PPL in 21 days!?
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I'm having no luck getting my hours in here in England (26 lessons booked and only flown for 4) so thinking of going to the States.
Very much doubt I can take the full 21 days off work - was thinking of maybe a 2 week stint.
Anyone got the hours up that way?
Very much doubt I can take the full 21 days off work - was thinking of maybe a 2 week stint.
Anyone got the hours up that way?
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I did the ground exams first and managed the PPL course in just under 14 days in Florida, but it was hard work; I hit the ground running (2 flights on the first day, 3 on the second) but that's a bit harder now that you might lose a couple of days at the start until you get your fingerprints taken.
That particular school now uses an aircraft which may take a little longer for studes to master to solo level - not helping if time is tight.
When I did it the advertising was very much "guaranteed pass in 21 days", (albeit with some small print caveats!) but I don't think the school is saying that now.
I would still recommend the intensive US training approach, but plan on 4 weeks to build in a comfort margin.
That particular school now uses an aircraft which may take a little longer for studes to master to solo level - not helping if time is tight.
When I did it the advertising was very much "guaranteed pass in 21 days", (albeit with some small print caveats!) but I don't think the school is saying that now.
I would still recommend the intensive US training approach, but plan on 4 weeks to build in a comfort margin.
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I'm just not sure how productive 2 weeks would be... If you were going to do it, make sure you have full TSA clearance before you go, like I mentioned in my previous post. Took me 10 days alone to get clearance, so that would be most of your two weeks gone (although I think I was quite unlucky).
Also, it'll take you some time to get used to the flying out there, different aircraft, different RT, different area and airport etc.
I'm doing things the other way round, did 26 hours in Florida and now finishing the rest in UK, and I'd say it'll be a good 10 hours before i feel confident with the planes (newer 172's, more powerful), and the different radio etc.
You could go to America, hit a patch of bad weather or whatever and end up coming home with very few hours of any real value...
Personally, I wouldn't do it, but what would I know...
Stu
Also, it'll take you some time to get used to the flying out there, different aircraft, different RT, different area and airport etc.
I'm doing things the other way round, did 26 hours in Florida and now finishing the rest in UK, and I'd say it'll be a good 10 hours before i feel confident with the planes (newer 172's, more powerful), and the different radio etc.
You could go to America, hit a patch of bad weather or whatever and end up coming home with very few hours of any real value...
Personally, I wouldn't do it, but what would I know...
Stu
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Took me 10 days alone to get clearance, so that would be most of your two weeks gone
Did you not get printed at the US consolate before going Irish Stu? Do you still have to wait for clearance after getting them done on arrival?
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Even if it's still advertised, I wouldn't recommend doing a JAA PPL in 21 days -even provided the weather was OK and plane availability at 100%. The PPL should be seen as the foundation of your fluture flying career (I guess you want to go commercial since you post in this forum). It's very important to have sound bases, and I cannot see this done in 3 short weeks.
I did my JAA PPL in 5 weeks back in 2001, and that meant 2 flights/day most days! Bottom line: even in 5 weeks, it was hard work! I didn't pass any ground exam in GB before heading off, but had read the Trevor Thom books and sat 6 out of 7 PPL exams within a few days of arriving; so most of the 5 weeks was just flying. Airmanship and good habits are not best taught by rushing through the course. Obviously I'm not saying you should do it at "UK speed" (4-6 months), but 21 days seems awfully short. Of course you might want to make it fit your holiday; but remember, aviation is about hoping for the best and planning for the worst. In other words, you should have a 20% time (and $$$) "buffer" in case you should need more training, aircraft go "tech", the weather doesn't cooperate, or the TSA doesn't play ball, etc.
One can certainly do a CPL in 3 weeks, but then again it's only a 25-hr course and goes over material you've already seen at PPL!
My advice: take (a bit) more time. As previous posters show, you'll be glad you did.
Cheers
I did my JAA PPL in 5 weeks back in 2001, and that meant 2 flights/day most days! Bottom line: even in 5 weeks, it was hard work! I didn't pass any ground exam in GB before heading off, but had read the Trevor Thom books and sat 6 out of 7 PPL exams within a few days of arriving; so most of the 5 weeks was just flying. Airmanship and good habits are not best taught by rushing through the course. Obviously I'm not saying you should do it at "UK speed" (4-6 months), but 21 days seems awfully short. Of course you might want to make it fit your holiday; but remember, aviation is about hoping for the best and planning for the worst. In other words, you should have a 20% time (and $$$) "buffer" in case you should need more training, aircraft go "tech", the weather doesn't cooperate, or the TSA doesn't play ball, etc.
One can certainly do a CPL in 3 weeks, but then again it's only a 25-hr course and goes over material you've already seen at PPL!
My advice: take (a bit) more time. As previous posters show, you'll be glad you did.
Cheers
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Walsue,
You sound a bit like I did a few weeks ago. The decision I came to after reading lots of forum stuff and speaking direct to the schools was to just go for what YOU think is best. If two weeks is all you can spare then fine, the US (especially California) has great weather all year round (fact). So, I believe that in 2 weeks you could get a chunk of your training done. This of course depends on aircraft and instructor availabilty but if you call up the school you wish to attend and explain your situation they will tell you exactly how it is going to work for you.
There is a way that by the end of the two weeks you could get to the point where you are only a few hours and/or exams short of a PPL. This would be if you sat some exams before you went. My instructor advised that I complete Avaiation Law, Meterology and Pilot performace before I go. I also have 5 hours so this to will help.
Basically, don't worry to much, go and get yourself out to the states with an open mind. Rather than think you are going to pass in two, three or even four weeks just believe that you are going to learn as much as possible. You do not have to pay for all your training up front so if you don't fly you don't pay.
I hope this helps you out, I know there is alot to take in and some big decisions to make. Don't believe everything you read on forums, get on the phone as speak first hand to the schools and you will feel much more confident.
All the best with your training.
187.
You sound a bit like I did a few weeks ago. The decision I came to after reading lots of forum stuff and speaking direct to the schools was to just go for what YOU think is best. If two weeks is all you can spare then fine, the US (especially California) has great weather all year round (fact). So, I believe that in 2 weeks you could get a chunk of your training done. This of course depends on aircraft and instructor availabilty but if you call up the school you wish to attend and explain your situation they will tell you exactly how it is going to work for you.
There is a way that by the end of the two weeks you could get to the point where you are only a few hours and/or exams short of a PPL. This would be if you sat some exams before you went. My instructor advised that I complete Avaiation Law, Meterology and Pilot performace before I go. I also have 5 hours so this to will help.
Basically, don't worry to much, go and get yourself out to the states with an open mind. Rather than think you are going to pass in two, three or even four weeks just believe that you are going to learn as much as possible. You do not have to pay for all your training up front so if you don't fly you don't pay.
I hope this helps you out, I know there is alot to take in and some big decisions to make. Don't believe everything you read on forums, get on the phone as speak first hand to the schools and you will feel much more confident.
All the best with your training.
187.
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Hey 187nj,
please do so. When you are back please let us of know of every odd and ends. Because I've also mind to have a training with Anglo Amercian.
Regards,
AvEnthusiast
please do so. When you are back please let us of know of every odd and ends. Because I've also mind to have a training with Anglo Amercian.
Regards,
AvEnthusiast
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I did my PPL at Anglo in 3 weeks, my IR there in 2 weeks and my Airbus course in South Africa in less than a month. These things are possible but you need the right mental attitude and be prepared.
Treat your time not as a holiday, hit the ground running, and get into the studying. I treated the whole time as a course, that is I was at the flight school all day every day, I did loads of preparation and studying myself, had thorough briefings from the instructors and put the work in. Having a "can do" attitude will get you through.
If you know you are the sort of person who takes a few days to settle in, wants time off to rest or go sightseeing etc. then you ain't gonna do it in 3 weeks.
I found it a good way to learn, I did two flights a day, the second one consolidated some of the earlier lesson well and then we moved on to the next stuff.
Same with the IR.
It is possible if you want to do it.
Treat your time not as a holiday, hit the ground running, and get into the studying. I treated the whole time as a course, that is I was at the flight school all day every day, I did loads of preparation and studying myself, had thorough briefings from the instructors and put the work in. Having a "can do" attitude will get you through.
If you know you are the sort of person who takes a few days to settle in, wants time off to rest or go sightseeing etc. then you ain't gonna do it in 3 weeks.
I found it a good way to learn, I did two flights a day, the second one consolidated some of the earlier lesson well and then we moved on to the next stuff.
Same with the IR.
It is possible if you want to do it.
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Fingerprints etc..
Jonny 99,
You only go to the American Consulate for your Visa interview. I remember they did take my fingerprints at that but that's only for your visa. The fingerprints I'm talking about are for your TSA "Alien Flight Student Program" clearance (details here https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov) which is a separate issue, and there are only 3 locations in the UK where you can get your fingerprints taken for it (locations listed here http://www.tsc-csc.com/printoffices).
The other option is to wait till you arrive at your flight school in America, which can result in delays to starting training. Generally when you enrol at your flight school, they give you fingerprint cards which you then drive down to the local police station, have your fingerprints printed onto the cards, take the cards back to the flight school and they send them off to to TSA. You then have to wait until you receive an email from TSA saying you have been approved. This can be as quick as 3 days but for me it took 10 days and I know of others who waited 2 weeks. You can't start flying until you receive the clearance. Generally people use this waiting time to hammer out as many exams as possible.
Backpacker wrote a very good thread a while back which details the ins and outs of the visas, TSA clearance etc.. (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=278995)
Stu
You only go to the American Consulate for your Visa interview. I remember they did take my fingerprints at that but that's only for your visa. The fingerprints I'm talking about are for your TSA "Alien Flight Student Program" clearance (details here https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov) which is a separate issue, and there are only 3 locations in the UK where you can get your fingerprints taken for it (locations listed here http://www.tsc-csc.com/printoffices).
The other option is to wait till you arrive at your flight school in America, which can result in delays to starting training. Generally when you enrol at your flight school, they give you fingerprint cards which you then drive down to the local police station, have your fingerprints printed onto the cards, take the cards back to the flight school and they send them off to to TSA. You then have to wait until you receive an email from TSA saying you have been approved. This can be as quick as 3 days but for me it took 10 days and I know of others who waited 2 weeks. You can't start flying until you receive the clearance. Generally people use this waiting time to hammer out as many exams as possible.
Backpacker wrote a very good thread a while back which details the ins and outs of the visas, TSA clearance etc.. (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=278995)
Stu
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PPLs shouldn't be rushed I found a few hours theory in the morning and 1 hr a day to start with was enough to take in. I got mine spread over time. I also found that things took a while to all click and come together.
Its funny, once you know how to fly, you forget the worry and complete unknown you had prior to solos, x-counrties etc. You forget what an achievement it was as much becomes 2nd nature.
To all those who read 21 days PPL etc, don't let this make you think it easy and just matter of hours. I feel it can be misleading. This would be very intense work. I take my hat off to all those who have the ability to complete such a task.
If you want to really enjoy your flying best to do 5 days per week, you don't run the risk of hating it from pressure and spread over 2 or 3 months.
you may think different
Its funny, once you know how to fly, you forget the worry and complete unknown you had prior to solos, x-counrties etc. You forget what an achievement it was as much becomes 2nd nature.
To all those who read 21 days PPL etc, don't let this make you think it easy and just matter of hours. I feel it can be misleading. This would be very intense work. I take my hat off to all those who have the ability to complete such a task.
If you want to really enjoy your flying best to do 5 days per week, you don't run the risk of hating it from pressure and spread over 2 or 3 months.
you may think different
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I never intended to complete my PPL in 21 days in the States, just build up a few more hours as its been a very long process staying here in England.
Some great tips on this thread!!
I've E-mailed Anglo American and will be trawling round a few more schools.
Hopefully I'll get some more flying in soon.
One of my main reasons for getting more hours is I dont think I'd be allowed back to the Gatbash if I haven't at least completed one solo by then
Some great tips on this thread!!
I've E-mailed Anglo American and will be trawling round a few more schools.
Hopefully I'll get some more flying in soon.
One of my main reasons for getting more hours is I dont think I'd be allowed back to the Gatbash if I haven't at least completed one solo by then
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I know what you're saying Walsue, I'm supposed to have a lesson tomorrow but it sounds like the wind outside is about to rip my roof off. Also forecast is showing a high likelihood of snow. Yay thumbs up all round! 
We'll get there eventually....
We'll get there eventually....
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21 days is possible, but you would need to have read the theory before you go out. Last year I completed my PPL in 21 days, including taking the exams. I had completed all the study prior though.
Most of the people I was flying with also completed on time however approx 30% failed to finish in 21 days.
It depends on your preperation and how you pick up the skills you are taught, along with some luck with the weather.
Most of the people I was flying with also completed on time however approx 30% failed to finish in 21 days.
It depends on your preperation and how you pick up the skills you are taught, along with some luck with the weather.
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Take your time - do it well
I completed an FI rating in seven weeks in the UK over November and December last year. I was working at it weekdays full time except for two days off to attend to family matters.
The FI course is similar to the PPL in that the instructor flies each lesson in the PPL syllabus. Instead of learning the lesson (which by this stage we ought to rather good at) the trainee FI is learning how to teach it. Instead of doing PPL groundschool (again we should know this) the trainee FI is studying how to teach, how do students learn and what to say, or perhaps more importantly what not to say in the aircraft!
I was in a hurry, like you seen to be (no income) but in my view there can be no substitute for doing a job well, and I enjoyed my course one hundred percent. It is possible to fly nearly every day in the UK (at some time of the day) so my advise is find an instructor in the UK who will teach you the PPL full time over six to eight weeks. Weather good = go flying. Weather poor = Go groundschool.
The rate per hour in the UK may be a higher that in the US, but there are no flights to pay for, no accomodation and no lonely time away from home. When it comes to a CPL or IR skill test you will want to have as much experience of UK airspace as possible. If you slip up on one of these tests it will cost at least £1000 in CAA fees and aircraft hire for a retest so in my view a PPL in the UK is economic. If you want to go to the US go when you are hours building.
Good luck with the course whatever you choose.
The FI course is similar to the PPL in that the instructor flies each lesson in the PPL syllabus. Instead of learning the lesson (which by this stage we ought to rather good at) the trainee FI is learning how to teach it. Instead of doing PPL groundschool (again we should know this) the trainee FI is studying how to teach, how do students learn and what to say, or perhaps more importantly what not to say in the aircraft!
I was in a hurry, like you seen to be (no income) but in my view there can be no substitute for doing a job well, and I enjoyed my course one hundred percent. It is possible to fly nearly every day in the UK (at some time of the day) so my advise is find an instructor in the UK who will teach you the PPL full time over six to eight weeks. Weather good = go flying. Weather poor = Go groundschool.
The rate per hour in the UK may be a higher that in the US, but there are no flights to pay for, no accomodation and no lonely time away from home. When it comes to a CPL or IR skill test you will want to have as much experience of UK airspace as possible. If you slip up on one of these tests it will cost at least £1000 in CAA fees and aircraft hire for a retest so in my view a PPL in the UK is economic. If you want to go to the US go when you are hours building.
Good luck with the course whatever you choose.
Supercharged PPRuNer
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Couldn't have put it better myself flyre8. I honestly think that going to the US to do a PPL as quickly as possible is a false economy - particularly if you're planning to go commercial.
Airspace and RT are vastly different between the UK and US, and as others have said, the PPL lays the foundations for all your future flying. OK, the exchange rate is great - you may well save a grand or two in Florida, but when you get into CPL & IR training, mistakes costs thousands - literally. Three hours extra training in a Duchess (not unusual) is a thousand pounds, a partial in a skills test is a thousand pounds . . .
The learning curve is very steep in commercial training and you want as many things in your favour as possible. Being familiar with the airspace is a big deal - I have seen people struggle unnecessarily because they weren't used to MATZ crossings, flying in class D airspace, tracking NDBs etc.
I think the old adage is true - it's better to train in the same country you want to work in.
Airspace and RT are vastly different between the UK and US, and as others have said, the PPL lays the foundations for all your future flying. OK, the exchange rate is great - you may well save a grand or two in Florida, but when you get into CPL & IR training, mistakes costs thousands - literally. Three hours extra training in a Duchess (not unusual) is a thousand pounds, a partial in a skills test is a thousand pounds . . .
The learning curve is very steep in commercial training and you want as many things in your favour as possible. Being familiar with the airspace is a big deal - I have seen people struggle unnecessarily because they weren't used to MATZ crossings, flying in class D airspace, tracking NDBs etc.
I think the old adage is true - it's better to train in the same country you want to work in.
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G-SXTY wrote -
Couldn't have put it better myself flyre8. I honestly think that going to the US to do a PPL as quickly as possible is a false economy - particularly if you're planning to go commercial.
Airspace and RT are vastly different between the UK and US, and as others have said, the PPL lays the foundations for all your future flying. OK, the exchange rate is great - you may well save a grand or two in Florida, but when you get into CPL & IR training, mistakes costs thousands - literally. Three hours extra training in a Duchess (not unusual) is a thousand pounds, a partial in a skills test is a thousand pounds . . .
As someone who has instructed in the states and around London, I find the above absolute rubbish. May I ask if you have ever trained in or a near a Class Bravo airport in the states? Or even infact landed at a Class Bravo airport? (Let's say for instance, LAX or LAS) If you have, then you'll know the airspace and RT or not "vastly different". If the flying was that easy in the states, why do Oxford send their students to Arizona?
21 Day PPL's used to be hard, now with the TSA they are near impossible. I would budget for a min of 4 weeks with a view to 5. either way, get your ground exams completed before travelling so you can enjoy the evenings.
The old adage of training in the country you want to work in, written by owners of UK flight schools. First flight I did in UK airspace was with a student, good friend of mine's first flight was punching out of Stansted strapped to an orange A319! I don't think learning abroad did us and many others any harm.
Couldn't have put it better myself flyre8. I honestly think that going to the US to do a PPL as quickly as possible is a false economy - particularly if you're planning to go commercial.
Airspace and RT are vastly different between the UK and US, and as others have said, the PPL lays the foundations for all your future flying. OK, the exchange rate is great - you may well save a grand or two in Florida, but when you get into CPL & IR training, mistakes costs thousands - literally. Three hours extra training in a Duchess (not unusual) is a thousand pounds, a partial in a skills test is a thousand pounds . . .
As someone who has instructed in the states and around London, I find the above absolute rubbish. May I ask if you have ever trained in or a near a Class Bravo airport in the states? Or even infact landed at a Class Bravo airport? (Let's say for instance, LAX or LAS) If you have, then you'll know the airspace and RT or not "vastly different". If the flying was that easy in the states, why do Oxford send their students to Arizona?
21 Day PPL's used to be hard, now with the TSA they are near impossible. I would budget for a min of 4 weeks with a view to 5. either way, get your ground exams completed before travelling so you can enjoy the evenings.
The old adage of training in the country you want to work in, written by owners of UK flight schools. First flight I did in UK airspace was with a student, good friend of mine's first flight was punching out of Stansted strapped to an orange A319! I don't think learning abroad did us and many others any harm.
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Not sure if anyone is interested but I contacted AAA re: the SEVIS situation and this is what they told me.
The school is currently for sale, we have a potential buyer who will be able to issue the I-20’s as before, we should have a better idea early next week. I forsee no problem with the July course
Regards
Regards