Stapleford PPL training
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Leyton
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No at that time, the first time I flew it was a male at EGLM but its different now at stapleford sorry for the confusion it was my fault. I don't mind going through it again because I like flying anyhow, but I hope your right that I won't have to repeat what we done in the ppl
Kind regards Adam.
Kind regards Adam.
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Adam,
I have just finished my PPL out of Stapleford and can give you an insight into the School and some of the advice that was given to me by my Instructor. SFC was the second training provider and I had transferred to after doing the first 6 hours out of The Pilot Centre in Denham - who by the way are nothing short of Excellent. But that doesn't help you!
I live in East London and therefore the closest, most established school around is SFC. They have lots of Cessna's dotting around and plenty of Warrior's also. The aircraft themselves did have me a little worried at times but nothing major and from a "maintenance" perspective all of the features critical to flight safety are maintained. In my time, I experienced a door popping open during the "take off roll" but we continued the climb out because it was safe to do so and simply closed the door!
Once into the circuit during "Touch & Go's".. I experienced a Flap Retraction Failure - 30 degrees and noticed it before my Instructor who promptly took control.
You will quickly find your favourite aircraft and one which doesn't have a loose door hinge, or a crappy radio.. but the main thing is the aircraft are well maintained but look like they have been made from scrap metal!
I chose to "Pay as I fly" and paid by Credit Card to give me extra protection and so to speak until "I trusted the School"... Remember YOU are the Customer! I don't expect the School to go bust suddenly but you can never be too careful!
My Instructor was the one of the Most Senior Instructor's employed by SFC and also teaches CPL therefore you can "back seat". As a PPL you have nothing to measure your performance against... so sitting in the backseat of a CPL and seeing them mess up a Rate 1 turn or identify the town of Tunbridge Wells as Ashford did wonders for my confidence!
In other words it will help to build up your awareness and confidence and also make friends with the CPL students.
STICK TO ONE INSTRUCTOR ONLY OR AT A PUSH 2 INSTRUCTORS.
Around 35 hours in my Instructor started getting busy with CPL students so I shifted to another Instructor to "finish me off" so to speak.. Happy in the comfort and knowing that the second instructor was also trained by my Instructor as an FI.
§
SFC Instructor's will always give priority to CPL students so you will find your slot gets bumped or cancelled and most things are done by text. For example, you are booked in for a 12pm Slot and you receive a text in the morning asking you to come in at 10am or 1pm.
Dr Peter Orton is onsite on Sunday at SFC .. the office next to Gerran Aviation Supplies...so pop in and see him and say hello. He is an excellent AME and has helped me with a couple of challenges I faced with the CAA.
The clubhouse is nice and can be used to sit around and get friendly with your Instructor... Buy them a Coffee and have a chat on a bad weather day to answer any questions!
DO THE PRE-WORK AT HOME. MENTALLY FLY THE EXERCISE.
Also be prepared to get Bollocked. This may come as your instructor "Nagging" at you but the good instructors are the one's you will say "I am only nagging because I want you to do well"..
Happy to answer any other specific questions.
Scoobster
I have just finished my PPL out of Stapleford and can give you an insight into the School and some of the advice that was given to me by my Instructor. SFC was the second training provider and I had transferred to after doing the first 6 hours out of The Pilot Centre in Denham - who by the way are nothing short of Excellent. But that doesn't help you!
I live in East London and therefore the closest, most established school around is SFC. They have lots of Cessna's dotting around and plenty of Warrior's also. The aircraft themselves did have me a little worried at times but nothing major and from a "maintenance" perspective all of the features critical to flight safety are maintained. In my time, I experienced a door popping open during the "take off roll" but we continued the climb out because it was safe to do so and simply closed the door!
Once into the circuit during "Touch & Go's".. I experienced a Flap Retraction Failure - 30 degrees and noticed it before my Instructor who promptly took control.
You will quickly find your favourite aircraft and one which doesn't have a loose door hinge, or a crappy radio.. but the main thing is the aircraft are well maintained but look like they have been made from scrap metal!
I chose to "Pay as I fly" and paid by Credit Card to give me extra protection and so to speak until "I trusted the School"... Remember YOU are the Customer! I don't expect the School to go bust suddenly but you can never be too careful!
My Instructor was the one of the Most Senior Instructor's employed by SFC and also teaches CPL therefore you can "back seat". As a PPL you have nothing to measure your performance against... so sitting in the backseat of a CPL and seeing them mess up a Rate 1 turn or identify the town of Tunbridge Wells as Ashford did wonders for my confidence!
In other words it will help to build up your awareness and confidence and also make friends with the CPL students.
STICK TO ONE INSTRUCTOR ONLY OR AT A PUSH 2 INSTRUCTORS.
Around 35 hours in my Instructor started getting busy with CPL students so I shifted to another Instructor to "finish me off" so to speak.. Happy in the comfort and knowing that the second instructor was also trained by my Instructor as an FI.
§
SFC Instructor's will always give priority to CPL students so you will find your slot gets bumped or cancelled and most things are done by text. For example, you are booked in for a 12pm Slot and you receive a text in the morning asking you to come in at 10am or 1pm.
Dr Peter Orton is onsite on Sunday at SFC .. the office next to Gerran Aviation Supplies...so pop in and see him and say hello. He is an excellent AME and has helped me with a couple of challenges I faced with the CAA.
The clubhouse is nice and can be used to sit around and get friendly with your Instructor... Buy them a Coffee and have a chat on a bad weather day to answer any questions!
DO THE PRE-WORK AT HOME. MENTALLY FLY THE EXERCISE.
Also be prepared to get Bollocked. This may come as your instructor "Nagging" at you but the good instructors are the one's you will say "I am only nagging because I want you to do well"..
Happy to answer any other specific questions.
Scoobster
Join Date: Oct 2014
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Thank you very much
I just booked a 30 minute flight for the 28th of October and we got into a conversation where she said that because I am still too young i don't need a medical until I am 16 but I can still start my ppl I currently fly G-BFFW and because half term is coming
I decided to fly during the week but yeah I will see Dr orton but I won't need to be tested until 16 I am going to stick to one instructor because she in my opinion is a good instructor who also went to EGSG and studied there so she will probably know stapleford well and she said she will be happy to teach the ppl. For me the very first time the door opend G-BTGW it gave me goosebumps but in the cockpit there is not enough space to wave your arms and get scared so I told my instructor to take over control until I closed door I do have a few questions because for my 15th birthday I would really like to start my ppl so I would like to be up to date with everything i need.
1. How often would you recommend I should fly (obviously I can only fly at the weekends because I am still at school but I would like to fly as much as possible)
2.is there any uniform because I don't mind wearing uniforms like I see people with a stapleford jacket that I would like to get my hands on, so far I made a shirt with the stapleford logo and I fly in that but as the cold weather is upon us I need to know what I should wear.
3.what I need to take on board the plane such as maps, kneeboards etc
4.am I aloud to make a video on a camera to keep for memory
And if there is anything else you feel you need to tell me I would welcome that very much
Once again many thanks for the advice and congrats on you ppl
Also my favourite aircraft is g-BFFW like you said it does not have any weird radio sounds nor does it have the door opening every minute I flew the c152 a total 4 times now and the warrior once.
At first flying the cessna was real hard as the control surfaces were quite hard to move with the yoke at 2,000 feet but on the second time I flew the c152 I started getting used to it
I just booked a 30 minute flight for the 28th of October and we got into a conversation where she said that because I am still too young i don't need a medical until I am 16 but I can still start my ppl I currently fly G-BFFW and because half term is coming
I decided to fly during the week but yeah I will see Dr orton but I won't need to be tested until 16 I am going to stick to one instructor because she in my opinion is a good instructor who also went to EGSG and studied there so she will probably know stapleford well and she said she will be happy to teach the ppl. For me the very first time the door opend G-BTGW it gave me goosebumps but in the cockpit there is not enough space to wave your arms and get scared so I told my instructor to take over control until I closed door I do have a few questions because for my 15th birthday I would really like to start my ppl so I would like to be up to date with everything i need.1. How often would you recommend I should fly (obviously I can only fly at the weekends because I am still at school but I would like to fly as much as possible)
2.is there any uniform because I don't mind wearing uniforms like I see people with a stapleford jacket that I would like to get my hands on, so far I made a shirt with the stapleford logo and I fly in that but as the cold weather is upon us I need to know what I should wear.
3.what I need to take on board the plane such as maps, kneeboards etc
4.am I aloud to make a video on a camera to keep for memory
And if there is anything else you feel you need to tell me I would welcome that very much
Once again many thanks for the advice and congrats on you ppl
Also my favourite aircraft is g-BFFW like you said it does not have any weird radio sounds nor does it have the door opening every minute I flew the c152 a total 4 times now and the warrior once.
At first flying the cessna was real hard as the control surfaces were quite hard to move with the yoke at 2,000 feet but on the second time I flew the c152 I started getting used to it
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Yes G-BFFW is probably one of the better ones and I think (from memory) G-BTGX, G-BHCT and G-OPAM..
I did my trial flight in a PA-28.. but finished the PPL on a C-152. Most cost effective!
I am also near to Leyton.. So give me a shout if you have any other questions..
Scoobster
I did my trial flight in a PA-28.. but finished the PPL on a C-152. Most cost effective!
I am also near to Leyton.. So give me a shout if you have any other questions..
Scoobster
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Because I flew with the same instructor more than once and she always flies g-BFFW I did fly BTGW but like I said not a good experience
So far I only have those questions but I might have more later on so thank you very much when I booked my flight for the 28th the receptionist Said there was another person at my age who started training and now is a commercial airline pilot. So I have high hopes.
Ps. I went to another flight school for one flight in west london but from leyton lea bridge road it take almost 2 hours to get there so did some researching and found that sfc was only 15 minutes away.
So far I only have those questions but I might have more later on so thank you very much when I booked my flight for the 28th the receptionist Said there was another person at my age who started training and now is a commercial airline pilot. So I have high hopes.
Ps. I went to another flight school for one flight in west london but from leyton lea bridge road it take almost 2 hours to get there so did some researching and found that sfc was only 15 minutes away.
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1. How often would you recommend I should fly (obviously I can only fly at the weekends because I am still at school but I would like to fly as much as possible)
What people generally do is they book in 2 slots on the same day.. For example, 10am and 2pm.. if this is an option, check with your instructor.. So you could do this on Saturday and Sunday.
Take it slow and build up depending on how you feel. My instructor said to me that the first 25 hours are the hardest and once you have mastered the basic controls the next challenge will be navigation!
2.is there any uniform because I don't mind wearing uniforms like I see people with a stapleford jacket that I would like to get my hands on, so far I made a shirt with the stapleford logo and I fly in that but as the cold weather is upon us I need to know what I should wear.
Some of the heaters in the Plane are a bit hit and miss so I wouldn't want you to freeze when there is a 35 knot wind and Gusty conditions!
3.what I need to take on board the plane such as maps, kneeboards etc
1. Latest Edition Map - They update every 6 months.
2. Flight/Knee Board - (I use the A4 Pooleys FB-7)
3. Set of Permanent Marker Pens - Red, Blue, Black, Green
4. Ruler, Protractor, Diversion Ruler
5. CRP-1 or CRP-5 (Ebay)
4. Own Headset (If you don't already have one)
5. Flight Bag (or any suitable bag, if you don't already have one)
6. VFR Flight Pad (The photocopied VFR sheets given by SFC are crap!)
7. Pooleys VFR Flight Guide
(Strictly speaking not necessary until you have your PPL, as your instructor will give you a photocopy for your landaway at Lydd, Earls Cone etc that has the aerodrome approach plates)
Easiest thing to do is walk into Gerry's.. and ask for everything for Navigation. Pricey.. but convenient... You may be able to save some money if you source Pens from Staples/Asda, headset from Ebay, have a look on UKGA.COM.
4.am I aloud to make a video on a camera to keep for memory
Scoobster
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Thank you
I didn't know you can book more than one flight on the same day that's great because I was wondering the same thing few days ago. Only in a few weeks during half term I am able to fly during the week but I generally fly on Sundays but if insist in flying on Saturday than I can probably try I remember one Sunday morning when I was flying at 9:30 there was a great deal of traffic so your right. Since the stapleford jackets are for staff I am probably going to get a nato cotton jumper I bought my logbook from gerry's I saw they have a lot of good things and also there is a pilot shop in victoria.
Also which headset would you reccomend.
Kind regards Adam
I didn't know you can book more than one flight on the same day that's great because I was wondering the same thing few days ago. Only in a few weeks during half term I am able to fly during the week but I generally fly on Sundays but if insist in flying on Saturday than I can probably try I remember one Sunday morning when I was flying at 9:30 there was a great deal of traffic so your right. Since the stapleford jackets are for staff I am probably going to get a nato cotton jumper I bought my logbook from gerry's I saw they have a lot of good things and also there is a pilot shop in victoria.
Also which headset would you reccomend.
Kind regards Adam
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The Pilot Shop in Victoria might be a bit out of the way, its a bit of a walk from the Station... What might be an idea is if you order online?
There are plenty of Pilot Supplies.. Pooleys Flying and Navigational Products and Accessories, afeonline.com and Sporty's Pilot Shop.
For the purposes of PPL.. I just bought a beginner Pooleys Headset from Ebay for about £50.. You could spend £250 on a David Clark H10 13.4 but if I were you I would much rather spend the difference of £200 on some more flying time!
Save the expensive headsets for later!
Gerry is an old timer.. so generally very friendly.. If you can get to Elstree with family or on your own there (by Car) there is a Pilot Shop on Elstree Aerodrome - a Pooleys Shop.
Scoobster
There are plenty of Pilot Supplies.. Pooleys Flying and Navigational Products and Accessories, afeonline.com and Sporty's Pilot Shop.
For the purposes of PPL.. I just bought a beginner Pooleys Headset from Ebay for about £50.. You could spend £250 on a David Clark H10 13.4 but if I were you I would much rather spend the difference of £200 on some more flying time!
Save the expensive headsets for later!
Gerry is an old timer.. so generally very friendly.. If you can get to Elstree with family or on your own there (by Car) there is a Pilot Shop on Elstree Aerodrome - a Pooleys Shop.
Scoobster
Join Date: Oct 2014
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Yea I know gerry's in fact were going there in a few days to buy some supplies and we might also checkout elstree
P.s this might be silly question but those teddy bears at reception that's on display can you buy them or win them because it would be a good souvenir and do stapleford have any merchandise at Gerry's or something?
Kind regards
Adam
P.s this might be silly question but those teddy bears at reception that's on display can you buy them or win them because it would be a good souvenir and do stapleford have any merchandise at Gerry's or something?
Kind regards
Adam
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teddy bears at reception that's on display can you buy them or win them because it would be a good souvenir and do stapleford have any merchandise at Gerry's or something
A quick google search reveals:
Charter flights, Learn to fly, flying lessons, flying experience - SFC Be flown to or fly to, Passenger or pilot, it's your choice
The teddy is £8.74.
Scoobster
Join Date: Oct 2014
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Thanks
I just went down there to get myself a jumper.
As a student pilot are you aloud to where bars on your epaulette and if so hiw many and what colour because now my jumper looks a bit plain I might get a plain wing to go on it too.
I just went down there to get myself a jumper.
As a student pilot are you aloud to where bars on your epaulette and if so hiw many and what colour because now my jumper looks a bit plain I might get a plain wing to go on it too.
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As a student pilot are you aloud to where bars on your epaulette and if so hiw many and what colour because now my jumper looks a bit plain I might get a plain wing to go on it too.
No PPL should wear epaulattes, except in India or some other place where any kind of transit as a pilot will attract unwanted attention not dressed in the correct attire. The UK, France and Stapleford will happily let you take off and land anywhere without them. In all seriousness you would probably be laughed at unless you're looking like an instructor. It's best to imagine wearing epaulettes just in your head ;-) Wings / club logos etc, thats all fine, just not epaulettes.
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No it was a serious question because when I look at my jumper it's really plain well at least I won't be laughed at now
Thank you
Wait club logos ? What do you mean because that would be great too!
Thank you
Wait club logos ? What do you mean because that would be great too!
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Adam,
I assure you YOU SHOULD NOT be wearing epaulette's on your jumper.. No matter how plain.
1) Keep warm
2) Fly the plane
3) Unless your a fashionista - I wouldn't worry how "plain" you are looking!
Focus on the PPL first and foremost.. Anything else is a Bonus.
All the best.
Scoobster
I assure you YOU SHOULD NOT be wearing epaulette's on your jumper.. No matter how plain.
1) Keep warm
2) Fly the plane
3) Unless your a fashionista - I wouldn't worry how "plain" you are looking!
Focus on the PPL first and foremost.. Anything else is a Bonus.
All the best.
Scoobster
Está servira para distraerle.
I liked the winged dragon Smaug in The Hobbit. He's a thoroughly evil great worm whose lust for gold is possibly even greater than that of the trolls whose gold bars he would covet even before he'd gobbled them up.
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Yea your right.
I was just checking the specs of the c152 and I was wondering if you are aloud to fly in light rain and what is the minimum of base cloud to be aloud to fly since today's weather wasn't very good and since my next lesson is two weeks into the future I don't think the weather will improve much
I was just checking the specs of the c152 and I was wondering if you are aloud to fly in light rain and what is the minimum of base cloud to be aloud to fly since today's weather wasn't very good and since my next lesson is two weeks into the future I don't think the weather will improve much
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The official line from the Instructors at SFC is.. if you can see through the rain and see the horizon and the surface and it is in patches.. then you can fly through or route around the "light rain".
Minimum Cloud base - there isn't one.. it is depending on what exercise you are doing.. so for general handling i would say 1800 feet - stalling 3000 feet etc.
Check with your FI.
Scoobs.
Minimum Cloud base - there isn't one.. it is depending on what exercise you are doing.. so for general handling i would say 1800 feet - stalling 3000 feet etc.
Check with your FI.
Scoobs.