NPPL (or PPL) Training West Midlands
 

Hi All,

Some might recognise my name from some posts many years ago - I'm still pursuing the dream, though not as a job

That said, I'm interested in doing ideally an NPPL (or PPL costs permitting) near to the West Midlands area. I'm based in Dudley, with fairly easy access to Half Penny and other airports. Can anyone recommend any flight schools?

I also appreciate any views on NPPL (seems most ideal for me) vs PPL :)

PS. Thanks for the move mods

No knowledge of training in the West Mids, but I can give my views on NPPL vs PPL.

If you want to fly with more than one pax, learn to fly at night or on instruments, or fly multi engine you might as well go fo the PPL know. If you just want to fly in decent weather with one other, go for the NPPL. I don't see what extra the PPL gives you and microlights are capable now and so much cheaper.

The NPPL with a Single Engine Piston Land (SEPL) may carry 3 passengers (4 up including the Pilot). The maximum authorised weight of the aeroplane must not exceed 2 metric tonnes. The NPPL can add a night Rating, Aerobatic Rating and also fly 'complex types': i.e. retractable undercarriage, constant speed propeller and also be turbo charged. For most PPLs in the UK the only restriction, that could matter and for most it doesn't, is being restricted to UK airspace although with the exception of the Channel Islands. Very few 4 seat aircraft exceed 2 metric tonnes and only a relatively small percentage of PPLs hold any kind of instrument rating (at least that is maintained current) so cannot fly in IMC either.

For most private pilots in the UK the NPPL is all that they require.

"The NPPL can add a night Rating, Aerobatic Rating "
Is a rating now required for aerobatics in non-EASA aircraft in UK Airspace?
I thought only EASA required that.
(I did 12 hours dual in a Zlin 242 at North Las Vegas but have no qualifications.)

It'll take as long to fly as it does, I should advise signing up for the full PPL, you'll probably need the full hours to pass the skill test anyhow, unless you are particularly young and sharp - which most of us are not.

I've never flown with the flying school, but every experience I've ever had of Halfpenny Green / Wolverhampton has been entirely positive as a visiting pilot. I should start there.

G

If you are likely to be flying on a limited budget, time or cash, the NPPL is easier to maintain, requiring 12 hours within the last two years. The PPL also requires 12 hours but that has to be gained in the last 12 months.

No, your right, it isn't but for UK licence holders I would highly recommend undertaking the AOPA Aerobatic course as a minimum and being certified.

So basically 4KBeta mixed advice!!

Only you know how much time and money you have available so the cheap option may suit your needs. But if you end up having to take extra lessons to meet the standard then a PPL would have been the the way forward.
As the Boeing checklist says “Choose one…”

Hi All,

Thanks for the detailed replies :)

I'm still leaning towards the NPPL for the 12 hours continuation over 2 years (as mentioned). Are we all not on a budget really? :)


I had no plans right now to take a Aerobatic course, I assume you're recommending it for more experience?

Many thanks again

Being blunt, but honest, a pilot flying 12 hours every 2 years isn't safe. We can all debate a sensible number, but it's more than that.

G

Thanks for the reply. I think you're right and likely something I need to think about long term. Right now, its still being worked out. I do have a young family and wife to negotiate with :)

Though I fortunately have a decent income to cover flying, its just what else gets sacrificed being the tricky part.

PPL training West Midlands
 

I can certainly recommend South Warwickshire Flying School at Wellesbourne - well maintained aircraft with a highly professional and student-centred approach. My other opinions are to avoid Coventry and Tatenhill though you'll obviously do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do

Get full PPL, but then fly on NPPL privileges to maintain it. Can always go back full SEP by doing the required hours.
Folks with no prior flying shouldn't kid themselves they will be competent on minimum NPPL training hours.

Rather than an NPPL, why not go for the almost identical LAPL. Much the same but it leaves you the option of upgrading to a PPL in the future, which the NPPL (currently) does not.

I meant LAPL, when i typed NPPL........................................just too many licences.

Another recommendation for South Warwickshire School of Flying. I did my PPL there years ago and returned after moving round the country a lot. I e flown with 7 or 8 other clubs and they are by far the most professional.