Absolutely right, no offence intended at all!! :( Apologies if it was, I did not mean to be. The only reason I said it was that as a student myself if others at the club start talking about something which is, lets say off the PPL syllabus over what should/shouldn't be done, as interesting as it is, thats stuff for post-PPL and makes life harder for the student. Yep, I know I don't have to listen, or try to understand, but sometimes you just can't help it!

Evening

Thanks all really appreciate the feedback! Just looked up the goodwood sites so might well swing in there on way back from shoreham.

Well forgot to mention I bought the first book from Trevor thorm so going to read that see how that settles with me on theory side. Been readin forum posts most days which helps.

Sounds like confuser is good to have can it still be bought? Will also look at the others.

Anyone else here around same stage as me looking at potential schools?

Kev

Hi Kev,
Re your comment on "If you can pass your driving test, you should be OK to pass the PPL."
I was rubbish at exams at school, passed my driving test on my second attempt!
Passed my PPL exams and GFT first time! I reckon that anyone can be beaten into passing their driving tests eventually, but to pass your PPL it can be done only if you really WANT to do it, then, its no problem.
Go for it!:

Today's excursions
 

Hey all

Well been down to see couple of potential schools!

First off was Phoenix in Lee on Solent. Was a bit worried when I got there as just a porta cabin in the middle of the airfield with planes out side but guess that's the normal with smaller schools! Thinking bout it Bournemouth is similar just bigger cabins and cafe lol! Was impressed with phoenix by the time I left and a guy came in just after me to sign up! They don't want any money up front and they invoice you after you fly which sounds good! Only thing to pay is a monthly membership of £40 but seems reasonable.

Second stop was flying time aviation down at shoreham. Seems alot more proffeesional and alot bigger more planes and instructors. All of which were wearing the captain style uniforms! They didn't seem to organised guy who I met didn't no he was seeing me but he was good guy answered my questions and showed me the fleet of aircraft! He also advised not to pay upfront and pay as you go also warned me of some of the schools in the area and to do my research!

So feel i have achieved something although not planning to start to next year I want to get this all out of the way now so when I want to start I can! Still not to confident with the theory but everyone seems to say its do able. Correction on my earlier post it's Jeremy pratts book I have lol.

Where I'd best place to get the books and all the stuff I need to start like knee board, log book and bits? Looked at pooleys and flight store also eBay Phoenix recommended by bits as you need them but noticed you can buy the starter kits which has all all you need. Thoughts on this?

Cheers

Kev

Hi Kevin,

Re your question about purchasing equipment. I'm 3/4 of my way through my PPL and have so far been served just fine by my eBay headset, eBay flight computer, eBay plotter, etc. Obviously charts and flight guides are best purchased new as they're updated regularly, and a second hand logbook isn't going to be much use, but I have saved a fair bit on the cost of equipment, and the previous owners kept it all in good working order.

That said, for the first 20ish hours you most likely won't be needing much nav equipment, but for circuits and general handling a kneeboard is useful for writing down altimeter settings, taxi clearances and other information in flight. My advice would be to speak with your instructor and buy things as you need them rather than all right at the start. I bought all the books before my first real lesson, and most sat on the shelves for months until I needed them.

Enjoy your PPL and best of luck!

ADC

A checklist for the aeroplane is all that I had until first solo. Then bought myself a headset as a present for the achievement. With nav came the kneeboard, chart, stopwatch etc. I would suggest being one step a head of the flying on the equipment side. I think it sets a good base for learning if you turn up with everything you need for the lesson. Prior planning prevents...... But in good time.

I think the study books are useful from the beginning because as you can read from others, exams tend to creep up and potentially hinder progress. Have a chat with whichever instructor you fly with at the time, the books don't need to be bought in one foul swoop. Perhaps your instructor could recommend an order? Usually starting with (Trevor Thom) Book 1: Flying Training (the PPL studes bible), and Book 2: Air Law and Met... oh are they in the same book? ;)

thanks
 

Hi

Thnaks Guys big help. Might leave it then and buy it as I need it perhaps look at different places for the books.

On the ground school subject again has anyone here in the UK used this complany before for ground school training? The Great Circle - Home Page - The Great Circle

Kev

Kevin
I have them on my I phone and I pad then When ever I have a minute I give them a go, you still have to study the books though dont just learn the answers to the questions