How difficult can it be...?
 

from www.ananova.com:

Gifted children learn to fly in six months

Ten gifted children in Holland graduated from pilots' school in just six months instead of the standard two years.

The children, aged between 10 and 17, qualified as private pilots at Lelystad in a course organised by the Dutch Foundation Facta which acts for highly talented children.

Eiso Kant, 13, from Doorwerth, said: "A normal pilot's course takes two years. I did in in only six months. I liked the theory a lot - aerodynamics, flying technics, meteorology.

"All books of more than 800 pages. Legislation was the worst, because I had to learn it all by heart."

They also had to take a practical exam, reports Het Laatste Nieuws.

"With the teacher sitting next to me, I had to take off and fly for half an hour a clear round. It was very easy," added Eiso.

Although the children all got their private pilot licenses, the younger ones cannot fly until their 16th birthdays.

Eiso's mother Jereeny, who is chairman of Facta, said her organisation wants to offer children challenges they can't find anywhere else.

"In the near future we will also organise courses on how to invest on the Stock Exchange and how to become a private detective," she added.


Story filed: 09:52 Wednesday 18th February 2004

Did their parents all come from the same village and buy Volvo S60's at the same time too?!:}

Are any of these courses open to untalented, under-achievers in their thirties?

Eiso Kant?? He was a very lucky Kant if you ask me!

Kirstey :ok: :} :ok: :}

Have Holland filed for an expemption from JAA regulations in regards to solo hours for the issue of a Private Pilots Licence?

No?

That is what I thought as well...

So how have "all" of the children received their PPL's if they aren't even legally able to fly solo then?

Going to have to investigate how they have done this a bit further... (I'm in work with nothing to do at the moment, ssh don't tell the boss).

Also while we're on the subject, how does a normal PPL take two years? It depends on the person, how much spare time they have and how much money they have to throw at it.... the PPL course can take from (realistically) 3 weeks to a few years (my house mate has taken three years but is nearly finished, don't ask!)!!!

Best wishes,

Charlie Zulu.

Not to denigrate their achievement, but as CZ points out, who says that it takes two years to get a PPL? There are so many variables (viz.: money; weather; instructor, student and aircraft availability; instructor and student ability) that I don't believe it makes any sense to say that the course of instruction 'normally' takes X days, weeks, months or years.

Interesting story, though. What's up next for the kids? Brain surgery?:D

Nice to see the dutch are keeping their wonderful liberal attitude towards life :D This is how flight tests should be, back to the golden days of aviation where you just jumped in your bird (ooh err) and took her for a spin, then land in a field for lunch without anyone giving you grief.........