Progressing after PPL
 

While working towards PPL, things are pretty well mapped out in terms of progressing through different skills. Having got PPL, that changes. I also see on this forum that there are pilots who are held in high regard for their experience and ability, and plainly there are some who don't inspire such confidence from their fellow aviators.

So, my question is this: do you have any tips on how a new PPL should get experience with a view to becoming a member of the former category of pilots rather than the latter? I know it boils down to getting experience, but is there any pattern to what the good guys do? For example, I can see that experience would be limited if I never moved away from my home airfield. On the other hand, I guess there are trips which might be a bit too ambitious for a new PPL.

To put this in context, I'm not aiming for a CPL. I'll always be doing private flying with friends and family. But I want to get into good safe habits and progress safely out of the zone where inexperience creates danger in itself.

A lot depends on "what floats your boat" in terms of flying.

Some people get into aerobatics. If you like that, that is a whole lot of specialised training which you will need.

Some people like to go places ("touring"). That is why I learnt to fly. Going outside the UK is a big icing on the cake. You can do quite a lot of that VFR (I have some trip writeups here) but having an IR helps a lot, and having an IMCR helps anyway no matter where you fly.

Some people just like going up into the sky. I suspect most of those give up fairly soon though. One needs to do interesting things - for the copious amounts of money which this activity costs.

One can also use it for utility / business travel. That can be tricky using light GA; there are many factors which limit the utility value in Europe (especially compared to the USA). But in the right circumstances it can work well.

A CPL is almost useless anyway, in Europe. It just enables you to do PPL instruction and get paid for it. A CPL/IR is the minimum useful professional qualification and even then only if you get a job with an outfit which has an AOC (with certain exceptions like a hired pilot for an aircraft owner).

You might find some helpful hints in the book "101 things to do with your private pilot's license". This is based on the US-situation, which is a bit more encouraging at becoming a good and proficient pilot, but there is a lot of information and inspiration in the 250-odd pages.

It boils down to combining the joy of flying with regular additional training. This keeps you current, provides the family with rewards commensurate with your skill level and prevents you from getting overconfident at 150 hours.

In JAA land, I would suggest to
1. Get a night rating
2. Do some serious cross country flying to visit some places you've never been before. Start with modest trips of just over 100 NM, gradually expanding to the with reserve action radius of your airplane (say 500 NM).
Take the family with you on occasions (For example, an early trip could be to fly to Oxford and combine it with a visit to the Ashmolean; Later on you effortlessly do a channel crossing to land at Tours (FR) and visit (or why not, overfly) some of the famous Loire Castles)
3. Get an IMC rating (or an enroute IR, or a PPL/IR)
4. Plan and execute a flying holiday to Germany, Southern France, Spain or Italy
5. Get checked out on a high performance & complex airplane

further down the line
...Fly with oxygen
...Get a Multi-Engine rating
...Follow a Mountain Flying course in France, Switzerland, Austria or Germany
...Land at Innsbruck; Make an alpine crossing; Get checked out and land a Mégève
...Get checked out in a pressurized aircraft / high altitude endorsement
...Get type-rated in a Cessna Citation Mustang
...Get a conversion to a South African license and do a flying safari
...

Also, I wouldn't shy away from the CPL. Again, treat it as a learning experience. Rod Machado said, your PPL is a "license to learn". He was soooo right. One of my friends is an ATPL, and he has never flown for an airline (and never intends to do so), he just happens to be a really really good pilot who enjoys private flight and occasionally combines his hobby with his business trips.

I think you've answered your own question, developing good, safe habits. You won't go far wrong there. I'm a new PPL (last July) and while I may act the goat occasionally on here I take flying very seriously, not that I don't have fun, I do but there has to be an underlying professionalism, even if you're not a professional if you get my drift.

I started off by making sure I had a few long XC and landings at some airfields that are dissimilar to your own before I took any passengers. I don't land at GA airfields on a weekend unless I have to (I fly from a very busy ATC airfield where any pratting about in the cct will get you a short interview with SATCO, no tea and biscuits) because I've found some of the circuit discipline appalling and quite frankly a bit scary.

I don't work Wednesday so that's when I do most of my 'landing out at GA' flying, when it's quiet and the weekend warriors are at work, and you know all ATC services are likely to be up and running.

Don't be afraid to admit mistakes, I make plenty, speak to your CFI or more experienced club members and get their advice. If they come the old 'well if you had ten squillion hours like me' line then don't waste breath on them.

Above all, enjoy it, play ultra safe at all times especially when carrying passengers and never be afraid to turn back.

Edit: In addition to the above about flying into Oxford, Cambridge is also a good place to visit (if you can stand the £25 landing fee and shiny vest scenario) as there is a park and ride just outside the airport that takes you into the city center for around £2.50.

If your interest is to fly for fun and to keep flying then;

Join the LAA.

Get along to your local strut.

Get flights in as many LAA machines as you can

Enjoy the camaraderie and when you know what you are interested in get a share.

LAA machines range from £2.5k single seat 60kn up to £150k 200kn full glass. Aerobatic, TW etc. There is an entire network of strips and micro sites that will be available to you as well as a pilot coaching system to help you improve and enjoy. You do not have to build your own machine and many of us tour Europe and have a good time doing it.

Rod1

Get a copy of this book:

Nigel Everett "Beyond the PPL" ISBN 1 874783 29 2

its part of the AFE series - covers pretty much everything to get you broadening your horizons in what ever way you fancy and with a strong and appropriate emphasis on how to do so as safely as possible(something that the OP recognises is an aim in itself).

Its important that you do have a plan for what to do next. Huge numbers of post PPL pilots give up fairly soon after qualifying - some, though certainly not all, because they cant see what to do next.

Flying in an environment with others around to offer support and encouragement is important. LAA struts, a club with a good social scene, or joining an aircraft ownership group are all good ways forward whatever the specific flying goals are that you set yourself.

H