JAR PPL(A) Theory Exams in UK when living abroad
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JAR PPL(A) Theory Exams in UK when living abroad
I am planning to do my JAR PPL(A) in the second half of this year or more likely early next year. As I live in Switzerland where the cost of learning is huge, the plan is to do the practical lessons in Spain or even Florida.
I would like to do the theory exams so I can do the practical stuff as efficiently as possible.
My question is: can I come to UK to do the 7 theory exams without being affiliated to a flying school ? If so, who runs them and how do I book them ?
Any help appreciated, thanks
hugel
I would like to do the theory exams so I can do the practical stuff as efficiently as possible.
My question is: can I come to UK to do the 7 theory exams without being affiliated to a flying school ? If so, who runs them and how do I book them ?
Any help appreciated, thanks
hugel
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Why not do them at the school abroad when you're out there (if that's where you end up training anyway).
Do the revision before you go and you can easily get them out of the way while you're there. Why come to the UK from Switzerland to do the exams, to then go to another school abroad for the flying? You could do it all at the school where you do the flying.
Do the revision before you go and you can easily get them out of the way while you're there. Why come to the UK from Switzerland to do the exams, to then go to another school abroad for the flying? You could do it all at the school where you do the flying.
PPL exam papers are issued to schools and are looked after by a nominated examiner. Some Schools/Examiners are happy to set exams for people who are not members of the School/Club. Some are a little wary of people requesting individual exams, as there have been cases of candidates failing an exam and then going elswhere after they have been loaded with the answers.
What you must be aware of is that the exams are only valid for a UK issued JAA licence, they have no validity in any other State. You also need to have the passes entered on CAA form No SRG 1105 and Section 7 signed off by the examiner. You will need to show this at the school where you training because you need proof of having passed all theoretical exams before you can sit the Skill Test. You will also need a radio licence which involves a practical test (Section 8) if you are going fora UK JAA PPL.
One or two people specialise in PPL groundschool, Barton, Bournemouth, Coventry.
What you must be aware of is that the exams are only valid for a UK issued JAA licence, they have no validity in any other State. You also need to have the passes entered on CAA form No SRG 1105 and Section 7 signed off by the examiner. You will need to show this at the school where you training because you need proof of having passed all theoretical exams before you can sit the Skill Test. You will also need a radio licence which involves a practical test (Section 8) if you are going fora UK JAA PPL.
One or two people specialise in PPL groundschool, Barton, Bournemouth, Coventry.
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yes, you can.
Being based in Hong Kong I did my training in Florida (EFT), where I also went for all the theoretical exams, at the same time as the practical training. Some of the students came there with all those exams already 'in the pocket' as they first passed them in the UK (among others an 'expat' in Spain who did all his paper exams in the UK, a bit like you). I understood you do not have to be a member of a club or registered in a school for this. There might be more info on CAA's website.
There are also a few threads , among others one from Backpacker and one from Destinationsky, where you can find more information. If you do have spare time do them first in the UK. If not then combine it all in one go, but be prepared that in such case these are no 'holidays' if you have only a few weeks time.
Hope this helps. Herewith the threads:
Destinationsky's:
PPL Training in Florida - an honest View
Backpacker's:
Guide to obtaining a JAA PPL in the US (part 1)
Being based in Hong Kong I did my training in Florida (EFT), where I also went for all the theoretical exams, at the same time as the practical training. Some of the students came there with all those exams already 'in the pocket' as they first passed them in the UK (among others an 'expat' in Spain who did all his paper exams in the UK, a bit like you). I understood you do not have to be a member of a club or registered in a school for this. There might be more info on CAA's website.
There are also a few threads , among others one from Backpacker and one from Destinationsky, where you can find more information. If you do have spare time do them first in the UK. If not then combine it all in one go, but be prepared that in such case these are no 'holidays' if you have only a few weeks time.
Hope this helps. Herewith the threads:
Destinationsky's:
PPL Training in Florida - an honest View
Backpacker's:
Guide to obtaining a JAA PPL in the US (part 1)
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What you must be aware of is that the exams are only valid for a UK issued JAA licence, they have no validity in any other State.
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Can the PPL theory exams be undertaken at CAA, at Gatwick ? If so, how does one go about booking them? Does anyone have a link ? I have taken a look at their website, and all I can find is the 4th retry application form and the procedures for examiners...
Is it really the case that the exams taken in UK can not be coupled together with flight training abroad such as that in Spain , to get a JAR PPL ? Following the practical training and exam completion would I apply for the JAR licence in UK, Spain or the country in which I live (Switzerland) ?
Thanks for answers so far!
hugel
Is it really the case that the exams taken in UK can not be coupled together with flight training abroad such as that in Spain , to get a JAR PPL ? Following the practical training and exam completion would I apply for the JAR licence in UK, Spain or the country in which I live (Switzerland) ?
Thanks for answers so far!
hugel
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BP - I am told by someone very close to the action that they are identical. But hey this is aviation 
A world of "somewhat fluid" truths. The only sure thing is when you are sitting down with the stuff in front of you.
I keep half an eye out for the ICAO-JAA IR conversion options, but obviously won't do anything unless I am forced to. Life is too short to go collecting paper for fun.
A world of "somewhat fluid" truths. The only sure thing is when you are sitting down with the stuff in front of you.I keep half an eye out for the ICAO-JAA IR conversion options, but obviously won't do anything unless I am forced to. Life is too short to go collecting paper for fun.
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Following the practical training and exam completion would I apply for the JAR licence in UK, Spain or the country in which I live (Switzerland) ?
You can then trade in this UK-issued JAR-FCL compliant PPL for a JAR-FCL compliant PPL issued by the country where you live. This will only cost you an admin fee. But this is not a requirement.
There's a little catch though. Your UK-issued JAR-FCL compliant PPL is only valid if you have a medical that's acceptable to the UK authorities. I'm not the specialist here, but I think that ("JAR-FCL class II") medicals from France, Germany and Latvia are, according to the UK CAA at Gatwick, not good enough. Even though they are good enough for the local authorities in combination with their JAR-FCL compliant PPLs. Messy, eh? So before you start trading in one bit of paper for another, make sure that the combination medical/PPL will still work for you.
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Is it really the case that the exams taken in UK can not be coupled together with flight training abroad such as that in Spain , to get a JAR PPL ? Following the practical training and exam completion would I apply for the JAR licence in UK, Spain or the country in which I live (Switzerland) ?
This will only cost you an admin fee.
The PPL exams are not JAA Exams they are national exams that are accepted to towards the issue of a JAR FCL compliant licence. Each state have their own PPL exams. There may be some countries as IO540 points out that share papers, but that is a local agreement rather than a JAA standard.
You can't take the PPL exams at Gatwick. We hold 3 sets of each paper and if you fail all three then you have to go to a special session at Gatwick. This is the only time it happens and I don't recall ever hearing that it happened. You would also not want to be involved with Gatwick as I suspect the fees would be somewhat eye watering!!
There are many examiners who will do the exams without being attached to a club. As I said I hold the exams and am happy to help.
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I should clarify: Greece uses the CAA papers for CPL & IR exams. I have no idea what it does about PPL exams, and indeed it may have its own papers for that. After all, many/most Greek pilots would want Greek-language exams.
"CAA International" sell exam papers to other States. The papers carry various provisos regarding their validity. In general threy are only for use in the State they are sold to. The papers may not be current and are not normally valid for a UK issued licence. At one point they provided Malta with PPL papers. The papers contain a statement regarding their validity.
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Certainly, if I was doing a (say) Greek IR I would get a Greek PPL at the same time.
Having said that, there are numerous stories circulating (no idea of truth) that people who got non-UK JAA IRs were able to get the UK CAA to accept them onto UK PPLs, by taking a lawyer along to the CAA meeting.
Having said that, there are numerous stories circulating (no idea of truth) that people who got non-UK JAA IRs were able to get the UK CAA to accept them onto UK PPLs, by taking a lawyer along to the CAA meeting.
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JAA PPL(A) examinations in the UK
Hi,
I have been searching the net for information regarding the taking of JAA PPL(A) examinations in the UK.
I'm an expat living in Warsaw Poland.
Last year I completed ground school (in English) at a Flight School here in Warsaw.
I took the schools internal exam and passed allowing me to begin Flight Training which I have been doing for the last 9 months (Polish winters dont allow for much flying).
Recently I (and my CFI) discovered that although my ground-school training was in English, Poland only allows JAA PPL(A) theory examinations to be taken in Polish. Interestingly enough, the practical exam can be taken in English as can ATPL thoery exams.
Note : Polish aviation law is constantly changing and is often very unclear. When the Flight School began ground school training in English (the first in the country) they were assured by the Polish aviation authorities that the theory examinations could be done in English. This has since changed (and at some point will probably change again).
Since I dont speak Polish this leaves me with a problem. How do I pass the theory examinations?
According to the Polish authorities, I can take the JAA PPL(A) examinations abroad and these will be accepted by the Polish authorities (in conjunction with the practical flight test) for issuing of a JAA PPL(A) license by the Polish authorities.
I'm sorry if this sounds confusing.
So my question is : Can I take the JAA PPL(A) theoretical examinations in the UK?
If so does anyone know where I could do this?
Any help at all would be very much appreciated.
John
I have been searching the net for information regarding the taking of JAA PPL(A) examinations in the UK.
I'm an expat living in Warsaw Poland.
Last year I completed ground school (in English) at a Flight School here in Warsaw.
I took the schools internal exam and passed allowing me to begin Flight Training which I have been doing for the last 9 months (Polish winters dont allow for much flying).
Recently I (and my CFI) discovered that although my ground-school training was in English, Poland only allows JAA PPL(A) theory examinations to be taken in Polish. Interestingly enough, the practical exam can be taken in English as can ATPL thoery exams.
Note : Polish aviation law is constantly changing and is often very unclear. When the Flight School began ground school training in English (the first in the country) they were assured by the Polish aviation authorities that the theory examinations could be done in English. This has since changed (and at some point will probably change again).
Since I dont speak Polish this leaves me with a problem. How do I pass the theory examinations?
According to the Polish authorities, I can take the JAA PPL(A) examinations abroad and these will be accepted by the Polish authorities (in conjunction with the practical flight test) for issuing of a JAA PPL(A) license by the Polish authorities.
I'm sorry if this sounds confusing.
So my question is : Can I take the JAA PPL(A) theoretical examinations in the UK?
If so does anyone know where I could do this?
Any help at all would be very much appreciated.
John
According to the Polish authorities, I can take the JAA PPL(A) examinations abroad and these will be accepted by the Polish authorities
Each State uses its own National PPL Theoretical Examinations for the issue of a JAA PPL (The same will apply under EASA). Consequently, they are different in every country.
You can take the UK PPL Examinations at any UK Registered Facility or approved FTO that holds them. Simply call a school in a convenient location and make the arrangements.
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The Polish authorities certainly accepted UK theory exams last year, whether this is still the case I don't know, if as you say they keep changing their rules.
I had a Polish citizen who was working as a doctor locally, did a few hours flying and all the PPL(A) theory exams. He subsequently could not agree contract terms with the NHS trust, so unexpectedly returned to Poland. I cave him a SRG\1105 (PPL application form) with his exam details on as proof. When he continued his PPL training in Poland, the authority there contacted the UK CAA, who in turn asked me to verify his claimed passes. Once they had confirmation from our CAA, they accepted his exams done here.
I had a Polish citizen who was working as a doctor locally, did a few hours flying and all the PPL(A) theory exams. He subsequently could not agree contract terms with the NHS trust, so unexpectedly returned to Poland. I cave him a SRG\1105 (PPL application form) with his exam details on as proof. When he continued his PPL training in Poland, the authority there contacted the UK CAA, who in turn asked me to verify his claimed passes. Once they had confirmation from our CAA, they accepted his exams done here.
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If the Aviation authority of the state in which you plan to do your flight training in say you can, then you can.
Ask your chosen UK ground school/examination provider for a copy of their CAA authorization certificate, send it, together with a nice letter to the Aviation authority in the state you plan to train in for your JAR PPL and they might just say yes. If not, book a month of work and come to the UK.
Ask your chosen UK ground school/examination provider for a copy of their CAA authorization certificate, send it, together with a nice letter to the Aviation authority in the state you plan to train in for your JAR PPL and they might just say yes. If not, book a month of work and come to the UK.
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Thanks
Thanks for your advice!
I'll start looking for a UK groundschool in the London area and get in touch...
If you have any you can recommend please let me know...
Many thanks!
I'll start looking for a UK groundschool in the London area and get in touch...
If you have any you can recommend please let me know...
Many thanks!
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A summary of my experience...
Hi,
It's been a few months since my last post but I thought it might be in the interest of other readers to hear of my 'quest' to get my PPL(A) in Poland with theory exams taken in the UK.
At the time when I completed my hours of flight school, the Polish ULC (Polish equivalent of the CAA) did not conduct PPL(A) theoretical examinatinos in English. This has since changed!!!
I requested the ULC to allow me to take the ground school exams in the UK and was granted permission.
I decided to do a full week course where I could take all exams in the space of 5 days. I was advised by many people to get in touch with 'Fly Derek' and I was glad that I did. I used his classes as a revision for the material I had already studied. I would recommend him to anyone!!!
(Here's another thread about him :
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...nd-school.html)
While in the UK I took all the theory examinations with Derek as well as the R/T Radio Operator's license (upon advice from my local flight school instructors).
After passing all exams, I returned to Poland as submitted the request for my final Practical Flying Exam.
This is where some difficulties arose...
After a few weeks I was contacted by ULC and asked for the usual paperwork :
- Examination results from the theory exams taken in the UK.
- Original University Degree Certificate
- Radio Opertor's license (not just the exam result but the actual license issued by the CAA!)
- Certificate of completion of ground school by my local Warsaw flying school.
- Passport etc...
After about 4 more weeks I contacted ULC and asked how things were progressing. They informed me that they had sent an email to the CAA asking for confirmation of my examination results and had not yet recieved a reply.
I called the CAA myself and explained the situation. I was told that the CAA couldn't confirm examination results unless they had been taken at their examination center at Gatwick (my exams had been taken at an authorised school with Derek).
To cut a very long (2 month story) short, there were many many phone calls on my part to the CAA and ULC (since it often seemed that they didnt seem to be very interested in talking to eachother) - at one point I was calling the CAA every week.
Finally, the CAA sent an email to the ULC confirming my examination results.
After a couple of weeks I took my practical exam here in Warsaw and send the final paper-work to the ULC for issuance of my PPL(A).
After a couple of weeks I was called by them and told that I would have to take an English exam (even though I had already done this as part of the CAA UK Radio Operator's license). The nice lady at the ULC explained that this was a matter of standard procedure.
After taking my English exam I finally submitted all my paperwork and finally recieved my PPL(A).
At the end of the day, it was down to some VERY VERY nice people both at the CAA and the ULC who helped me get out of the crack that exists between the two systems and I am very grateful to them for all their personal care and attention.
It's been a few months since my last post but I thought it might be in the interest of other readers to hear of my 'quest' to get my PPL(A) in Poland with theory exams taken in the UK.
At the time when I completed my hours of flight school, the Polish ULC (Polish equivalent of the CAA) did not conduct PPL(A) theoretical examinatinos in English. This has since changed!!!
I requested the ULC to allow me to take the ground school exams in the UK and was granted permission.
I decided to do a full week course where I could take all exams in the space of 5 days. I was advised by many people to get in touch with 'Fly Derek' and I was glad that I did. I used his classes as a revision for the material I had already studied. I would recommend him to anyone!!!
(Here's another thread about him :
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...nd-school.html)
While in the UK I took all the theory examinations with Derek as well as the R/T Radio Operator's license (upon advice from my local flight school instructors).
After passing all exams, I returned to Poland as submitted the request for my final Practical Flying Exam.
This is where some difficulties arose...
After a few weeks I was contacted by ULC and asked for the usual paperwork :
- Examination results from the theory exams taken in the UK.
- Original University Degree Certificate
- Radio Opertor's license (not just the exam result but the actual license issued by the CAA!)
- Certificate of completion of ground school by my local Warsaw flying school.
- Passport etc...
After about 4 more weeks I contacted ULC and asked how things were progressing. They informed me that they had sent an email to the CAA asking for confirmation of my examination results and had not yet recieved a reply.
I called the CAA myself and explained the situation. I was told that the CAA couldn't confirm examination results unless they had been taken at their examination center at Gatwick (my exams had been taken at an authorised school with Derek).
To cut a very long (2 month story) short, there were many many phone calls on my part to the CAA and ULC (since it often seemed that they didnt seem to be very interested in talking to eachother) - at one point I was calling the CAA every week.
Finally, the CAA sent an email to the ULC confirming my examination results.
After a couple of weeks I took my practical exam here in Warsaw and send the final paper-work to the ULC for issuance of my PPL(A).
After a couple of weeks I was called by them and told that I would have to take an English exam (even though I had already done this as part of the CAA UK Radio Operator's license). The nice lady at the ULC explained that this was a matter of standard procedure.
After taking my English exam I finally submitted all my paperwork and finally recieved my PPL(A).
At the end of the day, it was down to some VERY VERY nice people both at the CAA and the ULC who helped me get out of the crack that exists between the two systems and I am very grateful to them for all their personal care and attention.
