UK PPL(A) training. West Midlands
 

I've been advised to ask my questions here so here I am.

I'll try to keep it short.

​Started my training back in September 2019.
By March 2020, I logged about 20 hours in my logbook. Then COVID hit, and not long after that, I found out that my workplace was closing down, laying off over 500 people.

​As a young father (now I'm 38) in the process of buying our first house, I decided I had to secure my family financially, so I decided I'm not going back to training until I feel it won't affect our finances.

​So here I am with the savings and a plan to push that right rudder as much as it needs to be pushed.
I've learned that weather during the winter can be tricky, so I still have time to choose the flight school (any advice appreciated, on my radar: Halfpenny Green, Tatenhill, Coventry, Wellesbourne) before I start flying in March/April. I'd like to use that time to study. I still have the Pooleys books, but I'm not sure if they are up to date. Should I just stick with them and use something like a PPL study app to see what changed in Air Law, for example?

​Also, as far as I know, as someone whose English is not their first language, I'm required to pass an English Language Proficiency test (which can be done at On Track Aviation, hence I'm looking more in that direction regarding choosing a flying school). Does anyone have some resources on how to get prepared for it, apart from what you can find on their website?

​I'm guessing my medicals (both Class 1 and 2) are out of date by now, so I have to do the initial again?

​Yeah, I tried to keep it short, but I didn't, so to sum up:

1.​Recommend learning aids, taking into account I have a few books from 2019.
2.​ATO recommendations in the West Midlands.
3.​ELP test resources.
4.​Medicals.

​All help much appreciated

Hi Paczo,

You seem to have organised your ideas very well and there is no reason that you shouldn't go forwards to enjoy learning to fly.

As to which school to use it's best to make your own mind up by visiting all those on your list and seeing which one welcomes you best and which makes you feel 'right' about using them. All the airfields you list have good schools available but one thing to bear in mind is that Coventry is constantly under threat and at present is scheduled to close in the coming summer.

Never, ever, pay up front for blocks of training as schools go out of business with frequent regularity!

I stand to be corrected but I think the language test can be done as part of the RT exam so most schools should offer that. As for reading material there is no harm in starting with what you've got (principles of flight and meteorology don't change for political reasons!). You can update what you need along the way.

If you intend to do the full Part FCL-PPL (A) then you will need a Class 2 medical which you can do with your nearest AME shown on the CAA website. If you are intending to only do the NPPL then a Pilots Medical Declaration will suffice. Only renew your Class 1 if you intend to go professional.

Good Luck.

Best of luck with your ambitions. You should contact Shropshire Aero Club, which is just north of Shrewsbury. Excellent facilities and good instructors at a better price than most clubs.

Thank you for your reply, BoeingBoy.Coventry is off the radar in this case.
I only mentioned the ELP test because 5 years ago my instructor encouraged me to do one. I'm guessing he wasn't sure if I met ICAO Level 6 standards, so perhaps he preferred me to have a document stating I have ICAO Level 4, 5, or 6 before the FRTOL, just in case. I vaguely remember it.I guess I'll speak to my ATO about it when I choose one.
From CAA website:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....42e9901b57.jpg
Regarding my medical. I did my Class 1 back in 2019 to make sure I wouldn't have issues if I wanted to go professional later on. Since it was an EASA Class 1 (and if I remember correctly, Class 2 is valid for 5 years), I have to do an initial Class 2 anyway.Thanks again; I appreciate your help.

Thank you for your reply.

I did consider it when I was doing my research, but unfortunately, it's too far away from me, which is a shame as I've heard only good things about it.

Perhaps the most important, yet most difficult, part of learning to fly is finding a good instructor. I have experienced a number of instructors in my time, all have been good pilots, but some fall short in the interpersonal relationship bit. It’s just like life, you’re not going to get far if you don’t like your instructor. When you visit a training organisation make sure you speak to the CFI and the instructor you may be allocated to, and ask yourself “can I sit with this chap for 45 hours in a C152”. Talk to other students if possible.

The theory side you can read up yourself.

I can also recommend Shropshire Aero Club at Sleap.

Given that you seem to be able to write English to level 6 I would not worry about your certificate. It will take care of itself during your training. :ok:

Research the schools at the airfields you have listed and visit them personally. Get a feel for them as some will be more receptive and welcoming than others. You'll be surprised at how lax some are at greeting new customers. You'll instinctively know when you feel that a school is 'right for you'. That would be the time to ask for recommendations online.

Of the airfields you list all have excellent schools.

Weather can be tricky any time! Amongst all the other factors take into account access to your chosen school. A 30 minute wasted trip isn't as draining as a 90 minute one...

You can be given a level 6 language assessment by either a RT examiner or a PPL skill test examiner. Nothing to worry about there unless they can’t understand what you are saying! There is no fee for the assessment and level 6 is the normal everyday standard.

I am told the cheapest flying in that area is at Shobdon, it’s certainly the best flying area but not that easy to drive to. They are not very well organised either, always a problem with committee run flying clubs. Last time I was there a few months back I was shocked to see how scruffy the place was!

Any flying school is only as good as the FI who teaches you. Most are run on shall we say, a relaxed basis! Just keep in mind the PPL is a self study course and you will learn to fly despite your flying instructor!

I and my deputy have been told we can only assess a test candidate's radio English if that candidate's native language is English. Has this changed recently?

I'd recommend either Tattenhill or Derby airfield, as above it's more about finding an instructor you can work well with for PPL.

Any FE can do level 6 English for free, check with one before you worry about an assessment.