with the shopping;
I wish I had time to spend galavanting;
plus many more I can't think of off-hand!
LOL
Next it'll be:
What about the garden?;
Why does an hours flying take all morning?;
You never see the kids;
What about a hand with the shopping;
I wish I had time to spend galavanting;
plus many more I can't think of off-hand!
LOL
Why does an hours flying take all morning?; check
You never see the kids; check
What about a hand with the shopping; not yet
I wish I had time to spend galavanting; check
plus...
you're never at home
you've spent lots on flying, I need to spend the same on clothes/shoes/whatever
and a load more I've forgotten / ignored.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow, UK
Thanks all! Decided that, what with the Easter hols upon me, I'd best take a couple of weeks break... so not having to justify myself too much right now!
Still waiting for that little envelope to turn up from the CAA as well...
Still waiting for that little envelope to turn up from the CAA as well...
